How to properly soften edges on hardsurface?

armagon

Hi! I'm trying to make weapons in Blender and my workflow looks like this:

1. I draw the weapon outline in Inkscape
2. I import the outline in Blender and extrude it.
   
3. I make some adjustments in 3D space, and it usually looks like this: http://motionworks.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Nerf20.jpg
4. Then i get a blocky weapon.
   

I would like to learn how to properly smooth the edges of some parts of the gun, like the stock with some radius and the barrel with another. I've tried using Bevel and other tools in Blender, but it always ends up looking too round.  I've seen some tools for Maya around and i would love to know if there's something similar for Blender.

Thanks in advance, guys!

Axi5

Look up subdivisions

armagon

Yep, i did that. Cranked up the subdivisions and applied bevel on the sides, but it only made my box look like a semi-pipe. I'm looking for something like this:

https://us.v-cdn.net/5021068/uploads/editor/vj/76v1x5rrbk9l.png

Or maybe this:

http://image.noelshack.com/fichiers/2016/16/1461279623-bevel-copy.jpg

Axi5

That first example uses creasing, Blender equivalent here:
https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/dev/modeling/meshes/editing/edges.html#edge-crease

The second example bevels edges with multiple segments, take a look at the section on segments here:
https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/dev/modeling/meshes/editing/subdividing/bevel.html

igi

working exclusively from side view will give your models boxy look. It's best to work with reference pictures and some blueprints(if available) to nail correct proportions. Reference pictures will give you insight about actual 3d look of the object.

SnowInChina

the best addon for blender for this stuff would be hardops (not free)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOr0RBraRaI

but you should learn subd modeling, theres an entire thread dedicated to this here
http://polycount.com/discussion/56014/how-the-f-do-i-model-this-reply-for-help-with-specific-shapes-post-attempt-before-asking#latest

armagon

Thank you, guys. Lot's of info! Any other tuts you guys would recommend for Blender?