Some more questions!

[Maxx]

Originally posted by cANt
[B]Hello all

Since I'm pretty new to modelling with Lightwave, I would like to ask some questions. I am currently working on an, ... mh let's say "little bit more advanced than primitives" model which is an MP5. While modelling I had some questions, it would be really nice if someone would help me.

1. I already want to test surfacing for example on the silencer or some simpel "pipes". I don't want to use simple colors but already "advanced" stuff such as a fitting texture for example with a font and some shiny scratches. What would be the best way to do this?

In modeler - Select the segment you want to map, copy it from the current layer and paste it into an empty one. Hit F2 to center the selection. Then, use Ernie Wright's "Unwrap" plug-in to create a cylindrical map. Open the map in your paint program, paint the map, then take it back to the object in Layout. Apply the map to the surface with the proper orientation and type (X,Y, or Z axis and Cylindrical or Spherical mapping). Hit Automatic Sizing and you're golden. You could also use Ernie's Unwrap 2 plug, which operates in Layout and negates the need to have to center the selection.


2. I have problems modelling the grip, which should contain dents for the fingers. What would be the best way to do this?

Hate to say it, but this one you're just going to have to drag vertices. I would suggest using SubD's, and just drag and size the isoparms into the proper shape.


3. I heard boolean operations are quite crappy? Which ones do you recommend for ixample if I want to do the gun barrel hollow?

It's not that LW booleans are crappy, it's just the booleans in general have some ... well, issues. They have a tendancy to create a lot of extra points, sometimes flipped and duplicated geometry, etc. They're just a pain, IMO. Now, this is true in pretty much all 3D apps, not just LW. What I would suggest here is to bevel the end of the cylinder (the barrel) with no shift and whatever inset looks right. Then, perform another bevel with no inset and a negative shift that takes the selected n-gon the length of the barrel on the inside. Once there, you can delete the n-gon if you're planning on converting to subD's, leave it if you're not. Or, delete it even if you're not going the subD route. Pretty much up to you by that point.

HTH

[leigh]

Originally posted by cANt
[B]
1. I already want to test surfacing for example on the silencer or some simpel "pipes". I don't want to use simple colors but already "advanced" stuff such as a fitting texture for example with a font and some shiny scratches. What would be the best way to do this?

I presume that these would be cylindrical shapes then? Just put together the images, and apply them cylindrically :)
If you are still new to LW, I would suggest leaving UV mapping for the time being.

2. I have problems modelling the grip, which should contain dents for the fingers. What would be the best way to do this?

That really depends on the modelling method you are currently using. Are you using Sub-d patches? If so, then modelling the grip should be too hard - it's just a matter of cutting the shape into segments, and arranging the points to form the grip.

3. I heard boolean operations are quite crappy? Which ones do you recommend for ixample if I want to do the gun barrel hollow?

If you want the gun barrel hollow, then start off by making a hollow cylinder ;)

[Rabid pitbull]

you may also want to use some background images while modeling. this is a good project since i can imagine many possible techniques, none are really better than others. practice makes perfect so keep working at it!

good luck

[JonasNoell]

Wow this board always helps a lot. I will try out everything you mentioned. It's really great to always have the opportunity to ask some already experienced lightwave fellow users. Thanks again for helping me ;) I'll keep you updated!

cANt

[JonasNoell]

Maxx: I downloaded the Unwrap II plugin from this (http://mywebpages.comcast.net/erniew/getstuff/unwrap2.html) Site. Where do I need to extract it, the zip only contains a simple *.p file but no further description. And when I extracted it to the right place, how can I "use" it? Is there an exe file or something? Sorry for disturbing you again... :rolleyes:

Thanks in advice
cANt

[uncommongrafx]

Give that manual a read!! :shrug:
Check out Chapter 4.

Robert Wilson
UnCommon Grafx

[JonasNoell]

Uh well you are right, I'm posting too much stupid questions :wip:

[uncommongrafx]

Not gonna say they're stupid. But will say that you learn best by doing yourself. All these tips and tricks don't stick in the brain unless you do it 5 to 10 times.
If you struggle a bit, then learn on your own -- whoo hoo, you feel , and rightly so, that you've accomplished much.
Former teacher-speak here, so don't think it's you I'm lambasting -- I just figure this is as good a tip as all the others you've received.
:applause:
Robert Wilson
UnCommon Grafx

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