I've been playing with Carrara for some time now and I can't shake the feeling that Carrara does not like me. I like Carrara alot and I want to love it but it does not let me. I have planned a few models before sitting down and actually doing them but Carrara doesn't seem to want to cooperate at times. I have Carrara 1.0 with the Studio patch that turns it into Carrara Studio 1.1. Yes, many bugs and lock-ups were fixed but there are still a few little buggers running around. Now the reason why I feel that Carrara does not like me is because I've browsed the gallery many times and I feel that Carrara is capable of doing a lot. Actually, I know so because the possibilities are right in front of my face. The only thing is that sometimes even the smallest thing I wan't to create gets destroyed in one way or the other. For example, I went into the Vertex Modeler and I drew a diamond shape to lathe as a circle and the first time around, it distorted my shape by making it wider in the top segments. When I retried, it only lathed the top of the shape. (which is not what I wanted either) I know that Carrara does a lot for its price and that due to this, it is not exactly the most stable or best functioning 3D modeling prog out there but I still like it a lot and I want to stick with it for as long as I can. I just want to know why is it that for some things as simple as my example, it messes them up. I've seen the pics in the gallery and I've even had my doubts that some of them were fully made only in Carrara like the comments claim but I still have my hopes up. I'm just wondering if I'm doing something wrong and if anyone can help me by giving me a few tips on how to get better results from the Vertex Modeler.

As with most software it's a matter of learning the limitations and then finding a work-around to solve the problem. As for the Vertex Modeler I avoid it. Only reason being is that I started with RDS3 and it only had the Spline Modeler and I'm more familiar with that (and it saves to smaller files, is faster, more flexible). The lath operation has problems there also, the closer the "shape" to the axis point the more problematic it is. If you put-up an image of what you need someone may be able to give you a good answer. Also, litst has some tuts up at his site for the mesh modeler.

I don't want to avoid the Vertex Modeler. Instead, I want to experiment more in it. I don't think a picture is necessary for my problems since its only a small bug out of many but I guess I just need to learn more ways of getting around the bugs.

I'm a newbie here, but I like the vertex modeller. It's relatively stable and not TOOOOO difficult to use 8-) To practice in it, import a wavefront.obj file as vertex object, then select it and go to the modelling room. Try things like pulling on a vertex, selecting groups of polygons and deleting, linking one vertex to another, filling empty polygons, etc. You could try creating an object with a toroidal path in the spline modeller, then converting it to a vertex object in order to deform, increase polygon count, add thickness,etc. One of the bonuses is that you get good UV mapping when converting to a vertex object.

Axyum - don't be scared of the vertex modeller...there is really no reason to. Instead embrace it! Carrara is a great little program. I have it and 3DS Max r4 and I use them both...I've actually started using Carrara more and more (why? I have no clue!) Carrara is a great little program, but like you said there are still bugs in it. I believe a good portion of these bugs are in the Vertex room. It had massive problems before and still has some after the patch. I've heard talk of Carrara 2 coming out sometime fairly soon...but it was just talk, not confirmed by any credable source. Stick with it. It's a great program and capable of many things! Jared

I'm not running from the Vertex Modeler and I have a good understanding of how to manipulate vertices, lines and polys but its the simpler things that get to me.

Like I stated, a simple lathe goes wrong everytime I try it. I tried using different shapes to lathe but it still messed up. And there are other little things as well that make me go nuts because I see the pictures here and all I wonder is how much hassle these people had to go through to get it done right.

I'm still gonna stick to Carrara and I'll be one of the first in line to buy Carrara 2 if it ever comes out even if it only promises to be a little more stable then the first. I just gotta learn some work-arounds I guess.

Also, its nice to see the support some of you guys give this product and thats one of the reasons why I'm sticking to it. Carrara seems to have a user-base made that is made up of very enthusiastic people.

I use the spline modeler pretty much as well for the same reasons as Ax. I started on Corel Dream 3D and that's what I know. I use the vertex modeler when I have to but the spline modeler is fast and easy for me and I can get lots of stuff done with it. I will also be the first to confess that I need to learn more about the vertex modeler. That's why I have great confidence that Twillis and Litst will provide excellent tutorials for the CD (hint hint mystery guests).

I work almost entirely in the Vertex Modeller. I'm curious about the problem you're talking about with the Lathe Command. I'm thinking back on all the times I've used that command ... and I don't think I've had the kind of problem you're talking about, if I understand it correctly. Maybe if you posted a visual I could provide an answer... maybe.