QUOTE (Un0 @ Jul 12 2008, 03:43 PM)
QUOTE (Kingbradley6 @ Jul 12 2008, 03:55 PM)
I've heard that the learning curve is hard, but it still fits your requirements:
Blender
Anim8or
QUOTE (Easaki @ Jul 12 2008, 06:24 PM)
Caligari, the older editions are free. It comes with tutorials and videos which are good. But be warned, the controls and menus are horrible.
Perhaps I should have specified in my post, I know the basics of 3D, took it for a year. And interfaces can be learnt.
I'll check out the system requirements of your suggestions
QUOTE
I've also used Blender--which I actually dislike for lack of precision (I model based on geometry and engineeringI can't use a freeform program
Hmm, seems like Blender could serve me well seeing as I'm not planning advanced modelling stuff, just basic geometric stuff (which I don't need to be precise).
I'm mostly concerned about the texturing options, how customisable they are and such.
QUOTE
My personal favorite is AutoCAD 2007--using an older style GUI but with a good number of features I prefer.
I think my dad has a copy of that lying around (he's an engineer
), I've personally never used it before though, what features do you prefer in that?
[Edit] Perhaps I'm overly tired, it's close to 4 and I didn't sleep much... where is Blender's system requirement page?
Nevermind I'll just try it anyway and if that fails, the others.
Thanks
I don't use it for engineering--it's just that I think as an engineer and want that type of precision in 3D modeling.
My own personal favorite feature? I like being able to do 2D sketches of a model before I create it in 3D. With AutoCAD 07, there's a nice ability called Planar Face. I can select that command, use the Objects option, and select my entire model or just a portion of the model and extrude from there. If I want to do an Inventor-esque task, I can do two or three drawings and use 3D Rotate to orient them as I want. Planar Face, "o" for Objects, then extrude all surfaces on two of the drawings. From there use the Intersect command on all new 3D shapes to make a rough 3-axis cutout of the object. From there I can use Fillet and Chamfer tools to add details. If I want a curve on an object, I can make it a dozen different ways. When I'm done with the 2-drawing 3D primative, I can then extrude the third (on another layer) and again use Intersect to remove all extra. It works well to do objects--takes a few hours, but it saves you the hassle of trying to redo the same task a few dozen times or try to manipulate a purely 3D object in an odd 2D world.
The objects I usually model are basically space ships for a game--so for smaller fighters and bombers I usually can differentiate between front and rear, and thus add more detail to start. I have major problems orienting myself in a free-form modeling world, versus a precise world where I can input commands and dimensions (absolute, relative, or polar) to create my objects. It's also much easier on me to create an object in a manual 3D wireframe before turning it into a 3D primitive.
On larger ships--I usually go strait for the 3D and am able to make precise calculations on where to place objects and repeat them quickly and easily. Relative coordinate placement is nice and easy as well, as I can snap to a single face and join details individually or make a large object and subtract details individually. Furthermore, I can use nice tools such as Mirror, so that i only have to make 1/4 the object. I can then it over--usually along the X-Axis first, often followed by over the Y-Axis (so that I can build the top right quarter of the object then effectively mirror it so the top and bottom left and right are all exactly the same).
I just like the immaculate precision of engineering programs.
Oh I tried Milkshape 3D before. I thought it was better than Blender in most aspects, but it was too small to use effectively. The tools as well were a bit more confusing. On the other hand, AutoCAD has a steep learning curve--but there are so many different ways to manipulate objects and drawings in 2D and 3D that it makes it easier for you to select your own way. Quite literally, there are nearly unlimited methods to make what you want to make--so select which ever method you like or understand and do it.
