In this modeling tutorial we are going to go through the process of creating an axe in Blender 2.5. The tutorial follows the same general theme as the Exclusive Citizen weapon pack released prior to this tutorial. The tutorial demonstrates basic modeling techniques and good use of the Shrinkwrap and Solidify modifiers.
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Very helpful tutorial, thanks a lot! I really like the style of the weapons, and it’s nice to see how they were made.
Very helpful tutorial, thanks a lot! I really like the style of the weapons, and it’s nice to see how they were made.
Hi,
Thank you again for this nice Tutorial.
I learn this new modifier, and I’ll enjoy to use it on the things I’m working on.
I can’t wait for the texture part
Thank you very much.
Hi,
Thank you again for this nice Tutorial.
I learn this new modifier, and I’ll enjoy to use it on the things I’m working on.
I can’t wait for the texture part
Thank you very much.
Nice! Very curious about the texturing part as well. Though, I’d personally prefer having the final result slicing vegetables for a salad or prick-opening coconuts instead.
Nice! Very curious about the texturing part as well. Though, I’d personally prefer having the final result slicing vegetables for a salad or prick-opening coconuts instead.
Thank you very much for this tutorial. Right now I see how powerful Blender is.
Thank you very much for this tutorial. Right now I see how powerful Blender is.
You can actually do this quite well in 2.49 also with some adjustments to the workflow. The Soidify Selection modifier is a mesh script in 2.49, so you just have to apply your Shrinkwrap modifier in Object mode before swapping over to Edit mode to make use of the script. (as the script generates actual geometry it also gets affected by the Shrinkwrap modifier unless you have applied it beforehand)
Nice to see this script got turned into a modifier
much cleaner and easier to use now especially for adding details like this.
You can actually do this quite well in 2.49 also with some adjustments to the workflow. The Soidify Selection modifier is a mesh script in 2.49, so you just have to apply your Shrinkwrap modifier in Object mode before swapping over to Edit mode to make use of the script. (as the script generates actual geometry it also gets affected by the Shrinkwrap modifier unless you have applied it beforehand)
Nice to see this script got turned into a modifier
much cleaner and easier to use now especially for adding details like this.
Very nice style for the axe.
The texturing will be very interesting too.
In term of “modeling”, is the 2.5 is at least equivalent to the 2.49b ??
If so, what’s the procedure to install 2.5 without interferring with my current installation of 2.49b ??
And how to uninstall 2.5 without corrupting my 2.49b’s files as well ??
Solineoz,
The best way to install 2.5 without messing up your 2.49b installation is to download a .zip file of the program instead of the installer. All you have to do is unzip the .zip, and run the blender.exe file inside. Runs out of the box with no installation.
I would also suggest getting the latest version from graphicall.org. That will be the most recent version and have some of the features that the original 2.50 release didn’t have. An optimized build would actually be better, because it will render faster.
Very nice style for the axe.
The texturing will be very interesting too.
In term of “modeling”, is the 2.5 is at least equivalent to the 2.49b ??
If so, what’s the procedure to install 2.5 without interferring with my current installation of 2.49b ??
And how to uninstall 2.5 without corrupting my 2.49b’s files as well ??
Great tutorial . . . especially liked the anti-violence plug, “It should be capable of inflicting . . . damage. Not that we’re promoting that or anything.”
@Wehrdo- Thanks for the info
So uninstall should be, deleting those extracted files ??
Yes, you can just delete the \Blender Foundation\Blender2.5 type folder and leave your original 2.49 install untouched and unaffected.
Yes, I have a folder in my documents called “Latest Build” and I just unzip the 2.5 build folder into there. It functions completely separately from my 2.49b copies. Whenever I’m going to get a new build, I just delete that unzipped folder and replace it with a new one.
I was following along and got to the point of adding the solidify modifier and behold it does not exist in my modifier list.
I just downloaded 2.50 today so I figured it should be up to date. Am I missing something???
Thanks in advance.
Did you get it from GraphicAll.org? Blender.org is still carrying Alpha 0, which does not include the solidify modifier. You have to use one of the latest builds from here:
http://www.graphicall.org/builds/
Thank you much, that was it.
Ok I found a later build with the solidify mod in tact. I am still having some trouble when getting to the shrink wrap, and solidify part. When shrink wrapping is on I keep getting weird connections to the handle only in the very center and I’m not sure why. I’ve gone through that section of the video multiple times but I don’t see what I am doing differently…
Any Ideas?
