Splitting down the middle and re-gluing

johnd · 29 Apr 2008, 18:50

I have been attempting to make several symmetrical objects. I have done work and then tried to establish a gluing plane by intersecting the work with a large rectangular block... and cutting away everything I don't need.

I use the move key to make a second copy and the scale tool set to minus 1 to reverse the object. I then slide everything back together and make it a group as best I can. Should not things that are put right next to each other lock onto their counterpart? Can I work on the boundary between the two "components" or "groups" without having to "explode?"

It seems like things get out of line hours later when I discover there are two lines in some places.

Thanks for any suggestions.

John D.

GreyHead · 29 Apr 2008, 21:11

To make a symmetrical shape, create half of it. Hide the edges that meet. Make it a component, copy and 'paste in place', then scale the copy by -1. To finish make the two components into a new component.

Bob

Gidon Yuval · 1 May 2008, 05:33

Bob, that's a beautifully presented explanation.
How did you produce that page?

Sawduster · 2 May 2008, 13:34

Yeah, that is very cool, compact, and probably pretty quick. I noticed Jean-Paul using a similar method. Screen exports maybe.

GreyHead · 2 May 2008, 14:38

Thanks. Screen grabs and callouts with SnagIt; you have to use screen grabs or if you want to show any of the SU controls. Edited the final image in Xara because it make sit easy to re-size and shuffle on the page.

Bob