Manipulate sphere to "dip" on a side

[tzframpton]

I recently came across the Squeeze modifier. I think it's a great modifier but I'm not sure that it's exactly what I'm after. I'm trying to find a way to have any particular side of a sphere (or any object, rather) "dip" a little. For some reason I can't think of another word other than "dip" so I feel stupid, lol.

 

Attached are a couple of images of the end goal.

 

below is a piece of furniture. Forget the individual slats and try and think of this as a solid mass. The contours I can make but the "dip" which is the seat is what I'm after:

 

I'd like to completely recreate this chair:

 

This is for the guy who CNC'ed my daughters Kitchen Helper in the thread below in my signature. We "swapping services" so to speak. Got to make a contoured solid mass first though. I actually got pretty close in Revit but it's more difficult because of all the steps it takes, so attempting in 3ds Max now. Seems a ton easier but getting it into DWG format is harder than going from Revit to DWG. Anyways, it seems I'm almost there and I can definitely manage once I get it into AutoCAD for the additional things I'll be doing.

 

Here's a quick video of how I approached this using the Squeeze modifier, but the modifier squeezes the entire object and I'm just wanting to squeeze or "dip" one side only:

 

Thanks in advance!

[tzframpton]

Okay so I got a little further actually by manipulating the Center of the modifier:

 

Still would like to know if I'm approaching this the correct way, or if there's a better way about doing this. Again, thanks!

[Rewind23]

@StyK - just a thought..Maybe might work..Try the "Use Soft Selection" this is under the Graphite Modeling Tool.With this, you can have the control of which vertices you wanted to move/adjust to get the curve for the "dip" I dont know too the right term for that.

[tzframpton]

WOW!!! That is an awesome tip!! I can get used to this function. Thanks a ton Rewind, much appreciated. I'll see how well I do with this option.

 

Since you've posted I've been scrolling through the Help file and looking at other modifiers too and it's just crazy how easy it is to manipulate 3D objects in this program.

[Rewind23]

WOW!!! That is an awesome tip!! I can get used to this function. Thanks a ton Rewind, much appreciated. I'll see how well I do with this option.

 

Since you've posted I've been scrolling through the Help file and looking at other modifiers too and it's just crazy how easy it is to manipulate 3D objects in this program.

 

@StyK - Glad to help..Well, goodluck to your project sir...update us about the progress of your work.

[Cad64]

Here's a few things you might be interested in checking out:

 

Chair modeling tutorial: http://cg.tutsplus.com/tutorials/autodesk-3d-studio-max/model-and-texture-a-stylish-modern-chair-with-3ds-max-and-mental-ray/

 

Paint Deformation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm4dIjcBhyA

[tzframpton]

Cad64, thanks for the tutorials, especially the Chair Modeling one. I learned so much from watching that tutorial (FFD 4x4x4, Edit Poly, Loop Selection, Camera, Lights, etc) and still am amazed at the tools and controls that are available, and how easy it is to manipulate 3D objects in 3ds. I'm still working on modeling some of this abstract furniture and when I get something done I'll try and post my results.