How do i get this shape?

Im currently using 3ds max 9 and new in it. Im stuck thinking what to do next. I was wondering whats the easiest method to get this spiral like path from what i have so far? convert it to editable poly, splines etc?

That's going to be a little tricky to explain, but the first thing you need to do is cut a square hole through the center, so yes, convert to editable poly.

Here's one way to get started on this project:

1. Create a box that extends all the way through the center of your spiral object.

2. Select the spiral object

3. In the "Create" menu select "Compound Objects"

4. Click the "Boolean" button

5. Click the "Pick Operand B" button

6. Select the box that runs through the center of the spiral object

7. Convert to editable poly

Boolean can be a messy procedure sometimes, and you might end up with a lot of cleanup work, but it's worth a try. I generally make a copy of the object I'm going to Boolean, so if it doesn't give me what I want, I can just delete it and I still have my original object intact.

alright that isnt a problem..now where do i go from here trying to get the shapes and getting them connected

It would probably be easier to start over. The way you're going right now is going to be very difficult to even get to a place where you can start refining the shape of the spiral.

I would start with a Dynamic Object > Spring. Choose Rectangular Wire and just play with the settings. This will get you something close to what you want very quickly. Once you get the basic shape, convert to editable poly and then just start refining the shape.

what are the modifiers that u think would be suitable to refine the shape. another thing, how do u make the stretch and object ucs the same because currently its 45degrees different so it stretches the wrong way

what are the modifiers that u think would be suitable to refine the shape.

This is where it gets very difficult to explain. You really need to watch some training DVD's or get a good beginners book so you can learn the basics of poly modeling in Max. There are so many modifiers and techniques and procedures that it would be impossible for me to try and explain all of them and how they all work and how you would use them on this model. Also, I use Max 2010, so some of the tools and procedures I use are not available in Max 9.

Basically what you need to do is start adding resolution to the model by adding in cut lines and then start pushing the vertices around until you get the shape you want.

To add a cut line, select an edge, hit the "Ring" button and then click "Connect". You can add multiple cut lines by clicking the little button next to the "Connect" button and then input the number of cut lines you require.

another thing, how do u make the stretch and object ucs the same because currently its 45degrees different so it stretches the wrong way

I'm not sure what you're asking?

Maybe you need to change your "Reference Coordinate System"? Try changing it to "Local" or "Gimbal".

its been a while since i last replied. anyway, i have a problem editing the spring into a rectangular shape

Can you provide a little more information? What exactly is the problem?

The rectangular wire spring can only be created as a squarish form, same dimension for all sides but i need it to be in rectangular as in the pictures.

You can make it rectangular. There is a "Width" and a "Depth" option that you can control. You can see those options in one of the screenshots I posted previously.

But regardless, the spring will only give you a basic shape. It's up to you to push and pull the vertices to create the proper shape of model. You can't just push a button and have the program do it for you.

Have you looked into getting yourself a book or some training DVD's as I suggested. Max is a very complex and deep program. It will be very difficult for you to learn simply by asking questions here in the forum. You need to learn the basics, and in my opinion, the best way is by watching someone else do it. That's why I always recommend DVD training.

It changes in terms of elevation but not plan

Since this is for an assignment i need to get the answers directly for the time being due to the lack of time. But i'll watch some video tutorials during some spare time

I can adjust the rectangular spring in both plan and elevation. but then again, I'm using Max 2010, although I think the same options were available in Max 9. Can you post a screenshot of your spring options in the Modify panel? You should have a "Depth" and a "Width" adjustment.

I used back the old method, the screenshot that i posted. Drew out lines on the object in autocad, extrude then subtract. Painstaking task but i find it easier to draw lines in autocad. After subtracting them all I would then have to pull or cut out a part of the objects to connect it to another one in 3ds max since autocad does no justice in terms of deforming and ucs stuff.

Whatever it takes to get the job done. I use several different programs to create models.

I use Autocad to draw 2D shapes which I then Import to Max for Extruding and modeling. As you said, it's much easier and faster to draw dimensionally accurate 2D shapes in Autocad. It can be done in Max, but it's much more difficult and time consuming.

I do all of my basic modeling, texture application and rendering in Max.

I use Photoshop to create materials and also for post production work to touch up my renders.

I use ZBrush for organic modeling and fine detail work.

It's the combination of these 4 programs that allows me to build anything I can imagine.