3D Suckers.

Not been replying here so much recently but always checking. Anyway I've seen a lot of recent and old members asking in the topics how to create 3D objects and decided to post this thread.

Many of the coaster builders here use a potent tool called 3D?????????s Max and Maya. Both software tools are way too expensive for us blokes that just want to create the stuff for fun and not sell. Unfortunately NL only allows 3Ds models, Google Scetchup leaves too many artifacts and NL Object creator can mostly be used for simplistic designs except for the very patient extremists (Oh yeah it's also Discontinued).

Please don't get me wrong, there is reason behind all this. There is this little (very little) app (I know it has been discussed before but no one points to it these days) called Blender that hosts almost all the incredible features Max and Maya has to offer. Also uses the same weird workflow in designing 3D models. The interface however differs and most of the commands can only be processed via shortcut keys. The app is also very flexible and hosts a simple but yet powerful renderer. With the ability to import new renderers etc????????? For just 13MB I believe it is the best free design and animation tool on the web. Any who just thought I'm making stuff a bit clearer now.

Blender: http://www.blender.org/download/get-blender/

If you?????????re also gonna need python: http://www.python.org/download/ (Download 2.5.4)

Are you writing a tutorial or something, because I'd love to figure out how to use this.

Could do that. I'll make some time for a tut.

Wat does "Python" do?

Python is a programming language. Its mostly used for scriping and things like that but sometimes ppl use it for graphics.

How do you export a 3ds object using Blender? Whenever I try, NL can't read it for some reason.

Delete everything that's not a mesh, including the camera and light spots, don't animate and export the scene only. IOW no additional scripts will work in NL.

How's the Blender tutorial coming dj?

Also, as I am new here, where can I look at some of the work done in 3d apps for NL?

I would like to see how others use these programs with NL.