Rhino: Wooden Box

Today we will be creating a wooden box using some basic shapes and tools:

First we will create a regular box [block] -- probably around 10" long by 6" wide.

Fillet the Edges of the box -- .5" for example.

Draw a straight line which you will use to cut through [Split] the box.

Separate the top of the box from the bottom.

Cap both pieces (top and bottom) to make solid objects.

Create a new box in the center (smaller than the other pieces) which we will use to cut out [Boolean Difference] the inside of the box.

Your finished box model should look something like this.

Next add texture and gloss.  I chose a wood texture with a 50 gloss.

If you would like, click Explode and select individual pieces to texture, color, or adjust.  In my case, I remove the texture, changed the color to black, and kept the shine at 50.

You can separate the lid from the base by sliding it to the side, leaning it against the base, or even rotating it at an edge to make it appear hinged.

Finally, add a base (i.e. a table) and lights.  Finish by Saving, Rendering, Saving a JPEG, and uploading your finished project to your portfolio.

You can also separate the lid completely and add your box to another scene.

Or you can make your box out of a cylinder for a similar effect.

Bryce: Boolean Difference

Today we will be learning how to create a "Boolean Difference" in Bryce -- basically meaning you cut one shape out of another shape.  The image below features a "cave" that was created by cutting a "symmetrical lattice" (looks like a mountain on top of an upside down mountain) out of a regular "terrain" (a mountain).  You can cut a block out of a sphere... a cone out of a pyramid, or whatever other shapes you might need. 

To begin this process:

• Place the two shapes together intersecting one another (touching)
• Select the shape you want to use as a "cutting tool" and click the "A" (Attributes) tool.
• Select the "Negative" bullet and un-check the "Transfer Materials of Negative Boolean" option.
• Click the "check mark" to okay the change.
• Select the shape you want to cut IN to (the shape you want to keep).
• Click the "A" (Attributes) button.
• Select the "Positive" bullet mark and click the check mark to okay the change.

Next you have to "Group" the objects to be joined/cut:

• Select the 1st object (i.e. the "negative" piece)
• Hold SHIFT and select the 2nd object (i.e. the "positive" piece)
• If it looks like you have other objects selected, deselect and try again.  You may have to rotate the scene a bit to make clicking easier.
• With both pieces selected, click the "G" (Group) tool. 

Now you should be able to "Render" your scence and view the cut out shape.