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Recommended Free Solid Modeling Software


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#1 Daekar

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Posted 22 October 2012 - 07:13 PM

So... I've been scribbling a bit more, and I've been pleased with the end results... but I want more! I'd like to dabble in 3d modeling, but I've stopped using pirated software so I'm not sure where to look next. I have experience with several Autodesk products and a bit of time with 3DStudioMax back in... well, it was a long-*** time ago... but I don't have problems learning new systems. I tried Sketchup and it was WAY simplistic... didn't even have chamfers or fillets, nevermind taperable extrusions. Any suggestions?

#2 Quazil

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Posted 22 October 2012 - 07:21 PM

Blender

#3 Daekar

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Posted 22 October 2012 - 07:26 PM

Wow. Just... wow. That looks perfect! I think I'll start with an Orion...

#4 Ra-ul

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Posted 23 October 2012 - 02:03 PM

View PostQuazil, on 22 October 2012 - 07:21 PM, said:


No doubt this is the biggest bang for the buck, using it myself after using commercial software.

#5 Joe3142

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Posted 23 October 2012 - 05:32 PM

Def blender :D I use it all of the time, and love it. Im doing a vulture right now, and blender is just awesome :) takes a bit to pick up, but it is great once you get the hang of it :P

#6 ChainBlade

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Posted 24 October 2012 - 02:16 AM

Blender hands down.


It has a very tough learning curve but you will learn it as you watch tutorials.

Some Tips:
View:
Mouse wheel :Zoom
Mouse middle Button:rotate screen
Shift+Mouse middle button:Screen drag

num1:Front view
ctrl+num1:back view
num3:Right view
ctrl+num3:Left view
num7:Top view
ctrl+num7:Buttom view
num5:Persp and Ortho view toggle
num4,6,8,2:rotate view

Modeling:
left click moved the cursor around
right click selects a mesh,face,edges etc
E:Extrude selected face,edge,etc
R:Rotate (combine with numpad views to get good results)
G:Move around selected mesh,face,edges etc (Hold ctrl for grid movement and use Y,X and Z keys for directional movement)
Holding shift will allow you to do more precise movements.


Those are the basics that will get you of to modeling basic stuff.

#7 Adridos

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Posted 24 October 2012 - 02:55 AM

View PostChainBlade, on 24 October 2012 - 02:16 AM, said:

It has a very tough learning curve but you will learn it as you watch tutorials.



I hink it doesn't have a tough learning curve, it's just the fact it's overlooked by companies and every proffesional modeller has to use either 3DS MAX, or Maya, so the ones who pursue to do anything more than a hobby out of it are going to end up switching to others.

#8 ChainBlade

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Posted 24 October 2012 - 03:33 AM

View PostAdridos, on 24 October 2012 - 02:55 AM, said:



I hink it doesn't have a tough learning curve, it's just the fact it's overlooked by companies and every proffesional modeller has to use either 3DS MAX, or Maya, so the ones who pursue to do anything more than a hobby out of it are going to end up switching to others.


Trust me,it has a very tough learning curve,i have spend over a year and a half using it now and i still have loads to learn.

You can do anything in blender that you can do in paid for software and still have amazing results.

Why would you want to switch to another modeling software when you can do things like this with it:
http://blenderartist...nished-Projects

Though i do agree that some companies have their own software like Maya and such so they don't allow the use of blender and other software because of importing problems.

Edited by ChainBlade, 24 October 2012 - 03:37 AM.


#9 Adridos

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Posted 24 October 2012 - 03:46 AM

View PostChainBlade, on 24 October 2012 - 03:33 AM, said:


You can do anything in blender that you can do in paid for software and still have amazing results.




The same stands for Linux. Why do companies buy the ridiulously expensive Windows, then? :)

Edited by Adridos, 24 October 2012 - 05:35 AM.


#10 Sneaky B

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Posted 24 October 2012 - 05:01 AM

I'm currently using Modo 601. Fortunately, it isn't as ridiculously expensive as the more established modelling softwares. Tbh, I'm really frustrated and disappointed how the later 3DSMAX turned out with so much bloat that it's virtually unworkable :)

Edited by Sneaky B, 24 October 2012 - 05:02 AM.


#11 slide

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Posted 24 October 2012 - 05:12 AM

Can any of these programs export to any of the standard CAD files, step, iges, sat etc?

#12 Daekar

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Posted 24 October 2012 - 07:39 AM

It is a pretty steep learning curve. I find myself longing for the simplicity of Autodesk Inventor... I love the ability to use parametric sketches to control my extrusions and change dimensions. I think I'm going to get the hang of it though. Definifely need some alone time with the manual and a few more tutorials. I really hate the 3D cursor/reticle thing...





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