Using StretchTM
StretchTM is a useful property found on nodes, but it is somewhat hidden. It is particularly useful for bones.
In this video I cover two uses of the StretchTM matrix. I show how you can set up bones to stretch along with another bone, as well as how to change the wirecolor of a bone based on how far it has been stretched.
Parameter Wire Copying
Max does not allow you to copy/paste parameter wires, as it does with most other controller types. This is still capable, however, through MAXScript.
This video shows you how to go about creating an instance (cake walk) and unique copy. When creating a unique copy, it copies the controller but the wire no longer updates along with it’s targeted track. Really, all the copy needs is a kick in the butt to get it to start working again.
This can really help improve workflow, as it allows you to set up instances of wires throughout your rig and easily copy from one track to the next rather than manually connecting each time.
New Wacom Tablet
I just bought a new Wacom Bamboo tablet the other day and am very pleased with it so far. I have never been a heavy tablet user, and I’m not sure that I ever really will be, but following the advice of Paul Neale I started using my old Graphire to do skinning and creating morph targets.
As mentioned above, I used to own old-school Graphire tablets. They were only the smalls sizes, and I only ever used them for creating texture maps. I never thought of using them in Max because I just couldn’t see how navigating 3d space could comfortably work. I’ve had my Graphire4 sitting around since college, collecting dust, and had never even considered trying it for skinning.
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