Foot

[Hometime]

Can I get some clue as to how to create this object?
I am totally frustrated having this program for several years and still haven't any idea how to use the thing. What ever I try fails and I give up.

[Hometime]

Next piece I need help with...
I made this shape (red spline shape) with Max splines how do I create a surface out of it?

[npower]

both of these shapes are quite simple to make. I am sorry you are having problems.

What build are you on?

Please send me your failed attempts at the foot so I can understand your work flow. Also, upload your max file of the wire image here and I will show you how to make a surface from it.

Typically I don't use max splines because that are very inaccurate for NURBS models. I use the Power Sketch instead.

I'm surprised you are having so many problems over the years you have had the program and I have not scene any of your models.

Could you please send me your purchase information so we can see if we can get you a discount on an upgrade.

Sincerly,

Eric

[Hometime]

I just don't seem to be able to get my head around how to make shapes, the only thing I partially get any success at is PBlend and then things seem out of wack and none of the controls seem to do anything if I try to change some of the parameters. I used the Max splines because I understand how to use them better. As far as I know I have the latest build R2.82.
I tried 2.9 in Max 2008 but there was no PN Bundle option and I tried PN Pro and all it did was mess up some other plugins that depend on the DCFLICS service.
Here's where I left off with the foot model, I tried using powerblend but it gets all messed up like one of the layers is anchoring a vertex for all the layers (splines).

[npower]

thank you for your upload!

Again Sorry for any problems you had :)

Ok I have uploaded a file with a partial fix but not a complete solution.

I used a blend and set the blend type to Linear Segment.

Then I set the Power surface parameter from #of curves to Adaptive to increase the surface result ion.

the file you are left with still has trouble at the corners which has been the cause of all of your problems. See how the corners of some edges are rounded and not linear? This problem occurs because the 3ds Max Spines are very inaccurate and add problems to creating this simple shape. This problem would not be a problem if you were to draw the lines using our Sketch tool which are extremely accurate. Give it a try with our sketch tool and see if your results are not better.

A closing note: I would not approach this modeling challenge with surfacing but instead rely more on the Soils modeling tools and cut it out with Booleans.

You might want to watch my Phone Demo and my Camera Demo to get some ideas.

Please use internet explorer to view the videos. Firefox often has difficulty playing them.

http://www.npowersoftware.com/nurbs/pntutorials_advanced.htm

Sincerly,

Eric

[npower]

Here is the file with my fixes.

Sorry

[Hometime]

Thanks Eric.
I did try using booleans before but got a lousy result (model had kind of "dents" in the large faces due to vertex issues, I guess), however I was using Max splines collapsed to meshes. I will try again after watching the phone video.

BTW, is you open your tutorial files created in earlier version of Camtasia Studio in Camtasia Five I don't think you'll have the FireFox issue and it has some great new features. I would recommend trying the trial first just to be sure, wouldn't want to steer you wrong.

Don

[Hometime]

Well, I think I have an object I can work with now, thanks to you.
I used PSketch to create a profile then extruded that. Then, made the cutters from the same side and extruded them. Duplicated the main shape and scaled it down some. Then cut through the object, boolean union-ed the two main object and fillets the lines.

[EricPinkel]

This really looks nice. I was going to make you a video of how to make it, but you beat me to the Punch:)

Eric

[Hometime]

Thanks!

:)