[kprice1658]

Having trouble blending the top surface and top tapered extrusion. I think its got something to do with adding the cap manually. It would not cap the tapered extrusion during the extrude process. I'm sure its something I've done that there is a better way to so it.

THanks,
Kevin

[Splint]

Kevin,

i had a look at it in Rhino 3 and noticed that there may be an issue with the edges not being joined at one or more points. The questionable area is circled. This may be a display issue as I couldn't snap to the extruded surface to do a distance check. Have a look at your file and see if you come up with the same thing.

Cheers
Splint

[kprice1658]

Splint,

I'm a newby at Rhino - that corner came from the extrusion - so wouldn't it automatically be joined?

Kevin

[Splint]

Kevin,
I didn't look at it properly, the section which appeared to not be joined was part of the sidewall surface, I incorrectly thought it was the side surface not meeting the top surface.
If you're not aware, the blend function does not alter existing surfaces, it simply creates a surface in the gap between two other surfaces. I lifted the top surface slightly and created a blend surface, see the attached image.
I suspect that the reason why the fillet command is not working is because the complexity of the surfaces. Maybe trim the top edge of the side wall and scale down the top surface and try fillet or sweep2rails or extrude along curve commands. If all else fails check out the loft command.

Cheers
Splint

[kprice1658]

Splint,
Thats probably the best idea - try to simplify the object.

Although - I sent the file to my brother - he did it in about 10 minutes with Solidworks...

I'll keep playing with it...best way to learn.

thanks,
kevin