Modeling an axe blade

[Kjellis85]

I have an axe blade that I am trying to model, but I am having a hard time getting the model to be 360. It seems that it is having problems with the narrow sides of the axe, like it isn't getting enough information. I tried taking a lot more pictures from that angle, but it only work for one of the sides. Anyone have any tips? I am masking the images by the way.

[James]

I assume the blade isn't shiny/reflective? That would confuse the software as the reflections will be different from every angle.

If there is not enough information to align the images in the blade alone, then make sure your background has information that will allow the images to align. Only then mask out the background if necessary before building geometry.

Still, if the blade is smooth or shiny then it probably won't work too well.

[shoesam]

From other experience with scanning, I suggest you try these tips:

1) spray the axe with Whiting spray.....this is not a paint but something that disappears over time so it will not affect the product.

2) project a pattern onto the now ( white) axe, video projector.

doing this will increase the points recognized by the software.

[Kjellis85]

Thanks for the tips, but the Axe is a corroded 15th century timber axe, so there is no reflection issue. There is no way to cover it with anything, as it is protected by heritage law. I do get a lot of points, only not on the narrow side. There are also issues with getting the images sharp enough when I try to go closer in. Anyone have any tips on optics? I have been using a Nikon D300s with a 80-24 (I think) set at 24mm f22. Is this optimal for this job?