CG Form - 3D Modelling with Lightwave

Bevel Tool

The Bevel Tool is indispensable for boxing out detail. The Soda Can, pictured right, is basically just a bevelled Disk with a hole in the top and a ring-pull.

It's also important to understand the difference between the 'Shift' and 'Inset' values and how combinations of the two can produce a variety of objects and results.

Note: To apply multiple Bevels, hit the 'b' key twice. Once to set the previous bevel and then again to make the next bevel. You can also use the CMD key to make a quick succession of bevels.

Download Model (Each step is shown on a separate Layer)

Multiply > Extend > Bevel (b Key)

Bevel Tool (Random 'Shift' & 'Inset' Values)

In this example I've set the 'Shift +/-' and 'Inset +/-' values in the Bevel Tool's Numeric Panel to quickly generate a variety of random bevels.

Note: When entering numerical values in Lightwave, you can use mathematical equations to determine the end result. For example if you had an input field with a value of 500 mm and you wanted to divide by 4, simply enter '500 mm/4' and hit the TAB or RETURN key and it will return the appropriate sum.

Lightwave will also convert units of measure to the match the default. If the default is set to the metric system and you enter a value in inches or feet, it will automatically converted to metric on the fly.

Magic Bevel

'Magic Bevel' is useful for dynamically creating organic shapes. It works by recurrently extruding Polygons along your mouse track.

Make sure you check the Numeric Panel for extra options such as, 'Scale' to control the amount of tapering and 'Spin' to add rotation. It also has it's own Symmetry Mode which works on all Axis.

Use 'Edit Path' from the drop down menu to refine the path of the extruded geometry. Also when in 'Edit Path' Mode you can activate the 'Move by Path' option, which effects all downstream Nodes of the selected segment.

Note: You may have noticed the absence of Drag Handles on newly created geometry when using the Magic Bevel Tool. If you 'COMMAND+Click' (RMB for PC Users) on a new segment of mesh it will display the missing Handles.

Quick Curtains with Sketch & Extrude Tools

Here's a quick and nasty way to knock up some curtains. This is basically intended as a practical example of how to use the Extrude Tool.

Draw a line with the Sketch Tool in the Top Viewport (See Example). Then Extrude down in the Front Viewport and your done.

Create > Elements > Sketch (` Key)
Multiply > Extend > Extrude (E Key)

Extrude to Add Thickness

This example uses the Extrude Tool to add thickness to an object. I'm using an odd organic shape to demonstrate the versatility of this method.

Lathe Tool (General Overview)

This is a generalized overview of the Lathe tool. Be sure to check the 'Control Handles' that let you interactively set the 'Start' and 'End Angles'.

Lathe Tool (Bending Pipes)

In this example I've created a pipe with a 90° bend. First create an eight-sided 'Disk' primitive, then select and flip the end face, so that the Poly Normal is turned inwards.

With the end Face still selected, activate the Lathe Tool and click on the grid in one of the Orthogonal Viewports to set the Pivot Point for this operation.

Open the Numeric Panel. The 'Sides' value will determine the number of segments and how smooth the curve is. Select the desired Axis, the 'Start Angle' should be set to 0°. The 'End Angle' should be set to -90° (in this instance).

In some cases, such as this example, you'll need to use negative values to get the pipe to bend in the required direction. When your done, always remember to delete the trash Polygon and Merge Points.

Multiply > Extend > Lathe (L Key)

Lathe Tool (Spring-Time)

You can push this technique to it's logical conclusion by increasing the end angle past 360° and adding an 'Offset Value' to create a Spring. View Example

Lathe Tool (Other Types of Objects)

The Lathe tool can be used to create a variety of objects, such as wine glasses, door knobs and picture frames. Simply create a two dimensional cross-section of your object's profile and Lathe away. Be sure to check the 'Sides' value in Numeric panel.