Aligning the base to the grid

Next, you will align the cylinder to the grid in the Back view, to make the cylinder look like it is sitting on the ground. To do this accurately, you will need to set the pivot point of the cylinder.

Pivot points

When scaling or rotating an object, the transformation is applied about the object’s pivot point. When moving and snapping an object, it is the pivot point that is snapped to the specified position.

The pivot point is indicated by a small green icon. This is displayed only when the object is picked. By default, the pivot is at the center of the primitive.

The position of the pivot is modified using the Transform > Local > Set pivot tool.

1. Choose Transform > Local > Set pivot.

   

2. The pivot needs to be at the base of the cylinder. To move the pivot point to the base you will use curve snapping and select the bottom line of the cylinder.

   Hold the and buttons down together to turn on curve snapping.

3. Click the bottom edge of the cylinder with the . Using the right mouse button keeps the pivot point centered as it moves downwards.

   

   The pivot point snaps precisely onto the bottom edge of the cylinder.

   Release the and keys and the mouse button.

   

   TipIf you make a mistake, choose Edit > Undo to step back.

   Next, move the cylinder onto the grid.

4. Choose Transform > Move.
5. Hold down the key to turn on grid snap mode, and press and drag with the in any direction. The cylinder moves so that its pivot point always snaps to a grid intersection.

   Drag the cylinder to the origin.

   

   Release the Alt key to turn off grid snap mode.

   NoteYou can adjust the height of the base again using Transform > Non-p scale and the . The location of the pivot point makes the scaling easier to control.

Duplicating the cylinder

The cylinder now has a convenient pivot point location. To save time, you will copy this cylinder and then move and scale it to create the other components.

1. With the cylinder still picked, choose Edit > Copy.
2. Choose Edit > Paste.

   

   Your screen will appear not to have changed. However, a second cylinder has been placed in the same location as the first, and is selected, ready to be moved or scaled.

3. Choose Transform > Move.

4. As the cylinder is already selected, you don’t need to click the cylinder to move it.

   NoteWhen there are many objects on the screen, it is preferable to click away from the object when using any of the transform tools.
5. Click and drag using the (away from the objects) to move the new cylinder vertically away from the original.

   

   Next, you will snap this cylinder to the top of the first cylinder.

6. Check that the Transform > Move tool still has the red box outline, so it is active. If it isn’t active, choose it again.

   Hold down the and keys together to turn on curve snapping. Click the top edge of the original cylinder with the .

   

   The second cylinder moves to the top of the first cylinder.

   Release the and key to turn off curve snap mode.

7. Choose Transform > Scale and use the to scale the cylinder to match the width shown in the sketch.

   

8. Choose Transform > Non-p scale and use the to adjust the height of the cylinder to match the sketch.
   NoteWhen clicking and dragging the mouse, click in the background, away from all objects. This will make sure that no objects get accidentally picked or scaled.

Creating the lamp pillar

The same technique can be used to create the main pillar of the lamp stand.

1. With the second cylinder still selected, use Edit > Copy

   followed by Edit > Paste

   to create a third cylinder.

   

   A third cylinder is created in the same position as the second, and is active, ready to be moved.

2. Choose Transform > Move. Hold down the and keys to turn on curve snapping mode.
3. Click the top edge of the second cylinder to move the new cylinder into place.

   

4. Choose Transform > Scale and use the to scale the cylinder. Resize the cylinder to match the width of the pillar. Remember to click and drag in the background, away from the objects.
5. Choose Transform > Non-p scale and use the to adjust the height of the cylinder to match the sketch.

   

Building the lamp arm

Next, you will build the angled arm of the lamp.

1. With the third cylinder still selected, choose Edit > Copy

   followed by Edit > Paste.

2. Choose Transform > Move. Use the to move the cylinder into place.

   

3. Choose Transform > Rotate.

   

   The Transform > Rotate tool is used to rotate an object around its pivot point. The axis of rotation is determined by which mouse button you use:

   • The rotates around the x-axis
   • The rotates around the y-axis
   • The rotates around the z-axis
4. Using the , rotate the cylinder about the y-axis until it is approximately in position.

   

5. Choose Transform > Non-p scale and use the to adjust the length of the second pillar.

   

Create the hinge cylinder

One more cylinder will be added to complete the design of the arm.

1. Choose Surfaces > Primitives > Cylinder. Hold down the key to turn on grid snapping. Click near the grid intersection closest to the hinge.

   

2. Choose Transform > Move. Click and drag the to move the cylinder to the hinge position.

   

3. With the cylinder still selected, choose Transform > Scale. Click and drag the to resize the cylinder to match the hinge in the sketch.

   

   You have now completed the modeling for the base and the arm.

Saving your work

Choose File > Save as to save the current scene, and call your file mydesklamp2.