Problem...

[Novak]

Hey guys,

I have a problem, I modeling a light bulb. everything is going fine, but when
I wanted to start create the part of the light line. (Fig1) I have a problem
to create that.. I tried and tried.. First I created a line, and have added a spring
with PathDeform on the line, but it follows always the wrong direction, and can't
get it where I want.. and from the moment I replace the line where the pathdeform is added to.. the spring is changing is shape...

Can anyone help me further??? It looks like a small phone Cord....

Thanks,
Novak

[Melak]

I've found that the pathdeform goes wild sometimes, especially if the first point of your spline is not sraight. The deformed object gets kinda rotated, so that the the first part is straight anyway.

You could try to add a straight beginning to the spline, and use the PathDeform controls to ignore it.

[Novak]

Thanks Melak,

I gonna Try it out... Here is a example how me line is going....

Greetz,

[spudmonkey]

If you have a newer version of Max, use "Path Deform Binding (WSM)" instead of the normal PathDeform. It will be available in the modifier pull down list and gives you a button which moves the shape to the path, instead of the path doing an odd snap to the shape

[Melak]

Strange, it only does odd snapping if I use the WSM PathDeform modifier in the first place. But once you hit the Move to Shape button it certainly works better than the old modifier.

[Novak]

I have 3ds max 2008.. But still don't work correct... Wierd...

Any suggestion to do it with another method???

Thanks,

Greetz,
Novak

[spudmonkey]

Sorry to say it, but if it isn't working then you are doing something wrong! This is the easiest way to do it as next easiest way is to create a loft and manipulate it using poly model or the bend mod. You might be able to do it with an FFD too if you created the coil in a long straight line and added a dense cylindrical FFD to it

[Melak]

Have you tried every axis, plus the flip checkbox?

[Novak]

Ok,

I started all over from scratch.. The line I mean.. Created the line then the spring. added
a WSM PathDeform on it Clicked Move To Shape, And then I moved the Line in the right
position how it must, and know it work fine...

@Spudmonkey, You don't have to say sorry. Probably I did it wrong in the first place... thanks for the help.

@Melak, I started the Line How you suggested.. and it was helpfull
Ok, The problem is solved, Thanks for the verry good help guys...

Greetz and Regards,
Novak...
P.S. I will post a image later... Oh do I have to group the Line and the Spring together?
Because when I Move the Line the Shape of the Spring is Changing...

[Melak]

Couldn't you just collapse the spring's stack? That should freeze it in the current state. If that's not an option, you could use the "old" modifier, it doesn't change the deformation if you move the path.

Glad to help