what setting in the joint editors do I use to create joints that that have a limited bend like the bear trap, and also joints that don't blend or affect surrounding parts. trying to make a robot. Anybody have any ideas? Thank in advance

It's not in the joint Parameters...Select the object properties box and turn the bend off (unchecked). The bear trap is a half and half, some parts have bend on others do not. It took me forever to figure this one....:)

heya; you can limit the amount of bend by setting the min/max for the rotation dials. for example, if you want, say, a bear trap jaw to only rotate between 0 and 45 degrees on the x axis, double click it's xrot dial, and enter 0 and 45 as the min and max. you can also double click the y and z and set the min/max to zero to prevent bending on those axes. for the parts that move, but don't 'bend' (that is, you dont want the mesh to deform), hit ctrl-i and uncheck the body part's bend box.

I really appreciate your help, I think this will definately solve the problem. Seems kind of easy, but who would have thought?. Thanks again Gray

On limiting movement, don't forget to turn limits on after your set the min/max on the dials (another one I always forget).

thnaks again.

thanks again.