Rigging an arm/elbow? with weights only?

[Slinker]

Is it posible to make a good looking forarm rigg with only joints and weigthing. Making the forarm rotate 90deg´s is no problem im just having a real problem when it comes to 90+deg´s. Is ther a good tutorial for this? Hope my question makes sens =)

Thanks!

[Thermidor]

you could try using an extra joint for the elbow itself ... and use joints parented to the main joints to tidy deformation. this maya , or max?

[Slinker]

Im using max. What joint shuld that elbow joint be conected to? Is this a comon solution?
I must say i realy appreciate peopel like u that take time an help a rigging newbe like me!!!

[Thermidor]

im by no means a rigging expert , and i only use maya really , but , if you place a small joint between the bicep part of the arm and the elbow , and have that do 50% of the rotation , it should help deformation some. i dont know really how it all works in max now days , last time i used it they were using phisique.

[Hollowmind]

http://jhaywood.com/croiProjectArm00.htm

FatAssassin has some great tutorials on his site setting up some good arm rigs. What's great about his tutorials he shows how to do them in different ways so you can kinda' pick and choose what you'd prefer. Only thing he's missing is a tutorial on doing FK/IK switching with an arm rig. /images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Slinker]

Tnx a loot! Both of you! I think that page gave me some good answers, im going to try some stuff when i get back form eating pizza =)

[King of Daveness]

Hi dude.. in my experience you need a forearm twist bone. Dont forget Paul Neale (PEN scripts) if your looking for max rigging nirvana. He is soooo the man.

[Slinker]

ok, tnx for that tip. I will try both technique. I think i will lern to do as mutch i can about boones and the skin modifier befor i start using plugins! But tnx!