Thread: Speed modeling a Lightsaber hilt

Hi guys.

I recently started learning 3ds Max. Here is time-lapse of me modeling lightsaber hilt in 12 minutes (it's squeezed to 1:30, but methods should be quite clearly visible). I'm planning to learn enough to include some 3d elements in my future videos.

Speed Modeling - Lightsaber Hilt - YouTube

I don't have any formal training in 3d modeling yet, so there might be some flawed techniques of downright grotesque mistakes, so apologies for that. Hope you guys found it interesting.

3D studio max is a very complex piece of software, so all credit to you for achieving this. I'm no lightsabre expert but it looks excellent! A friend of mine used to teach 3DS max to TV companies, so I know how deep you can go with textures and reflection maps etc.
Keep it up, a very worthwhile piece of software to master.

I thought this was great. Makes it look so easy when you see it like this. But I know its not. The software does require a good deal of patience and practice but the results can be excellent. This is my next step to 3D. Software is OK but the computer isn't, I need to upgrade. Keep at it.

Kudos to you just for being brave enough to have a go with software like this. It looked good to me but might have looked better if it was a darker colour.

Very impressive !!!
That looks complicated software

Sadly, the cost prohibits most folk from using 3D Max. (It can cost over £3,000, see http://store.autodesk.co.uk/DRHM/store).
Happily, simple objects; such as a 'lightsaber' can be created using any number of cheaper modelling products.
3dMax combines alot functions, from modelling objects, setting up animation and lighting, and the final rendering. I read the manual for a month before installing a time-limited version of 3dMax. I managed to create a short animation (youtube . com/watch?v=dgbo-aD1-q4) before the software expired. But, I cannot see myself ever using it again. As an amateur, I can't afford it.

Thanks guys, I didn't really expect to get this warm reception. Usually when posting 3d stuff to forums with professionals around, you tend to get more critique than encouragement and quite a few "you're doing it wrongs". Glad you liked it!

Yeah, 3ds Max can be quite expensive, but luckily enough I can use it for free for few years as a media engineering student. I probably would have used free software like Blender if it weren't for the student versions. I still don't know half the things that can be done with it, but learning new every time I work with it.

Thank you for encouraging words.