lofting problems....

[BrianKitts]

I'm running into some wierd scale issue when creating some new lofts for curbs. I created the shape in the front viewport and the path in the top viewport like I always do. However when created the object comes in all screwy. (see attached)

 

The original shape gets skewed out of proportion. I have tried moving the pivot around on the object, and tried moving the first vertice on the path, but nothing seems to be correcting the problem.

 

Has anyone run into this before or know what I may be overlooking?

 

thanks.. - bk

[bborne]

Hi.

 

I think you might have scaled the path spline somehow in the work progress.

 

In this test I just made the right loft uses the same spline as the left one but was scaled in one axis. You can try to "reset" the scale factor of the spline using the reset XForm modifier. (red loft)

 

I hope that helps.

 

+

Bruno Borne

[BrianKitts]

i tracked down the problem sorta but you might have the second part of the solution. The reason the scale attribute was off was because I traced out all the "grass" on the site as one object, then detached a copy of the splines that I needed to make the curbs and seperated them. If I drew the curbs one at a time everything is fine.

 

So..... this reset xForm modifier you speak of? sounds like it's worth a shot, but I can't find it? I see xForm in the modifier drop down, but nothing of a "xForm reset" that you mentioned. Or if that's the right modifier.... how where do you reset it?.... (I'm in max 8)

 

am I looking in the wrong spot?

 

(thanks for the help)

[Brian Smith]

Brian,

Yes when you create the loft as you described you will always get those results.

 

The Reset XForm is in the utilities panel...click it then click the reset button. The modifier is automatically placed in the modifier stack. To see how this really works, do this.

 

Create a teapot of any radius.

Use the scale transform to change the size.

Notice that the teapot radius doesnt change even though the teapot is clearly a different size.

In the utilities panel, click Reset XForm>Reset Selected

Go to the modifier panel and delete the XForm modifier. Notice the teapot returns to the size specified in the radius parameter.

[only3d]

hi bkitts..

 

if u have max8 then u also have the new 'sweep modifier'. in 9 times out of 10 ull be better off using it instead of 'loft'. im not saying 'loft' is dead (plz brian dont hurt me.. ) but its more integrative and comfortable than 'loft'. it still lacks some advantages that 'loft' has but in most cases u wont need it (like in your case).

 

give it a try im sure ull like it

[Brian Smith]

I will bite my tongue this time

[BrianKitts]

 

The Reset XForm is in the utilities panel...click it then click the reset button.

got it....thanks.

 

 

well I guess I can figure out brian's opinion in favor of the loft. Sooo... I gave both a test run to compare, and I am able to achieve equal results. The both have their seperate benefits, and controls so I don't think I would fight one over the other, i think it's more of a decision what the object that's going to be made requires. Although I will say anything the sweep can do, I can do with a loft.... it's just the sweep streamlined a couple of things to make them easier.

 

I wouldn't be opposed to brian not bitting his tounge if there is something more advantageous (sp?) to the loft that I don't know about.

[only3d]

no theres no fight here! similar tools but different advantages each.

its just like u said- more of a descision fit to a case, but since i asked for it-

sweep adv:

- integrated to the spline instead of another object

- more controll over section pivot location

- standart sections to choose from + custom shape if needed

- crossed lines not a problem

- on\off option(!)

loft adv:

- scaling\twisting option

- more controll over segmentation

 

thats just from the top of my head, u guys can add more if u like

 

oh and cheers brian.. of course all in good spirit

[BrianKitts]

finally got back to work on my finishing up my curbs....

 

the resetXform worked like a charm, I really didn't want to redraw all of the islands on the parking lot just because I drew all them as a single object.

 

thx guys!

[bborne]

Bkitts.

Cool! i´m glad it worked.

 

I´m a big fan of lofts objects, they are a bit tricky at 1st sight but you can do great things with them.

 

 

IMO, the best feature of them are the mapping options. You can map a wavy curb for example very easily with lofts.

 

+

Bruno Borne

[Nic H]

Ahhh cheers for teh xform explanation, there are many times in the past i could have used that!

 

Lofts are better than sweeps, more control, more options:p!

[Tommy L]

I agree with the concensus that lofts are better than sweeps. I just wondered, How would I uvw-map a sweep to make the mapping follow a sweep, in the same way as a loft does. Or is it not possible?

This is hyperthetical, so dont anyone go writing a tutorial on it...

[BrianKitts]

under sweep parameters there is a tick box for "generate mapping coordinates" use to set your mapping just like you would for a loft. (theres also a secondary check box for real-world mapping, for use depending on how you setup your materials.)