Multiple Extrude

[Bruce Kieffer]

I thought there was a way to edit a multiple extrude that has more than two shapes. I'm drawing a 1-1/2" square 23" long tapered leg. The taper starts 3" down from the top of the leg, and the foot is 1/2" square. I've drawn three 2D rectangle; two of them 1-1/2" square, and one 1/2" square. I selected the three of them and did a multiple extrude of 23". The spacing is equal. How do I move the middle up so the non-tappered part is only 3" long?

I know of many other ways to make this leg, I'm just trying to remember how it's done as a multiple extrude.

[michaelk]

Bruce

I'm pretty sure that Multiple Extrude locks the profiles at equal spacing. So you'd have to do a lot of math to make it work.

You might have better luck turning the profiles into nurbs curves, setting them where you want them and then using the loft tool in the first (loft w/ no rail) mode.

The only bummer (and reoccurring wish list item) is that the result is an uneditable generic solid.

michaelk

[Pat Stanford]

No way I know of to set differential spacing using the multiple extrude.

Another option is to take the extrude and Convert to Mesh. When you double click it you will have access to the 3D polys that make up the mesh.

Use the 2D Reshape tool to draw a marquee around the point you want moved and then drag all the points at the same time.

When you Exit Group you will be back to your Mesh. No way to get back to a Multiple Extrude though.

[Kevin McAllister]

I think I would just make it a two separate multiple extrudes - the top shape to the middle shape and the middle shape to the bottom shape. That way you can easily use the handles in a side view to reshape each section as needed. If you them to behave as one piece, add the solids. That way there is a full history.

Kevin

[Jonathan Pickup]

I would try the loft surface tool

[Bruce Kieffer]

I did it the way I know best which is the way Kevin suggests. One other way I messed around with that I liked was to make the 20" long tapered part as a two shape multiple extrude, and then use the Protrusion/Cutout tool to "pull" the flat 3" top section up.