Modeling a bike frame

# 1 26-10-2010 , 02:03 PM

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Join Date: Dec 2009

Location: Netherlands

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I want to make a realistic model of my bmx bike. So I started with the frame. But i can't figure out how to make it. For now I used cilinders and cubes to block out the frame. But they are all loose parts. Should i try to connect all the tubes using Union or just combine? The Booleans Union options isn't realy working.

What i have so far:
user added image

Picture of the frame:
user added image

Maybe this project is a bit to much right now if i can't even figure out how to model a simple frame. How would you guys go at this?

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# 2 26-10-2010 , 06:42 PM

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Re: Modeling a bike frame

Originally posted by Johndoe050
I want to make a realistic model of my bmx bike. So I started with the frame. But i can't figure out how to make it. For now I used cilinders and cubes to block out the frame. But they are all loose parts. Should i try to connect all the tubes using Union or just combine? The Booleans Union options isn't realy working.

What i have so far:

Picture of the frame:

Maybe this project is a bit to much right now if i can't even figure out how to model a simple frame. How would you guys go at this?

Originally Posted by

it's a common misconception that a model has to be one whole object, just use the combine option in maya, it'll work, good job so far,

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# 3 26-10-2010 , 09:19 PM

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It'll look sloppy if you just combine. I would suggest adding edge loops around the tube ends you want to connect, combine only those parts and then delete end faces and merge verts so the combined object looks like 1 solid piece instead of one pipe cutting into another one. As for the welds, you could do that in Zbrush, or just have a cylinder around the area you want to "weld" and then smooth that object for the appearance of a weld.

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Benjamin Franklin

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# 4 26-10-2010 , 09:24 PM

EduSciVis-er
Join Date: Dec 2005

Location: Toronto

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I don't know if there's a polygon alternative, but I'd suggest using the fillet tool in the NURBs section. It'll create a nice smooth weld shape without actually having to combine the pieces. NURBS will also be easy to create cylinders with.

-stwert

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# 5 26-10-2010 , 09:33 PM

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Join Date: Dec 2009

Location: Netherlands

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Thanks for the replies. I feel my knowledge of maya is not sufficient enough right now to realisticly model my bike because I only realy feel comfortable modeling using polygons. I put the project on the shelf for a other time. And dive into some hard surface modeling tutorials.

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# 6 27-10-2010 , 09:34 AM

The thin red line
Join Date: Aug 2009

Location: England

Posts: 4,472

Dont give up, I just did a test with two tubes like your frame and booleaned them together, most of the verts merged together but on the side ones did not but it was not to hard to fix. If you need any help just ask and I will put some thing together for you.............dave

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Modeling a bike frame

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