Why do you use helper edges, instead of just extruding and scaling?

Question

Answer 1 · 2018-03-14T18:15:45Z

Kent Trammell replied March 14, 2018 6:15pm

I'm not exactly sure what you mean...helper edges maintain a sharp edge for use with subdivision surface smoothing (subsurf). Extruding and scaling doesn't serve the same purpose. Though I may be misunderstanding the question.

Answer 2 · 2018-03-15T08:03:51Z

replied March 15, 2018 8:03am

I'm sorry that my question was a bit unclear, I meant the edge loop you extruded at around 1:09 and deleted afterwards. What makes it a better method that just extruding and scaling to the 3d cursor in the middle (of the entire object, so exactly in the middle of the mirrored object)?

Answer 3 · 2018-03-15T14:29:36Z

Kent Trammell replied March 15, 2018 2:29pm

Oh oh, my bad. I did use the term "helper edge" in the video but incorrectly translated that to "holding edge" - 2 very different things. I'm the causer of confusion here!

So in that specific case, the oblong nature of the shape means scaling would not produce an even bevel; the top/bottom edges of the bevel would be a shorter distance than the side edges. Using ALT + S to push the helper edge according to the normal is what gave me an even bevel.

Though in hindsight, the technique in the video is not the optimal option. I could have filed the face, extruded slightly and then used the bevel operator to get an even bevel. That would have likely been optimal.