CompuServe Messages

Jeffrey, Some people find that AutoCAD with its precision is better suited to model creation than 3DS. Other people such as myself find the tools in 3DS more than sufficient for the task at hand. Remember that AutoCAD DXF models have a tendency to be of a high face count, which is important for plotting and precision but frequently less so for solid modeling, where the shaders are efficient at creating smooth surfaces with a minimum of faces. Being proficient in both AutoCAD and 3DS is quite a feat that few have mastered. But I think you will find that AutoCAD will have some tools and features that will compliment 3DS very nicely, especially where precision in terms of scale and size is concerned. I would like a few of the features of AutoCAD implemented in the Shaper, such as being able to trim, extend and fillet for instance but there are ways to get the desired result in the Shaper without using these functions. I find that modeling in 3DS is more efficient in most cases. With highly detailed or complex models being proficient with AutoCAD will certainly help. -JE