Modeling a Time Machine - Part 1

In this chapter, we are going to begin building a time machine! So far, we've seen a little bit of the 3D workflow by editing an existing model, but now it's time to use some of those skills to build a model from scratch. This first part of the project will introduce you to the main modeling methods we will be using to build the time machine: box modeling and modeling with modifiers.

Box modeling is one of the oldest methods of modeling in the 3D industry; it uses primitives and extrusions to build up the major forms of a model before refining them into the final form. Primitives are standard geometrical shapes that we can use as a starting point for our models— a plane, cube, sphere, cylinder, cone, and torus.

Modeling with modifiers is somewhat unique to Blender. Modifiers are a very powerful set of non-destructive tools that let us generate new geometry, deform existing geometry, and perform other complex edits to our models without damaging the underlying mesh.

Throughout this chapter, we will be expanding on the things you have already learned and developing skills to make you a more effective modeler. And of course, we'll sprinkle in some other tips and tricks along the way. We will use repetition and common workflows to learn how to build the chair for the time machine, and when we're finished with the chair, we will put those skills to use in the next chapter and finish off the rest of the time machine.

In this chapter, we will cover the following topics:

• Using transformation hotkeys
• Setting up the reference images for the time machine
• Box modeling the main section of the chair
• Destructive editing versus non-destructive editing
• Modeling the cushions of the chair
• Modeling the sci-fi rings with modifiers
• Modeling the armrests