Max5: Modelling problem

[Arius]

I'm not sure if this is MAX specific or not, I did read the "read this before posting" thread. So if it isn't I apologise for posting in the wrong place.

This is a picture of my first character model. First i box modelled the left hand side, then i mirror'd and used the "attach" function to attach the two sides together. Then i applied a meshsmooth with an iteration of "1". As you can see i get a huge ugly seam up the middle of my mesh. So my question is quite simple, what have i done wrong, and how can i get rid of the seam!? Please bear in mind that bar once when i modelled a tree and the spaceship tutorial in max5 this is my first attempt at modelling, so go easy on the jargon please :p lol

http://pissartist.redirectme.net/arius/model.jpg

..:: Edit ::..

I've changed the host, people should be able to see the image now.

[jbw]

Hi,
This isn't MAX specific - you'll have this prob with all software that features Sub-d's. I can't actually see the pic you've attached but it sounds to me you need to weld the two sides together. Attaching an object to another won't make it seemless you need to weld the middle edges together. Here's how to do it with edit poly:

Change you're subobject selection to Border (press '3' when in subobject mode or click the bean shaped button in modify tab > selection group) Now select all. This should select all edges in your object that have polygons on only one side. Making sure you've only got the middle seems selected change to edge subobject mode (press 2 when in subobject mode) now click the weld button and your problem should have disappeared! If not you'll need to adjust the wled threshold. Keep an eye on the number of faces selected - if successful the number selected should half!

To do it with edit mesh:

Select only the verts that run down the middle. Click on weld, again you may need to adjust the threshold - spinner to the right of button. Again keep an eye on the number selected and make sure it halves!

Hope this helps...

jbw

[Arius]

Thnx, i'll give it a try and let you know if i got it to work ;)

[lillypusher]

one other thing, which used 2 drive me up the wall before i realised what an idiot i was. when welding 2 halves together, DON'T FORGET TO DELETE THOSE ANNOYING POLYGONS!!!!!
yes, u know i'm talking about u!!! u in the back!!


sorry, sorry, lost track.

the polygons in the middle need to be deleted - just click and delete. and since i have the explaining capabilty of an avarage garden hose, i'll show u.

[Arius]

Yay, tytyty ;)

http://pissartist.redirectme.net/arius/model2.jpg

[mr_makaveli]

small suggestion to provide an alternative (even though its sorted now).. in future why not try using the symmetry modifier instead of mirroring the result? it automatically joins the two sides provides it is set up right, and you get real time feedback on changes made.. just collapse it at the end when your finished modelling if need be, one of the best features of max 5 in my opinion. If you need help using symmetry there is detailed documentation under user reference, or if all else fails just ask here. just my pennies worth, cheers.

p.s if you do use this option, make sure the symmetry modifier is below the mesh smooth in the modifiers list, can produce some weird results otherwise and unless you know this it can be difficult to see why.

[mr_makaveli]

small suggestion to provide an alternative (even though its sorted now).. in future why not try using the symmetry modifier instead of mirroring the result? it automatically joins the two sides provides it is set up right, and you get real time feedback on changes made.. just collapse it at the end when your finished modelling if need be, one of the best features of max 5 in my opinion. If you need help using symmetry there is detailed documentation under user reference, or if all else fails just ask here. just my pennies worth, cheers.

[lillypusher]

do 2 small suggestions make one big suggestion?

:D

[mr_makaveli]

:o whoops, thats what pressing 'back' and then 'retry' when it says page has expired will do for ya...
i swear laziness will be our undoing.

[Arius]

Thnx guys ;), i'm onto bone rigging it now, so i've no doubt i'll post a few questions about that :p