3ds Max Modeling offers an unparalleled, project-based learning strategy for graphic designers, illustrators, video producers, motion graphic artists, visual effects artists, and animators who are interested in getting the most out of 3ds Max modeling. Because the book touches on nearly every aspect of the software, Max users of all skill levels will find some benefit, though this book is primarily targeted to 3D artists seeking to learn 3ds Max to add it to their existing arsenal of software.

Mechanical modelling at your reach

If you’re not a beginner buy this book at your own risk... but you can buy it anyway because perhaps it contains something new or even because it’s so massive that you’re bound to learn something... or even just to enjoy the DVD and it’s extras (like a 3D Palace video tutorial of the Sentinel in Matrix).
For the new guy... this book will teach you a great deal about most (or all) the principal tools used in Max to model, specially mechanical models but even an organic mesh, like the android is shown and taught.
Be ready for some serious reading through the 800 and plus pages... the models may not be pretty but will teach you much... and it’s a really good opportunity to see the workflow from someone of the industry...

A Great Introduction to Max Modelling

I could not agree less with the previous reviewer. All the models in the book are on the cover. If you don’t like the models on the cover, then why buy the book. Are they the best bots ever? No. But then the author says on page viii "This book will not teach you to buy the coolest bots ever. If that’s what you’re looking for, might I suggest two excellent Gnomon Workshop DVDs . . ." The author points the models chosen were not picked to teach design, but rather to give the reader the opportunity to learn the widest variety of Max modeling tools and techniques in the shortest amount of time. To that end he succeeded.

This book is deisgned for beginning modelers, not advanced modelers. A lot of books that teach beginning modeling using models of fish or cartoon characters or wine glasses, or something equally lame. At least this book tries to teach modeling with models that are halfway cool. That said, take a look at the average spaceship model. Yeah it looks really cool, but it’s basically a bunch of greebled boxes. It may look cool, but what can you learn from it.

As for mistakes . . . I didn’t find any. The book is a little too long, perhaps, but that’s because Weimer doesn’t skip any steps. This may frustrate intermediate or advanced modelers, but speaking just for myself, when I’m learning to use a new tool, I hate authors who skip steps. Weimer even tells you what hot keys to use and illustrates every step with graphics.

So . . . if you’re new to Max modelling and want to learn to use a LOT of tools to build techy models, you’ll love this book. If you’re looking for something on great designs, like the previous review, you’ll probably hate it. The best recommendation I can make to you is to check out the cover and Weimer has posted a number of detailed pictures of the cover mech on 3D Palace ([...]). That’s where I first learned of the book.

Do not buy this piece of garbage!!!!!!!

This book is very disappointing. The book only has 4 mechs to work with and are pretty crappy looking designs. Tutorials are poorly executed and poorly explained. I don’t think the author knew what he was doing. very inaccurate explanations.