Michael J. Brown Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 I've been using booleans for the longest time to model things in Max. Call it force-of-habit that carried over from my days modeling in AutoCAD then importing to Viz/Max. I'm just now starting to get on board with the use of editable polys and such for furniture and other things. (previously I'd start with booleaned objects, then add detail using Edit Poly commands - so I wasn't doing everything via boolean, just subtractions really) Anyway, two questions: #1) What is/are the main advantage(s) to modeling with editable polys/meshes over booleans? (well, besides the inherent instability created by performing multiple booleans on an object, of course) #2) Within the "cut" mode (of Edit Geometry) is it possible to draw cut lines straight (without eyeballing or using snaps)? I am very much used to just holding down Shift when drawing a line to keep it straight. Why doesn't Shift work when drawing cut lines? Is there any other way to keep lines straight? I only ask because many times I don't have elevations to "trace", and am creating shapes on the fly. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claudio Branch Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 #1) What is/are the main advantage(s) to modeling with editable polys/meshes over booleans? #2) Is there any other way to keep lines straight? I only ask because many times I don't have elevations to "trace", and am creating shapes on the fly. Max Booleans' are a little messy and unpredictable at times. I use Boolean modeling in AutoCAD and then export to Max. It works beautifully! Using Editable Poly for modeling is really about speed and flexibility. If you are not versed in using EP to model, you are missing out on alot of Maxs' modeling power. No. Not really! There are only work arounds. Something you might try is using your Transform Type-In window up (F12) and setting your Constraints (Edit Geometry tab) to Edge. You can then copy/paste X & Y vertice values and get them moved into the position you want along a respective edge. It works for me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amer abidi Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 i personally use the "quickslice" tool in editable polys when i want a straight cut. Try it out.. quite easy to get the hang of it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael J. Brown Posted November 25, 2008 Author Share Posted November 25, 2008 i personally use the "quickslice" tool in editable polys when i want a straight cut. Try it out.. quite easy to get the hang of it! hmmmmm... "quickslice". Sounds fast and easy. I'm rendering a scene right now, but will try this out next chance I get. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claudio Branch Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 i personally use the "quickslice" tool in editable polys when i want a straight cut. Try it out.. quite easy to get the hang of it! I have NEVER used this feature...it works GREAT. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amer abidi Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 pretty neat huh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andreg Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 slice plane is also quite handy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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