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raillard
02-13-2004, 02:17 AM
Hello, all.

I was playing around with AMv10.5p. I managed to get a usable result using the new Extruder Wizard! I find that one has to give a name to the cross-section spline group and the path spline group. Also, their placement is critical. Here's a JPG that shows you how you should arrange the splines:

http://www.sonic.net/raillard/hash/extruder_tips.jpg

When you are ready to extrude, SAVE THE PROJECT. That way, if you need to change the extrude parameters, all you have to do is select Project Revert, and you'll be poised for another try.

To evoke the Extruder panel just right-click anywhere on the window to get the flyout menu, and burrow through the wizards. When the panel springs into view, select the appropriate groups, hit OK, and let 'er rip! And then refresh the screen to see what you got.

It's pretty neat. :cool:

Sincerely,

Carl Raillard
zandoria
02-13-2004, 06:09 PM
I notice that the cross-sections are perpendicular to the spline--even the initial shape, even though it wasn't at the beginning of the command.
Does the path to extrude along need to be oriented that way, so that it extrudes roughly in the Z-axis, or will it work in any orientation? just questions that might come up...
Obnomauk
02-13-2004, 06:51 PM
In general as long as the initial spline starts off going in the Z axis the wizard can handle most twists and turns, but there are some things that it doesn't handle well (i tried to tie a knot with it once... boy how I wish Marcelle's Zuper Extrude was ported to the Mac.)
zandoria
02-13-2004, 06:54 PM
hey! that is a cool cucumber!!! I assume that he's from the same project as the tomato?
Obnomauk
02-13-2004, 07:24 PM
yes yes he is =)

I'm just glad he was recognized as a cucumber! (pickle actually but i'll take cucumber)

He's actually the hero of the piece. I'll get a bigger render up in the WIP forum sometime today to show him a little better.

-David
raillard
02-13-2004, 10:57 PM
Originally posted by Obnomauk
In general as long as the initial spline starts off going in the Z axis the wizard can handle most twists and turns, but there are some things that it doesn't handle well (i tried to tie a knot with it once... boy how I wish Marcelle's Zuper Extrude was ported to the Mac.)



Yes, that's the deal. The path should poke out into your face, into the Z-axis. Also, it seems to help if the cross-sectional spline lays flat on the X - Y plane.

I suceeded in making a pretzel with the Extruder Wizard! At first I had some difficulty; if I set it for 20 cross-sections I got a garbled up mesh, but if I set it to 18 cross-sections it spun out a perfect pretzel.

So if the extruder gives you garbage, try reducing the number of cross-sections.

Sincerely,

Carl Raillard

P.S. Yeah, nice pickle!
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