"""""""""""""""How do you get to the flat command?""""""""""""

Using the edit frame. If you look in the screenshot I posted of it, you will see I circled the handle to the one side. If you grab that handle and drag it to the middle, you will get a "flat" snap, which means you have scaled everything in 1d to flat.

The trimming is supposed to work like it did for you. Just if you see it trim a bunch of weird stuff in multiple directions, you can refer to what I posted to give it a chance..


""""""""""""""How do you offset a curve that is on a surface on the same surface?""""""""""

The offset wont do a "stay on the surface" operation, but you could use projection to do this. Since you already have a curve, you can view it in one of the planar views, duplicate it (Use the flat again), move it over the amount you want, then project it onto the surface again.

Hi Sharif,

For some more info on flat snap see here:
http://moi3d.com/2.0/docs/moi_command_reference11.htm#editframe

re: offset - yeah offset is mostly oriented towards offsetting a planar curve, and the offset happens in the same plane that the curve is in.

It is possible to offset a non-planar curve but it then happens in some pieces that use the construction plane as a frame of reference.

There isn't any way currently to offset a curve that is on a surface and keep it on the surface all in one operation. Sometimes you may want to build a tube around your curve and use the Construct > Curve > Isect command to generate intersection curves between the tube and the surface to get something like that though.

- Michael

Or perhaps I can use the Array-direction command

Thanks

""""""""Or perhaps I can use the Array-direction command"""""""""""""""

Yes, in this instance it will work for those trim lines, because they are just uni-directional in nature. The paneling will be spaced properley. But there will be times when you need the curves layed out, or the spacing will become distorted. Thats where this command can make a difference over just a straight directional array.

Make variable tubular structures is now a game's boy :)
LineWeb + Pipe2 http://plugmoi.voila.net/index.htm#Pipe

Can be useful for emulate Rotation along a curve ;)

Here is an additional control method for using the LineWeb script:


I was working on an alternate method for creating the arcs used to make the pipes in the "bird cage" ring tutorial.

The LineWeb script was a perfect tool for this process. Basically, I have a few closed-curves to define the ring's shape and I want arcs perfectly arranged around these curves. These arcs have to flow at a sweeping angle.

[The LineWeb script - here in a previous post: http://moi3d.com/forum/index.php?webtag=MOI&msg=3666.10 ]


A problem arose where LineWeb would naturally follow the true start/end points of the target curves. I could not control where the LineWeb would construct the lines.
If there was a command or script that could reposition the start-point in a closed curve, I would like to know.
(Also, the curves made by LineWeb yielded a chaotic result, but the use of the non-UI "Flip" command on the center closed-curved fixed that issue.)

But there is an easy remedy: Use the Loft command to reposition the control points.


You'll notice here that LineWeb has created some essentially well-ordered curves that have an expected "straight" distribution.
It isn't what I wanted in this case.




Here, I'll use the Loft command to get control over my hidden start/end control points.
Use the "Straight" option in the Loft dialog. This way, the result retains your intermediate curves. Otherwise, Loft will not recreate them.




You can now reposition your control points anywhere you need them.




Delete your original curve as you no longer want those. Drill-select the new edge curves that define the Loft object and Copy those.
Now delete the Loft object and Paste your saved closed-curves.




Here again, you can use the LineWeb scipt. Make sure you select your closed-curves in a desired succession as you would for Loft.




As you can see, the new LineWeb curves follow an angled sweep.
Now, I have the desired appearance for the ring made in my project.

How can I completely missed this thread...

Thanks for the script.


Peace,
Rich_Art. ;-)

..me too....thanks to you Rich,i discovered this tool ! (thanks to Michael and the guys of this thread too)