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Part III: Modeling Basics

The Direction option determines the axis about which the rotation takes place. The rotation takes place
about the object’s pivot point.

Caution
If your shape is created in the Top view, then lathing about the screen Z-axis produces a thin disc without any depth. n

Tutorial: Lathing a crucible
As an example of the Lathe modifier, you create a simple crucible, although you could produce any object
that has a circular cross section. A crucible is a thick porcelain cup used to melt chemicals. I chose this as
an example because it is simple (and saying “crucible” sounds much more scientific than “cup”).
To create a crucible using the Lathe modifier, follow these steps:
1. Open the Crucible.max file from the Chap 12 directory on the DVD.
This file includes a rough profile cross-section line of the crucible that has been converted to an
Editable Spline.
2. Select the line, and select the Modifiers ➪ Patch/Spline Editing ➪ Lathe menu command. Set the
Degrees value in the Parameters rollout to 360. Because you’ll lathe a full revolution, you don’t need to
check the Cap options. In the Direction section, select the Y button (the Y-axis), and you’re finished.

Figure 12.40 shows the finished product. You can easily make this into a coffee mug by adding a handle.
To make a handle, simply loft an ellipse along a curved path.

FIGURE 12.40
Lathing a simple profile can create a circular object.

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