Important Note: As of v15 the SHIFT CLICK method of accessing the Tools/Options menu has been replaced by CTRL CLICK.

Here is another tutorial. This one just under 350KB in size.
It's a quick one too... you can get through it in minutes.

I didn't quite get all the things I wanted to into this one but... hey... it's a start.

Note: Something added to this tutorial late in the game was the SHIFT CLICK method of going directly to the cross section dialog in Tools/Options menu. You can get there by SHIFT clicking the lathe icon if you have already created and selected a spline. That is quicker than going to through the Tools menu. Thanks for the reminder Ken!

Note: This tutorial has been updated and edited.

say, how about wmv´s?

AAHHHHHHHHGGGGGG!!!!!!

When did the lathe tool get... get... HOLY COW!

Did it always work like this? Or am I going insane?

I have always assumed the y axis was the base for all lathing. I am hoping this is a new feature so I won't feel like such an idiot.

Please tell me this is a new feature...

p.s. I really really need to upgrade.... sheesh...

Vernon "!" Zehr

Pablo queried:

yep, they'd have to install the player. Sorry, i didn't think it was a flash file, i thought i'd be some huge .mov

Thanks David!

I admit I don't use the power of the pivot manipulators nearly enough.
I keep telling myself I will use them more often though.

For those interested...

A minor update has been posted at the above link and the attachment has been replaced for those that prefer a download.

The primary changes are some wording and the inclusion of the SHIFT selecting of the Lathe Icon as a workflow tip. Rather than rerecord the tutorial I opted to update the text. Thanks again Ken!

Where these techniques really pay off is if you model in a choreography window ( I must admit I usually don't). Your workflow will increase dramatically by knowing what tools are available to you.

Best,
Rodney

Thanks Rodney,

These tutorials are always a help.....Even though I use AM as a hobbiest it also helps to keep my mind sharper as I age besides I take medications that seem to dull my senses and these tutorials ,yours and others help me through the days..
thats why I try my best to say thanks when someone takes the time to do a tutorial for us AMers

Michael

Thanks Michael,

I'm a hobbyist too!
Knowing that someone gets something out of the effort makes me want to do more. I'm sure other tutorial creators are no different.

I admit my knowledge is pretty basic, those more experienced than me can squeeze even more usefulness out of such simple things as lathing.

The basic elements I personally would like to explore in more depth are:
- Drawing
- Stitching
- Lathing
- Extrusion

Some of these have been covered pretty well already but I'd like to collect that information into one easy to access area for all to enjoy.

I'm trying to follow in the footsteps of a great many others who have put together some wonderful tutorials and shared their experiences with us.

There is so much more to explore.

Nice tutorial, Rodney!

Very well done tutorial - great new info for me - Lots of us seem to be working in AM physically isolated from other Hashimites - so it a great eye opener & terrific resource to see the tricks that others have discovered in the virtual 'hood. Thanks Rodney, for all you have done.

Rodney,

As a noob I just want to let you (and the other members making the tutorials) know how much I appreciate and enjoy the tutorials.

It still amazes me how helpful this community is... and you people are the best.

So please, all of you making these video tuts - keep doing it.

You may not get immediate feedback for your work but just know that there are dozens of frustrated AM users whose efforts at learning just became a little easier.

I myself look over, watch, and save every tut file I can for reference.

Once again thanks.

Steve Hartman

Thanks for the kind words everyone! Much appreciated.

It looks like more and more people are discovering how easy it is to use Wink to put together a tutorial and share information.

There is a lot more potential in the process too.
I'm now convinced that honing one's tutorial making skills also serves to improve our storytelling abilities. At least I think it does.

People could also use Wink (or similar program) to demonstrate problems they are having with A:M as well. Imagine viewing the steps as someone says... "This is what I do first... then this... then Aaaagh!", "What am I doing wrong?"

Solutions reveal themselves much quicker when people have the same information in front of them.

Communicating the message... that's what its all about.

Rodney,
I have been working through your "Advanced Spline" wink and something is not working for me here.
According to your tut, if I create a simple 2-point spline in a front view, and then move it's pivot say, to the left of the y-axis somewhere and actually to the left of the spline also,
I can then simply hit the Lathe command (L-key) or Lathe Icon and Lathe the spline around where I moved it's pivot ?
Well, for me the lathe option is not available at that point for some reason (it is grayed out and not selectable). Am I missing a step here ?
I tried naming that spline group first, then moving the pivot and it still does not work.
Please just tell me what I am doing wrong, I am quite sure I am following the Wink to the Tee.
I just love these tuts and you have been a wealth of information for the AM community over the years,
Thanks much

First... thanks for the thanks!
This tutorial is representative of my experience with A:M.
I had used A:M for years before I knew you could escape the Y axis and lathe anywhere you want.
With this and similar techniques you can even lathe (and therefore model) in a Choreography.

I believe the step you are missing is that of selecting the whole spline and NOT properly using the comma key.
If you select the entire spline you cannot lathe. As you have confirmed the lathe key will be unavailable.
Instead click on the spline and whack* the comma key.
You should see the Lathe key activate.


*Whack effect courtesy of and most likely copyright/TM Jeff Cantin.

"I believe the step you are missing is that of selecting the whole spline and NOT properly using the comma key.
If you select the entire spline you cannot lathe. As you have confirmed the lathe key will be unavailable.
Instead click on the spline and whack* the comma key.
You should see the Lathe key activate."

Ahhh, that was it, I was sure I missed a step.
I must re-work some of my modeling habits, it seems.
Such an important step, as this point changes the whole situation.
Thank you so much.

My pleasure Gerald.
Sometimes I forget too. Thanks for reminding me!