Thanks a lot guys
It’s time to try it.
Alright!
Thanks for providing this tutorial!
Help,
When i go into front view the set up the basic shape all i get is two cubes. one big one small.
Any idea?
I’m using the latest from graphicall.
Thanks.
@Funnel Head- Make sure that your stack of modifiers is in the good order. For me, wrap,solidify,subsurf.
Then the wrap modifier should set at Nearest Surface Point mode.
Try to recalculate the normals “CTRL-N” in edit mode.
One problem I had too, could be that there is surfaces that cause you trouble with the wrap modifier, so you should try
to scale down your lace on the “z” axis until it looks nice to your eyes.
Finally, to get the proportions like you want, you could apply the wrap modifier and make adjustement to your mesh.
Thanks for all the help. I am still having major problems. I went so far as to redo the handle with out the 2 protruding circle parts to avoid the lace from grabbing toward them. I also only have shrink wrap mod on, and sub surf,no solidify in the stack. The shrink wrap keeps getting all distorted no matter how I scale it, or move it, or rotate it. it’s messed up. Forgive me of my ignorance I am fairly new to blender in general and first model attempt with 2.5. I am also just trying with one lace strand to see better what the effects are and if I get it right then I will continue to add the rest.
I shall continue trying.
Thanks again for everyones input.
Your problem could still be normal related. If cntrl + N does not work, try cntrl + shift + N. That will flip all normals on selected faces, regardless of their direction.
Hi Jonathan, here is my War Axe made with your help:
http://images.orkut.com/orkut/photos/OgAAABKc8eCo8BcMeL8wHeZfc8wgNL9yxufiDaOWkUf9ofOOxCefcv948DCI8j8oy8Wc2Kpd6Q9HrTrmFPUQU0xNIsUAm1T1UIeLYUDoIvQGDNgRnRW1AC_pcTjj.jpg
Your tutorial is very good, i’m waiting for the next part!
Greetings from Brazil!
Lucas Bruel
2.49 is better for modeling for now.
Just wait for future tools!
thanaks very nice tutorial. keep like that…
but i dont understand is it 2.5 or its interface is differant… or it is only theme … so where can i download themes??? please help..
Why don’t you watch the tutorial and listen to what he says?
2.49 is better for modeling for now.
Thank you.
@ilmon- First, you should read the “Intro” of the tutorial, located just under the title and above the “Purchase field”.
It begins with : “In this modeling tutorial we are going to…”
Yes it’s 2.5, and you can download the lastest releases ..HERE.. and choose an optimized one. For installation, just read the posts above.
@Lucas Bruel- Nice axe
, but in my opinion, it looks a little bit fragile. Aside this, well done.
Hope you’ll show us the final result after the texture tutorial.
Yeah, Solineoz, everybody is saying that my Axe is fragile…
But what if it was a magic Axe made by de dwarfs of Moria??
Correction: Made by THE dwarfs of Moria
It’s only a first impression. (btw I’m not a pro)
Pieces doesn’t seem to be welded or bolted together, as baby’s toys… you can move freely every parts as you want.
The cause can be the rotation of the blades on the global “z” axis (maybe an illusion), they doesn’t seem to be straight. Maybe with some magic powder and textures it will be more convincing.
That’s O.K man, i was just kidding!
Sorry, English isn’t my language so I take everything for cash
@Jonathan
Thanks for another great tutorial. The depth and quality of your tutorials has inspired me to become a CGcookie Citizen.
One thing I was left wondering about after watching this tutorial was which version of 2.5 from GraphicAll.org has the new Solidify modifier you are using. Would it be possible for you to tell viewers exactly which revision of Blender you are using in each tutorial. That way we users can verify whether we have the same or better revision. Thanks.
English isn’t mine too…
@Neural_Echo – I suggest you to download the latest build. If I remember, he talked about it a little bit in the video.
And, I agree with you… if we could know the actual version, it could be useful
Hello, Jonathan Williamson!
I’m learning a lot from your tutorials. Already modeled a lamp. I learned many new techniques. At least, I did not know. And now I’m modeling this axe. I put a link to the Blender Cookie on my blog. When there’s something new on the site you always get. Even if there is, access the site to try to learn something about the Blender. And all that learning contents for those who also seek to learn. Where I indicate the site of you as a reference for learning Blender 3D.
