-----Align-Sweep


Overview

This technique is the basis for several powerful modelling methods.
It creates accurate models by making the most of an underlying shape.
It is used in conjunction with scaling, basic-distort-tool, edit-points and advanced-distort-tool to make good models quickly.

Technique instuctions

It is important to have a sketch in the background for reference:
Note that the very poor quality is on purpose to keep download times smaller.

i) Align...

We will create and position an axis
Objects/New/Axis
m [move axis to center of object at root end] SPACE
r [rotate axis so that it's z axis lies up the middle of the object]
S Z [scale the z axis to the length of the object]

ii) Outline

Now we will make an outline of the shape to spin.
Mode/Add/lines
[click along the outline - you don't need too many points]

iii) Sweep

Now to finish the object we sweep.
Mode/Pick/Objects
Functions/Mold/Sweep
set 'Number of sections' by preference - I often use 8 or 12.
OK.

In this picture the upper arm is shown as well.

And now we have a finished arm.


In this case little further modification was needed but in most cases the swept object will need to be adjusted with scaling, basic-distort-tool, edit-points or advanced-distort-tool.

Illustration

To Illustrate the versitility of Align-sweep in conjunction with other tools, here is the Templar torso creation...
The first picture is the outline I used, the second the swept object, the third after using the advanced-distort-tool technique and the last after front-mapping.
More examples of this can be found on the Templar Construction page.

Templar ConstructionTechnique Reference
Main Pagesketch tutorial