Handrail volute

[Vlad2012]

Hello SketchUp Community,

Could you please help me model this volute for a handrail? I am struggling to achieve the correct geometry and would appreciate advice on the most suitable SketchUp plugin or modelling technique for creating it accurately.

Thank you in advance for your help.

[bmike]

Hi Vlad -

Is your forum profile up to date? Are you still using 2024? Is there any reason you are not using 2026? Having the proper information helps us help you.

You might be able to make use of Medeek Stair:

Medeek Stair

Right now I am testing out various algorithms for the just the hand rail portion of the railing. OTP handrails should be fairly simple, there will either be a fitting installed or the handrail will simply miter at the corners. However PTP (post-to-post) handrails can be a bit more complicated. When the railing edges or segments are all orthogonal things remain straightforward however what does one do with square posts at non-orthogonal corners like the one shown? [stairsu009800] Should the…

[mihai.s]

One method is modeling with quads and subdivision - Thomthom Vertex Tools - QuadFace Tools - SUbD.

Handrail volute in SketchUp (QA)

[DaveR]

Mihai’s suggestion is excellent. I’ll throw out another way.

Ionic Volute from Curvemaker plus a path for the rail up the stairs and a profile. Eneroth Upright Extruder to make the extrusion.

[Vlad2012]

Test Volute Handrail.skp (9.0 MB)Thank you, everyone, for helping me with this volute issue.

I have attached the SketchUp file showing my attempts to solve the problem. Could you please review it and let me know what I may be doing incorrectly? I would particularly appreciate advice on how to create a smoother transition between the volute and the handrail.

Thank you again for your help.

[mihai.s]

Do you intend to 3D print the railing model or why did you use so many segments for the circle and arc?
What are you actually doing with the model, is it just for presentation in LayOut or for rendering in SketchUp?

From the way your model looks, you’re probably better off trying Dave’s method, it’s simpler, but if it’s not for 3D printing, use fewer segments.

387 vs. 18640 entities

[medeek]

The volutes that are included in the Medeek Wall stair module are based on the LJ Smith standard volutes:

Conect-A-Kit Handrail Fittings — L.J. Smith Stair Systems

[Vlad2012]

I am creating this model to achieve accurate, high-quality geometry for export as an STL file and subsequent CNC machining. I use Vectric Aspire for the CAM process, so the model needs to have smooth, clean surfaces and be suitable for reliable toolpath generation.

[DaveR]

FWIW, it certainly is possible to make a solid object with the process I show.

@Vlad2012

or export as an STL file

@Vlad2012

so the model needs to have smooth, clean surfaces and be suitable for reliable toolpath generation.

I’d suggest modeling it as if millmeters are meters to help avoid issues with tiny faces.

[Box]

I’d be very interested to see any export that works for a smooth result, seriously doubt you will get what you want with an stl. I’m guessing you may be relatively new to cnc.

[fxcutting]

There is no need to export as a STL. SKP models can be directly imported into Aspire and if needed can be edited and smoothed within Aspire.

[Vlad2012]

@Box

I’d be very interested to see any export that works for a smooth result, seriously doubt you will get what you want with an stl. I’m guessing you may be relatively new to cnc.

Which file format would you recommend for achieving a smoother and more accurate result when importing the model into CAM software? I currently use Vectric Aspire and would appreciate advice on the most suitable export format for CNC machining.

[DaveR]

Did you see this?

@fxcutting

SKP models can be directly imported into Aspire and if needed can be edited and smoothed within Aspire.

[Vlad2012]

Yes, thanks

[Box]

@Vlad2012

Which file format would you recommend

Realistically I have no idea, not part of my skillset but I would very much like to know.
And as such that is what you should have asked about at the beginning, your question has given a variety of answers that have taken quite some time and skill to answer, while actually wasting everyone’s time.

[Vlad2012]

thanks