A question! At the top of the axe, while we make the gap between the steel and wooden handle. You make a loop cut and then select faces mode. Make a extrude and click 4 times shade smoth. Move the axis “y”. Gives another extrude. And down in the z-axis Getting a hole around the wooden handle.
I do the same procedure as you, but I can not perform that way. Getting a link from one side to another. So much to do and can not, I left to model this part last.
Right now, I’m a complete modeling. Wanting to finish, learn and overcome the challenges. Leave for the second part: “Creating an Axe Part 2″. Textures!
A hug, success and peace!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
another awesome tutorial, Jonathan
thanks!
oh, with the handle grips, an Array Modifier also works for the equal spacing of the pieces
though I admit, there was still a bit of rearranging to do… i’m just a bit picky about placing the things an equal distance apart, lol
gonna go see the Texturing tutorial now
I have blender 2.50 and i don’t have a solidify modifier. ???
The solidify modifier was added after the release of 2.5 Alpha 0. To use it you must download a recent testing build from http://www.graphicall.org
the mirror modifier does not work right.
As well, does the job right? Can you explain what is going on, Bob?
Maybe I or someone here can solve this evil work!
Thank you for an excellent tutorial. Look forward to the Texturing part. Good work guys!
How he drag many Vertex at once?
Thanks for the Tutorial Jonathan, I really appreciate the tip about using the edgeloops to sharpen the edges. I have used this technique to try and model other things but I always ended up with sharp edges where I don’t want them! Thanks again for the tip! It really helped me out.
nice tut man!… but do you think you could do one were u make a nice looking sword?
hi,
eg. you have several points selected, how do you do to select some of them (not just one) in just one step……its because you do it in the tutorial and i cant figure it out
Control + L will select all linked vertices of your current selection.
Cheers,
Jonathan
So far a great tut. But I am having the same trouble as FunnelHead did. The shrinkwrap modifier is deforming my straps in odd ways. I’ve checked the handle ‘rings’ above and below the ‘laces’ by moving each of the ‘horizontal’ loop cuts and that hasn’t really helped me figure out what points the shrinkwrap is actually referencing to. And I did try the other suggestions, flipping normals, rescaling, etc. Guess I’ll need to go back and rebuild the handle… Oh well, practice makes perfect.
VidE
Jonathan pointed out to me that if one of the modifiers is working funny go into the object menu > apply, and apply Scale, location, and rotation. Worked perfect after I did that.
Hope it helps.
FunnelHead, thanks. Actually, I kept pausing the movie before the later part where he added more points to the lace. Apparently, J.W. had similar problems until he added the points and played with the modifier stack. In the meantime, after banging my head against the wall, I took shrinkwrap off, used the solidify modifier and scaled it and moved on. I’m sure the shrinkwrap will come in handy someday, but for now, basic modeling and the uv tut are much more important.
Creating the inset at 8:48 doesnt work for me.
When i am trying to extrude it leaves me with duplicated vertices at the bottom, creating a creasing, making it a kind of weird double inset.
Thank you for the knowledge, but when making a tutorial you need to make up your mind it, was very confusing sometimes.
thx jonathan
hey nice tut, but for the edge sharping effect… why not simply use edge crease?^^
bb max
I know this tut is getting kinda old by now, but i finally got around to posting a render of this katana i made.
Comments, crits, snide remarks?
http://twitpic.com/2o89nj
Anyone know how to move the camera and zoom in/out on a laptop in blender 2.5? Cant seem to find it.
I’ve learnt soooo much from you in this tutorial. Thankyou so much!! You explain everything very thoroughly ^^.
Wanted to say thank you for the tutorial. This is my first Blender Model and I learned a lot making it. I’m very happy with how it turned out. I’ve still got a long ways to go in learning how to use Blender and how to model in general as you will notice from the linked picture but overall I am very happy that I could at least create something fairly similar to the one in your tutorial.
http://img529.imageshack.us/i/blender2010122310505926.jpg/
I ended up with a crease in the blade edge (would be a great channel for blood), so I by and large have 2 blade edges. It ends up messing up my ability to add the edge loop presented at 10:40. I think I’ll have to start over. Great tutorial, I’m learning alot.
The price you pay for experience gain is mistakes.
I noticed if I changed the Merge Limit on the Mirror Modifier it tightened it up enough for me to continue.
Thanks a lot for this tutorial, really helped me getting back into modeling a bit!