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Modeling details


Cesar R
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I am often faced with this small problem and it is why I model in CAD, however I want to model 100% into Max/Viz.

 

If I have a window opening and I want to model a trim on the edges (this is seen in exteriors mostly) what is the best way to do this? I cad I used to offset the same shape i used to cut my window in to the wall 2" for instance and boolean that piece again. What is the approach to this in Max?

 

Is there an utility that allows you to draw lines in Max as in cad where you just click one point and type in the distance? + what about an ofset? t

These would be great assets.

 

Thanks for you help.

 

please see the attached pic

filepush.asp?file=window_3.JPG

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Draw a spline outline of the window - use autogrid and vertex or endpoint snap to get the exact shape. Make sure the spline closes. Next go to the spline's sub oject spline mode. Use offset and from there the world is yours!

 

I have used this method a lot for this (still WIP) image...

 

filepush.asp?file=XGARCIA-NPR.jpg

 

Xavier

 

[ July 09, 2003, 01:03 PM: Message edited by: xgarcia ]

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You can also select the outer edges of the window and then click on "create shape from edges" under edges sub-object level. Then use outline under spline sub-object level. Make sure all your Vs are welded and then extrude/bevel. Read the manual/F1. Regards. :)

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Cesar:

I modelled all in Max 5.1 and rendered with Vray.

Used photshop (glowing edges, noise, layering...) for the NPR look.

 

Here is what we mean by using outline (sort of like OFFSET command in AutoCAD):

 

filepush.asp?file=para-cesar.jpg

 

Xavier

 

[ July 09, 2003, 03:11 PM: Message edited by: xgarcia ]

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Thanks for you help.

 

Another thing I have some trouble modeling and making it look nice and clean are base boards.

 

are there any techniques you may suggest? this is typicaly hard when the room has a complex shape and I want to make sure the corners are clean and even.

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Typically what I do is loft. First I would create the path (either draw it with spline in Max or importing the pline from Autocad). Then you can draw the "profile" of the base board , again draw in max or import pline from autocad. Then jsut loft. Big tip for lofting is the shape will be lofted from its pivot point so you might be using "affect pivot only" a lot. Keep asking questions if you need. I'm sure other people will find this useful.

 

I've used lofting extensively here as well (as well as some lathing for the columns). This image is a WIP I stopped working on a couple weeks ago. Maybe I'll pick it back up. ;)

 

filepush.asp?file=xgarcia-wip.jpg

 

xavier

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Very nice model, I will like to see it finished sometime in the future.

 

Great example of what I need to do.

 

The reasion I am having problems with he loft is because I often find myself having to realight the new geometry. see the pic bellow. tell me what I am doing wrong.

 

filepush.asp?file=lofting_cr.JPG

 

in addition, how can you make the pivot snap to a vertex? is that possible? it would make thing so much easier sometimes.

 

Thanks for you help.

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Ceasr,

You can move the position of the pivot (the point which the loft will occur) using affect pivot only.

 

filepush.asp?file=pivot-only.jpg

 

Once inside this mode, I use snap to pivot and I can move the pivot this way - OR - you can just use the align tool and select your spline is the align target object.

 

filepush.asp?file=pivot-snap.jpg

 

Lofting is very powerful tool because you can edit the shapes / paths...add mulitple shapes...and keep it all in history so you can edit the loft as you wish on the fly. Check out Ted Boardman's articles right here at his column.

 

Best of Luck,

 

Xavier

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I for got to add that if you want to , for example, loft a picture frame on a wall or window banding - draw the splines on the wall using autogrid or make a dummy grid and turn it on. if you were to draw the path while you're still in the homegrid - the loft will not work the way you want it to (even if you rotate pivot and whatever). It took my days to figure this out a couple years ago. Hehehe. I probably just should of asked but I'm one of those people who likes to figure things out for myself.

 

Xavier

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That why I am part of this forum, because I also like to figure things out my self and have played a little too much time away.

 

Thank you for you help and pantience Xavier. I gave some votes as a token of my gratidute.

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Hi Cesar this is the way to resolve your problem, if the loft is in the wrong direction as compared to your profile click the get shape again but this time hold the ctrl key and pick your profile (cross section) and you will see that it is now in the right direction.

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