Which Aspire 3D modeling tool should I use: Create Shape, Two Rail Sweep, Turn and Spin, or Extrude and Weave?

Overview

Applies to: Aspire 12.5 only. Create Shape, Two Rail Sweep, Turn and Spin and Extrude and Weave are Aspire modeling tools and are not in VCarve Pro.

Aspire has four core 3D modeling tools, and there is often more than one correct tool for a given shape. Each tool has unique features that make it the best choice in different situations. This entry explains how to choose between Create Shape, Two Rail Sweep, Turn and Spin, and Extrude and Weave based on what you are trying to make.

The Key Lesson: Same Shape, Multiple Tools

You can create the same circular molded disc shape using three different tools:

Method A: Create Shape (Custom profile)

1. Draw a circle vector
2. Draw an open vector profile (the molding cross-section with a leg)
3. Select both, open Create Shape - Custom and click Apply. Leave Blend To Inner Vectors unchecked so the profile sweeps around the outline.
4. Result: circle with the molding profile swept around it

Method B: Two Rail Sweep

1. Draw two concentric circles (inner and outer rail)
2. Select both as drive rails in Two Rail Sweep
3. Select the molding profile as the cross-section
4. Result: a circular molded disc

Method C: Turn and Spin (Spin)

1. Draw the molding profile as an open vector
2. Position the left end point at the center of the desired disc
3. Open Turn and Spin and choose Spin
4. Result: a circular molded disc

All three produce a similar shape. The difference is which tool gives you the most control for your specific next step.

Tool Selection Guide

Use Create Shape when:

• You have a single closed vector (or a set of closed vectors) and want to apply a profile to it
• The shape is relatively simple (dome, pyramid, flat, custom profile)
• You want fast results with minimal setup
• You need Fade or Tilt applied during creation
• The vector can be any closed shape: text, irregular outlines, stars, logos

Unique feature Create Shape has that others don't: Fade and Tilt in the creation form, a Base Height option, and it works on any closed vector regardless of shape complexity

Best for: Quick dome, bevel or custom profile shapes on existing design vectors; adding beveled edges to text

Use Two Rail Sweep when:

• You have two drive rail vectors (open or closed) and need precise control over both the inner and outer edge of the swept shape
• The shape needs to follow a non-circular path (rectangles, irregular frames, curved paths)
• You need multiple cross-sections that blend along the path (for example a profile that transitions from round at one end to square at the other)
• You want to fill the center of a closed shape (sign face plus border in one operation) with Fill center of inner closed vector rails
• You need corner control using Add To All Rail Nodes

Unique feature Two Rail Sweep has that others don't: Two independent rails give precise width control, multiple cross-sections blend along the path, and Fill center creates solid sign faces

Best for: Picture frames, sign borders, furniture rails, molding that follows a complex path, any shape where the inner and outer edges must be separately controlled

Use Turn and Spin when:

• The shape is rotationally symmetric (lathe-turned)
• You are making a turned object (bottle, baluster, column, bowl, candle holder)
• Turn: you need the full revolution of a profile about the line from its start point to its end point (wine bottle, vase, furniture leg)
• Spin: you need a circular disc shape built by spinning the profile about its left end point (coaster, rosette background, boss element)

Unique feature Turn and Spin has that others don't: True rotation of a profile around an axis, and Spin's left end point pivot is handy for positioning rosette centers

Best for: Anything a lathe would make; turned furniture components; bowl and vase reliefs; flat circular plaques; rosette backgrounds

Use Extrude and Weave when:

• You need a shape to travel along one or more drive rails
• You want to repeat a component (a 3D shape, not just a profile) along a path with Fill with multiple copies
• You need the Weave over/under effect at crossings (rope, basket weave, chain links)
• You want to use an existing 3D component as the repeating element (scallop border, leaf pattern)
• The cross-section shape is complex enough that it is easier to model as a component first

Unique feature Extrude and Weave has that others don't: It can use a 3D component instead of a vector cross-section, Fill with multiple copies repeats it along the rail, and the Weave option raises and lowers the shape at crossings

Best for: Rope borders, scallop and shell borders, chain links, basket weave patterns, any repeating decorative border that wraps around a path

Two Rail Sweep vs. Extrude and Weave Side by Side

For an extruded shape traveling along a path, both tools can produce similar results, with different strengths:

The tools can achieve similar-looking results, but each has unique options that make it clearly better for certain tasks. Choose based on what special features you need for your next step, not just what shape you want to end up with.

Quick Decision Tree

Is the shape rotationally symmetric like a lathe would make?

→ Yes → Turn and Spin

Does it need to repeat multiple copies OR weave over/under?

→ Yes → Extrude and Weave

Does it need to follow a path with two precisely controlled edges, or blend between profiles, or fill a center?

→ Yes → Two Rail Sweep

Is it a single closed vector (any shape: text, logo, irregular outline) that just needs a profile applied?

→ Yes → Create Shape

Not sure? Start with Create Shape. It is the fastest and works on any closed vector.