Time Saving Tip - Gmax

[Guest A_Delta_Sierra]

Greetings,You all probably know this by now, but here are a couple of things that can speed up your design process and help you save you file often.Notice the "Save" on the left and the added buttons on the right that are underlined.http://forums.avsim.com/user_files/21808.jpgHere is how you can add items to any toolbar.http://forums.avsim.com/user_files/21809.jpgTo get to the toolbarsCustomize...Customize User Interface........ToolbarsFind the command you wish to add in the list, click and drag it to the toolbar. If you put up one you don't want, right click on top of it and select delete from the options. I put the "SAVE" on every toolbar. If you haven't discovered 'Attach, CrossSection, and Surface" you need to give them a try and learn them. USING them, you have a loft function similar to what rhino and ProE have. "The" loft in gmax (pick a path, pick a shape) is not the easy way of "lofting".As an example, make two splines using the line tool. Besure and go in the same relative direction by starting both at the left, right bottom or top end, and then flow in the same relative direction. It is also best to keep the same number of vertex in both, not required, but your best lofts are when you are working with the same number of vertex in all of the splines that you want to loft. Next displace the splines from each other so they are not in the same plane. We want a 3d object, not a 2d plane.Select one of the splines, and then select "ATTACH" by right clicking and selecting it from the "TOOLS2". Then select the other spline by moving the cursor to it and when the "tool" appears left click. You can add as many as you want, but for here we will only do two. Then "CrossSection" and then "Surface". You will have to do these from the modifier lists because you haven't added them to your toolbar. ;-)Some things to watch.http://forums.avsim.com/user_files/21829.jpgOne last point, NEVER, NEVER, right click and choose:Convert to...Convert to Editable Mesh, Poly, or PatchIn other words, DO NOT collapse the modifier stack! Why?Using the example you just did, slide down and select vertex from the modifier stack. Now go and select a vertex and move it a significat amount. See what impact it had on your surface mofifier by clicking on it in the stack. gmax is more parametric the ProE. No regen errors here!We r rsam@mtco.com if you have any questions.

[Guest FelixFFDS]

Noted, saved as a "Tip" (if it's okay with you)Felix/FFDSPegasus Aviation Design