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3ds max
Vikki Olds
We are going to create a table lamp with lines and lathe in 3ds max.
Go to Create>Shapes>Line.
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In the Splines rollout set Initial Type to smooth and Drag type to bezier.
In the left viewport draw a line similar to below.
Once you have the segments set you object will change in appearance a slight amount.
What that does is add segments which smooth your object. Compare the difference
between the top and bottom images below.
Left click on the new material and drag it over your lamp base. That will cause the material
to be applied to the lamp base.
Create a cylinder for the lamp stem. You may have to move it around to get it into position
8
using the Move tool.
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Holding the Ctrl key and using your left mouse button select both objects. Go to
Group>Group and name the Group Lamp Base and Stem.
Next we'll create the light bulb. Using the line tool again create half the shape of a light bulb
as shown below.
Use the Lathe Modifier to finish the shape.
11
Open the material editor again and create a nice light for the bulb. Drag the light material
over to the light bulb to apply it.
12
Move your light bulb around until it is in the correct position. You may have to size it
as well to get it to fit.
13
So far it's looking pretty good. Below is a quick render of what we have so far.
14
Using the line tool again but with a thickness of 2 create the shade holder. You will find the
settings for thickness under the line rollout in the Rendering section. You will also probably
want to turn on Renderable and Display Render Mesh.
15
Next we'll make the little screw cap that holds the lamp shade on. Using the line tool set to
1 thickness draw a shape similar to below. Again use the Lathe modifier to create the full
shape.
16
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Select both the screw cap and frame. Go to Group>Group and name this group Shade
Frame.
18
Next we'll create the shade. As you guessed we'll create it with the line tool and lathe it.
Create a line similar to below.
19
You might want to use the line tool to create the cross members at the top of the shade.
Use a setting of 1 for thickness. Put them in place.
20
Apply a material to your shade by opening the material editor and creating one or using a
bitmap.
21
Using lines and lathe to create 3d models is super easy and quite fun. There is no end to the
objects you can create using just those two tools.
Have fun!
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Copyright 2004, Vikki Olds, All Rights Reserved