Deform tools issue - Freeform modeling (skatepark videos) -

[Cody Worthman]

Running into issues using the deform tool to replicate the curved rail in the skatepark/freeform modeling series of videos.  The video is quite old, and I'm using 2024 to recreate the project.

1.  Once I've used the deform tool on one portion of the rail, I am no longer able to get a smart point/centerline for the 2nd & 3rd bends.  The centerline is able to be used for the first bend. (I'm using the Bend solid & Finite mode as seen in the videos)

2.  When using the hemisphere tool to create rail ends, the rounded portions do not match the shape of the rail.  The deform tool may have changed the rail profile from circle to a skewed rounded shape. (two screenshot attached-the rail that had less bend seemed to better match up with the hemisphere which is why I believe the deform tool is changing the overall shape of the rail).

Is there something I've messed up along the way or has there been some changes to the deform tool?  How can I make my drawings more accurate.

[VIRTUALENVIRONS]

All the things you are encountering are probably due to deform tools.   They change the nature of the model. 

 

 If you just need to round the ends, have you tried using the 3D fillet tool?

[Jeff Prince]

The skatepark video's methods of construction as related to the deform tool hasn't changed much in terms of the resulting geometry.

The pick order and notion of the "screen plane" has changed.

 

Perhaps you did not use the correct snap or working plane when you executed the bend.  That could result in a distortion of the end circle.

An easy way to check for that circular face being distorted is to use the Push/Pull tool to extrude it.  If it is skewed, you will see it pretty quickly.

 

Assuming the end of the pipe is flat and circular....the easiest way to set the hemisphere is to use Autoplane and Diameter mode.  This will allow you to set the hemisphere on the circular end.  Your first point should be the "Midpoint" of the circular face, the second snap point is the "Object/ Align Start 'Axis' " with a radius called out which matches your pipe diameter opposite of your first point.  That put it where it belongs.  See image below for a more graphic explanation of this.

 

It's always a good idea to save prior to using any of the 3D editing tools on geometry like this.  Bending and Fillets of cylindrical or irregularly curved surfaces can make many programs struggle and crash if there is a flaw in the geo.

 

[Cody Worthman]

20 hours ago, VIRTUALENVIRONS said:

All the things you are encountering are probably due to deform tools.   They change the nature of the model. 

 

 If you just need to round the ends, have you tried using the 3D fillet tool?

I was trying to use the methods show in the video series, but thanks for the workaround idea.  Not sure why the deform tool was skewing the rail in 2024.  I tried the same process in 2023, and it worked perfectly.  2024 crashed on me several times yesterday: I'm not technical, but I'm wondering if it is an installation issue.  Attempting a reinstall, and hoping for the best.

18 hours ago, Jeff Prince said:

The skatepark video's methods of construction as related to the deform tool hasn't changed much in terms of the resulting geometry.

The pick order and notion of the "screen plane" has changed.

 

Perhaps you did not use the correct snap or working plane when you executed the bend.  That could result in a distortion of the end circle.

An easy way to check for that circular face being distorted is to use the Push/Pull tool to extrude it.  If it is skewed, you will see it pretty quickly.

 

Assuming the end of the pipe is flat and circular....the easiest way to set the hemisphere is to use Autoplane and Diameter mode.  This will allow you to set the hemisphere on the circular end.  Your first point should be the "Midpoint" of the circular face, the second snap point is the "Object/ Align Start 'Axis' " with a radius called out which matches your pipe diameter opposite of your first point.  That put it where it belongs.  See image below for a more graphic explanation of this.

 

It's always a good idea to save prior to using any of the 3D editing tools on geometry like this.  Bending and Fillets of cylindrical or irregularly curved surfaces can make many programs struggle and crash if there is a flaw in the geo.

 

Jeff, I was able to perfectly recreate the drawing in 2023 and I used the same basic process:

I found the center point of the rail, and clicked there to establish the working plane.  Then used the hemisphere tool on diameter mode and clicked from one edge to another.

For some reason 2024 was skewing the shape of the pipe when using the deform tool.  After the first deform and I lose the ability to snap to any sort of smart point within the geometry.  I tried toggling all my snapping cues off and back on, hoping it would detect the points again, but it didn't help.  I've tried executing the deform with different views (relative to working plane, relative to layer plane) and I still lose all snapping ability after the first bend.  After restarting my computer, I was able to execute a bent rail on 2024 that wasn't skewed and I was able to use the hemisphere tool to make a perfect fitting end cap.  However, a few minutes afterwards the program crashed and upon restarting the rail skewing returned.

My best guess is that I had an installation issue, although it could be that my outdated MacBook Pro (pre-M series) is no longer able to meet the system demands.