volpin spine sculpt method+another one like it?/3d modeling help?

[treble]

This is a 2 fold question:

http://volpinprops.blogspot.com/2011...as-part-1.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNZK8-z0ndk&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTg5kpzXkJg&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsiGgR9HVJQ&feature=fvsr
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDq_uHKZeIM

I’m trying to use volpin’s method of make 3d objects using photos of views of an object, making a skeleton (he uses MDF; I want to use cardboard), and then placing foam or something sandable in the skeleton and shaping it using the spines. I also found this video where a guy uses a similar method and I was wondering if I could get some help on how I could combine these 2 methods. I want to use the method off the youtube video, but I don’t know how to do it with the side, top, bottom, back, and front view method volpin uses. Also, I tried volpin’s method on google skethup and just using the spines doesn’t quite give the results I thought it would. Does this mean you have to sand the rest of the way and make sure everything is even? If so, IMO, I would want to do the youtube method more (no offense volpin, im just not as good a sculpter and artist as you lol; I need lots of help).

My second question(which ties in with the first) is about 3d modeling. I’m trying to make complex shapes using volpin’s method and the methods on 2 anim8or tutorials on the 2 youtube videos (the side views off photos) to make pepakura files, still using google sketchup. Is there a book or something I can use to learn how to make stuff like in the anim8or tutorials? Usually I could watch and teach myself, but for some reason my mind can’t wrap around the concept. Also, is sketchup bad for the job, and if so why? What should I be using (something free since this is a one time deal for me)?

An additional note, I am currently using google skethcup and corelDRAW X5. Where can I learn how to make the reference photos like volpin makes (look for skyrim helmet on his blog and the daft punk helmet in the link) so I can send them to the 3d model program?

What I’m trying to do is take pictures off of a playarts kai halo master chief and make armor files. Any help would really really be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[tumbucu1]

hey brother im not sure if this is what your after or even looking for but it will help you out i hope these tuts for blender though not skethcup and the blender program is free its what im useing im still learning the program so im not good at it yet lol but the tuts have really help me alot to understand 3d modeling i hope it helps you as well www.blendtuts.com

 

[NormanF]

I tried Volpins method for a prop I am working on. My prop is (US) football shaped and it came out lopsided except where the forms were. I might have been able to do it by hand if I had used more material to define the shape, but I ended up getting a lathe.

Sent from my Apple Newton

 

[Grave]

pep is a lot easier and quicker then that

 

[treble]

@tumbucu1-thanks dude. im looking at them right now. i think it might help

@NormanF -yeah that's what i figured. he used some kind of tool that measures contores (if im spelling it right; its the curves that make up the complex shape). That's y I want to use that car guys method. You can get the shape you want easier. But it seems so far you can only use it if you made the 3d model of the object instead of using view pics like volpin does. I hope the website tumbucu gave me helps. it looks promising.

@Grave-I totally agree with you. I just need something until I learn how to 3d model better lol

 

[Volpin]

pep is a lot easier and quicker then that

Not necessarily. Pep may be quicker and easier for some people, but I prefer my methods over trusting that someone else got the file right or trusting that the paper doesn't flex.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to personal preference. Some people use clay, some use pepakura. I use the spines because it works for me. It probably doesn't work for everyone, but again, personal preference.

To answer the original question, the spines only define certain dimensions. If you only cut along them at a right angle, you'll just get a sort of jagged edged interpretation of the form. There's a lot more material that needs to be removed, and for that you'll need to be a little exploratory with the sanding and cutting.

In the end, the spines only provide a few guidelines. The rest you'll have to interpret on your own.

My blueprints are really just glorified tracings since I don't have any 3D modeling experience. These are done in adobe illustrator.

 

[treble]

Volpin, when you make your spines, why are they built to cross in the middle? Is there ever a situation where one view spine is off center on another view spine? Im sorry if this sounds weird, but I don't know how to properly ask it lol

Thanks everyone so far for helping me

 

[treble]

Hey, someone showed me this video that helped me alot. It's for google sketchup I warn you, but I tested it with volpin's side views of his silver daft punk helmet and It actually worked really nice. you may have to fast foward to 3:19, but i highly suggest you watch the whole thing to understand. I didn't know the scale tool could lock on to the nodes (the diagnol part of the scale portion doesn't lock fyi)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e4op...feature=fvwrel

 

[Judge Spartan]

The link does'nt work.

 

[treble]

Search for "Tutorial sketchup push-pull-scale technique" on youtube. Sorry about that