How Convert 3d low poly model to rebar

mkochsch · 15 Sept 2019, 02:09

Hi all, [updated]
I'm trying to create a 30 per cent larger than life-sized model of a bison in 1/2, 7/16 and 3/8" steel rod or possibly rebar for Christmas. I'm going to hang lights on it. It'll be like a ribbed-cage when completed.
I have my low poly model (see Bison link below). What I want to do is make an exo-skeleton pattern from it with 6" to 10" spacing as demanded by the model. I'll probably want to have my first outline along the spine and head and various outline along XYZ axises at key points. I'll project major outlines to a wall and work and weld my metal that way building it up to an actual free standing sculpture.
Question. What's the best way to do this? Manually by hand? Is there a plugin which can already do this?
Thanks ~m
Edited: I've had some success with TIG's Slicer6 but because of the fluid nature of the lines being asymmetrical I have to make several passes rotating the model in different positions along the axis. (I knew this wasn't going to be easy.)