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Revolve Tool

The Revolve tool allows you to create 3D objects by rotating a face around an axis. This tool is similar to the Revolve feature in Fusion 360, creating objects with rotational symmetry.

How to Use

  1. Select a mesh object
  2. Activate the Revolve tool from the DAMTools menu
  3. Select the axis mode from the popup menu (Origin, 3D Cursor, or Edge)
  4. Select a face to revolve
  5. If you chose Edge mode, select the edge to use as axis
  6. Adjust the angle and subdivisions
  7. Confirm to create the new object

Modes

Axis Mode Selection

When activating the tool, a popup menu will appear to choose the axis mode: - Origin Mode: Revolve around the object's origin - 3D Cursor Mode: Revolve around the 3D cursor - Edge Mode: Revolve around a selected edge

You can also change the axis mode during face selection: - O: Switch to Origin mode - C: Switch to 3D Cursor mode - E: Switch to Edge mode

Interactive Steps

  1. Face Selection: First, select the face you want to revolve
  2. Edge Selection (only in Edge Mode): Select the edge to use as the revolution axis
  3. Angle Adjustment: Move the mouse vertically to adjust the revolution angle (0-360°)

Controls

During Face/Edge Selection

  • Left Click: Select face/edge
  • O/C/E: Change axis mode
  • Middle Mouse: Navigate camera
  • ESC/Right Click: Cancel operation

During Angle Adjustment

  • Mouse Movement: Adjust angle
  • SHIFT + Movement: Fine angle adjustment (lower sensitivity)
  • CTRL/ALT + Movement: Rapid angle adjustment (higher sensitivity)
  • Mouse Wheel: Adjust subdivisions
  • Number Keys (0-9): Direct angle input
  • Up/Down Arrows: Adjust angle in ±5° increments
  • Left/Right Arrows: Adjust angle in ±15° increments
  • CTRL: Snap to 15° increments
  • ALT: Snap to 5° increments
  • SHIFT: Snap to 45° increments
  • Left Click/Space/Enter: Confirm and create object
  • ESC/Right Click: Cancel operation

Result

The tool creates a new object with the revolved geometry. The original object remains unchanged.

Tips

  • For best results, select a face that has one edge near the intended axis of revolution
  • Higher subdivision values create smoother curved surfaces
  • Use SHIFT for precise angle adjustments when you're close to the desired value
  • Use CTRL/ALT for rapid adjustments when you need large changes
  • Use number keys to enter an exact angle
  • The preview shows exactly how the final object will look