Help with FSDS Booleans

[model_maker]

Hi,

I can't get the booleans to work in FSDS v 3.5.1.  Not even on the sample that is included in the program.  I am asking for help here because I only have a little time off and want to get back to finish my project.  The technical support team is taking their time answering my email.

Basically, the problem is that after lining up the tool and the main piece, I select the the main piece, then the tool (like the docs say) then I use Part>Boolean  Op, but all I get is an error message that says "Error found on Boolean part".  Any advise is welcome.

-The Bat

[jrom]

I had the same problem. Let's just put it this way, booleans in FSDS 3.5.1 don't work unless the shape hasn't been modified (which makes this tool almost useless). This is probaly why the Tech Support staff are taking their time (they know it doesn't work).

Even if it does work, it looks very strange. So if you have stuff you need to do boolean on, do it in GMAX (Gmax booleans work WAY better). There are ways to port stuff from FSDS to GMAX and back.

[garryrussell]

TBH I get that same error at times and when it does work it's a mess so I just cut the shapes out manually.

I have spoken to others who say it does not work well in FSDS.

Garry

[Felix/FFDS]

WHen I get a mental relapse and actually do a boolean in FSDS (the actual function, not my "manual"  version which is a masochist's delight) ...


Generally, I do my FSDS booleans on a COPY of the original, structured,  part.

Before going into the boolean, I will retriangulate the part by performing a "check parts"  operation on THAT part alone.

Then I will do the boolean.

IF it doesn't work that way, I'll port over into gmax, do a boolean or shape merge on the part(s) and port back...  :)

[model_maker]

Well thank you all for confirming what I thought I would have to do.
Normally I work in Maya.  I bought FSDS because I thought maybe it would have shortcuts to create aircraft. I guess I can only use it as a compiler.

I appreciate your help.

Ed - The Bat

[Felix/FFDS]

As a modelling program, FSDS does NOT have as many features/functions/tools as others, notable Maya, gmax, etc etc.

If you know MAYA, you're almost better off modelling in MAYA and exporting the mesh into FSDS (as a non-animated, non-textured dxf file) to finish off, or to gmax (as a 3ds mesh, that generally preserves mapping)

Animating and such finishing off in gmax is the easy part.

[jrom]

As a modelling program, FSDS does NOT have as many features/functions/tools as others, notable Maya, gmax, etc etc.

If you know MAYA, you're almost better off modelling in MAYA and exporting the mesh into FSDS (as a non-animated, non-textured dxf file) to finish off, or to gmax (as a 3ds mesh, that generally preserves mapping)

Animating and such finishing off in gmax is the easy part.

I agree. I used to just use FSDS, but now I have discovered GMAX and use that for everything but part names, materials and exporting.

[Felix/FFDS]

I agree. I used to just use FSDS, but now I have discovered GMAX and use that for everything but part names, materials and exporting.

Before Fr. Bill comes in and goes into apoplectic shock ...   Do you mean to tell me that after creating your model in gmax, you bring it back to FSDS to finish it off?

[jrom]

I agree. I used to just use FSDS, but now I have discovered GMAX and use that for everything but part names, materials and exporting.

Before Fr. Bill comes in and goes into apoplectic shock ...