Problem with attaching on model

[Anonymous]

Hello there! I have some problem, for which solution i even made an account there.
I have some model, which mesh got separated on 2 different parts, and i need to export it without any skin loss\etc.
Well, i found out how to do it - via attaching, but there's another problem..
Skeleton, which was also separated, is totally breaking - all the bones of other mesh part disappear, and i have bones only from the first part.
How can i merge the mesh parts without breaking the skeleton?
P.S. i have VERY low 3ds max experience, so i hope you can somehow help me, im using Autodesk 3ds max design 2013.
If the solution is easy or you dont think i will get it, i can send you model. ^^

[simpsonk]

Hi there!  Nice model!

First, let me summarize your problem as I understand it:  You need to combine two meshes that each have a skeleton.  When you attach them, you lose one of the skeletons.  (correct?)

Here is my suggestion:

1)  Make a copy of each mesh.

2)  Attach the copies to each other until you only have one mesh using Edit Poly or Edit Mesh.

3)  Add a Skin Wrap modifier to the new mesh from step 2.

4)  In the Skin Wrap modifier, pick all of the original meshes.  (Use "Add" to put them into the top list)

5)  Your single mesh should deform using the weighting that you had on the original parts.  Check this by playing some test animation on your bones, and use the settings in Skin Wrap to make adjustments.  It should look pretty good by default.

6)  When you are happy that the new model deforms correctly, at the bottom of the first rollout in the Skin Wrap Modifier, choose Convert to Skin. 

7)  This will mute the Skin Wrap modifier and add a Skin modifier with both skeletons.  (Then you could delete the Skin Wrap modifier if you want.)

I hope this helps.  Good luck!