Helps needed to create model like Russian Dolls

laucity0513

Hi guys,

I am trying to create a model inside a model i.e. something like Russian Dolls. I know I can create the model first, replicate it then scale it down. BUT how can I make sure the distance between inner and outer model is constant?

For example, my outer model is a sphere with 5 m while inner model is 4m in diameter, how can I make sure the distance is 1m between two models?

Is there way to create this fast as I need to create multiple models like this, basically like a Russian Dolls.

Thanks for any help!

Dave R

If you're going to scale the model component/group, why don't you just invoke Scale about center when you use the Scale tool?

mitcorb

Very nice idea

laucity0513

Huh?

I don't get it... HAHA. Anyway thanks for replying.

I found a tutorial at 3D warehouse. Quite cool.
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=159e1bb8a8abeaa637df089dcb685cea&prevstart=0

Basically using Follow me tool, which I never thought before!

Erm, I have another question then. This method seems only work for symmetrical shape, what if I want to create an asymmetrical model?

Dave R

Follow Me would work nicely on successive symmetrical profiles. The method I suggested wouldn't require they be Follow Me shapes, though. What part don't you get?

laucity0513

How to duplicate second model and scale it down at the same time.

What I meant previously was I ctrl + M to duplicate the model. Since ctrl + M means the second model will be shifted from the original position. Scale down the second model then move the it back to "inside" of the first model again, which is not accurate in judging the distance then.

How did you duplicate a new model while scale it down at the same time so that the distance between two models is constant throughout all the edges/ faces?

Thanks for your help!

Gaieus

Copy the existing model onto the clipboard with Ctrl+C (make it a group or component first)
Scale the existing model with the Scale tool using the Shift+Ctrl mod keys (it will scale uniformly about the center IF you use any but the corner grips)
Now paste in place (Edit menu) the original copy you copied in the clipboard.
This will work best with shapes that are the same size all the way (like spheres). Otherwise try to use a plugin like Joint PushPull (although with extremely weird shapes, especially concave ones, that may not be accurate either)

Dave R

I moved the copies along a line, scaled the copies as needed and moved them back so they were centered on the same point. Make it easy for yourself and move them along an axis and to distances you can remember so you can easy move them back. Use Guidelines to identify centerlines if you need them. I was doing these while you wrote so here they are.
unnested gears.png

Edited to add: Gai's idea is excellent. You would just repeat the operation as many times as you need to get the number you want.

laucity0513

THANKS GUYS!!!

You all really helps me a lot! Really appreciate. I will try both to see which one suit my model.

Thanks!