AH64 Apache Cyclic Grip

Apache 64 Cyclic Grip – Resin Optimized & Hardware Modified Version

This is my modified version of the Apache 64 cyclic grip originally designed by @Cammando58. Huge thanks for sharing the design and the Blender file — that made this project possible.

Original Apache 64 Cyclic Grip design:
(Insert original design link here if you want to paste it)

My main goal was to improve the surface quality for resin printing and adapt the internal structure to fit my specific hardware configuration. I’m much more comfortable with engineering CAD tools than Blender, so this turned into a two-week deep dive into mesh editing and trial-and-error learning. It wasn’t easy, but it was a great experience.

I’m printing it now.

From the original design, I modified only three files — but with several important internal changes.

What Was Modified

1 Surface Optimization for Resin Printing

• Enhanced the mesh to include more surface data.

• Improved overall surface definition for better resin results.

• Optimized geometry to look cleaner after curing and sanding.

2 Larger Tube Mount

I needed the grip to fit a 25.4 mm (1 inch) tube, so:

• Enlarged the internal mounting hole.

• Final diameter: 26 mm (pending final tolerance testing with the actual tube).

3 Custom Dual Trigger Housing

The original design did not include detailed information about the trigger assembly, so I designed my own.

• Modeled a new trigger housing in SolidWorks.

• Maintained the same external geometry as the original.

• Redesigned the trigger mechanism to support a dual trigger setup.

• Inspired by the F-16 sidestick grip design by @Spock:

F-16 Sidestick Grip Reference:
https://www.printables.com/model/233472-f-16-sidestick-grip

4 Push Button Housing Modification

• Adapted the housing to fit 10 mm push buttons.

• Reference push buttons used:
  https://es.aliexpress.com/item/4000888761296.html

5 Hat Switch Compatibility

• Modified the housing to support commonly available aftermarket hat switches.

• Updated the faceplate design to include two 2x12 mm screws per hat switch for improved mounting and alignment.

• Reference hat switch used:
  https://es.aliexpress.com/item/4000681560472.html

6 Fastener Upgrade (2 mm → 3 mm)

The original design used 2 mm screws, which were harder for me to source and more difficult to handle.

I changed all fasteners to 3 mm screws:

• All screw holes were resized to 3 mm diameter.

• Corresponding fastening geometry was adjusted.

⚠ Important Assembly Note

The holes are modeled at exactly 3 mm. You should insert screws carefully or, ideally, use an M3 tap (thread tap tool) to cut proper threads before final assembly.

This will:

• Improve thread engagement

• Increase structural strength

• Prevent looseness due to resin print tolerances

In my first print, some screws felt slightly loose. It could have been a printing tolerance issue, but tapping the holes ensures a much stronger and more reliable assembly.

Resin Printing Recommendations

If you are printing this on a resin printer:

• Hollow the model with 1.5 mm wall thickness.

• Place supports on the external surfaces when possible — it makes sanding much easier.

• Avoid orienting internal parts downward. On my first print, that caused slight edge misalignment between pieces.

Orientation makes a big difference.

Final Thoughts

Externally, the grip remains very close to the original design.
Internally, however, the structure, mounting interfaces, trigger system, and fastening approach were redesigned to better suit resin printing and my hardware preferences.

This was a challenging but very rewarding immersion into Blender coming from a more engineering-focused design background.

Hope this helps anyone working on a similar Apache build.

Ernesto Pareja J