CG Form - 3D Modelling with Lightwave

Rail Extrude vs. AlignToRail

Rail Extrude, extrudes a 2D Fore-Ground object to the Path of a Back-Ground Curve (It also works with multiple Curves). It creates a segment at each Point in the Curve.

Create an Open Curve and place it in the Background Layer. Then create a flat disc object in the Foreground Layer and position the disc at the start of the Curve, perpendicular to the main axis of the curve (as shown). Then use 'f' key to flip the Poly Normal.

This is the basic setup to extrude along the path of the Curve. You may need to cleanup the mesh once your done, to fix any errors.

Download LScript: Align To Rails

This is a useful script, as it takes the guesswork out of the alignment process.

Multiply > Duplicate > Rail Extrude

Rail Bevel

This is basically the same deal as 'Rail Extrude' (see above), except with the Bevel Tool.

Multiply > Extend > Rail Bevel

Router

The Router Tool can be used to create custom beveled Edges. But it only really works with single Polygons. There's also a few commericial plugins to help wth adding edge geometry. (see links below).

See Also:

Rounder http://www.flay.com/GetDetail.cfm?ID=1765
Bevel++ http://www.flay.com/GetDetail.cfm?ID=1397
Vertibevel http://www.flay.com/GetDetail.cfm?ID=674

Construct > Additional > Router

Array

The Array Tools are good for cloning repetitive elements like train tracks and steps in a ladder.

Take care when using the 'Radial Array Tool', as it will effects all geometry in the Layer and not just the selected Faces. Always isolate the geometry by cutting and pasting into a new Layer or better still, use the 'Array Tool' for radial arrays, to avoid this problem

Multiply > Duplicate > Array (CTRL + Y Key)

Seashell Tool

The Seashell Tool is good for creating spiral shaped objects. You need to begin with a base object and it even works with Text.

Multiply > Extend > Seashell

Point-Clone-Plus+

The 'Point-Clone-Plus+ Tool' creates Clones based on the positional value of Points in a background Layer. It also allows you to randomly vary the Scale and Rotation values of the newly created Clones.

Multiply > Duplicate > Point-Clone-Plus+

Paste

The 'Paste Tool' under the 'Multiply Tab' is a little bit different from the standard 'Paste' option in the 'Edit' menu. This version includes an Insertion Pointer.

Also if you hold down the COMMAND key (RMB for PC), you can add Multiple copies.

Hint: The Numeric Panel also lets you scale an object as you paste.

Multiply > Duplicate > Paste

Mirror Tool - 15 Degree Increments

Once you've created one side of a symmetrical object, there usually no need to go through the same process to create the other side. You can Mirror the remaining half into place. Just activate the Mirror Tool and drag in the Viewport to set the Mirror plane.

When using the Mirror Tool, you can hold down the CONTROL key to rotate the new geometry by 15 degree increments. This technique also works with the Rotate, Twist and Bend Tools.

It's highly likely that you'll forget information like this, so keep and eye on the Tool Tips which appear at the bottom of the screen, whenever you select a tool.

Note: After applying the Mirror Tool, if you notice a tiny gap in the middle, where it's not joining properly, make sure you check that 'Grid Snap' is turned on in the 'Display Options Panel'.

Note: Another way to rotate geometry when using the 'Mirror Tool', is to check the 'Free Rotation' option in the Numeric panel. Then simply drag the rotation fence in one of the Viewports.

Multiply > Duplicate > Mirror (V Key)
Display Options > Units > Grid Snap