Extrude edge

[paul]

Hi,

Can anyone help me please?

I can manually extrude an edge by selecting the edge ( & Shift) and dragging. But I don't get accurate measurements, as soon as I take my cursor off the edge to type in a measurement, I no longer have that ability to type it in ( I don't want to use snapping).

I want to specify the direction and how long to extrude. I don't want to use a plugin if possible.

Any help appreciated. I've messed about with it but I cant figure it out.

Ive asked elsewhere, but thought this is really the best place to ask the question.

Thanks

[Daf]

Hi,

You can use the modeling ribbon - shift click on extrude, with an edge selected, and you will get the caddy where you can input your values. See attached. Hope that helps! 🙂

Daf

[paul]

Hi Daf,

Thanks for your help, though unfortunately, it is only half of it. I take it the edge extrudes in the direction of the normal? I would like to be able to constrain it into going in either the X,Y & Z direction

Thanks again.

Paul

[ekahennequet]

It's a workaround, but you can give it a try. Use the same Caddy extrude method that Daf mentioned, but enter the value of "0" for both Height and Base Width and hit OK checkmark. Then use the relative Transform method and type in the value of "extrusion." Here, you're not actually extruding, you're just transforming an already-extruded edge. The problem with this is that edge-extrude using the caddy method creates triangles to form a base and will be hidden in this case. You must either delete them or weld the vertices to get rid of them later.*

Any reason why you don't want to use the Snap?

*Edited text: You must weld the vertices. There will be extra vertices at the base as well.

[paul · Accepted solution]

Thank you ekahennequet

                         Thats works great and i'm ok with welding the vetices afterwoods. Small price to pay.

I have never been happy with snaps, they are ok if i have built the model in CAD and want to build a low poly version in Max. Just import the model and snap my geometry to it as a i go.

Thanks once again

Paul

[ekahennequet]

You're welcome, Paul. There may be Maxscripts out there that does the same thing, but I've not spent time investigating it. Edge Extrude options in Max could use improvements and need XYZ options.

[PROH]

Hi. Try this script: http://www.scriptspot.com/3ds-max/scripts/extend-borders
As far as I can tell, It's doing exactly what you want.

Hope it helps

[paul · Accepted solution]

Hi PROH,

           I know i didnt want to use a plugin but that script is perfect, thank you. Better in fact, as you can control the angle as well.

Thanks every one for your help. Things just got a little easier.

Paul

[ekahennequet]

That script looks great, PROH. I should have a look at it. Thank you. 🙂