Array rotating around an empty.

Hello,

I am following a tutorial from blendercookie.com and am having an issue with my array rotating around an empty. I setup my array and it works fine. However when I set the object offset to my empty, each array is squashed and stretched more and more. Any idea why this is? I have an attached blend file so you can see.
Thanks

Attachments

BugZapper.blend (359 KB)

You have scaled your object. Therefore, all iterations of the object are also scaled, and it adds up. You need to apply the scaling to the data. Ctrl-A->Rotation and scale on the object. You will also need to turn off the relative offset and move the object in relation to the empty to get that circular shape.

Yes that was it. I forgot all about applying scaling. Now if I edit a mesh do I need to do that everytime so I don’t run into issues like this one? Is it good practice to do that?

Basically, unless you’re doing variations on the same mesh using linked duplicates, you should do all your scaling in edit mode. Scaling in object mode without a good reason is not a very good idea as it leads to unexpected behavior later if you forget about it. Later, with understanding, you will learn to use such behavior to your advantage, but for now I suggest you stick to scaling in edit mode, or immediately applying your scales.

Hey, is that a function I hadn’t found yet? I’ve been looking for the ideal way to make rotation, location, & scale changes “permanent”. I got tired of having a part of the model pop across the screen when using these functions. I do a lot of repurposing of parts, but want the reused parts to fall in line with their new positions. I also want to avoid having the origin far removed from the location. I know how to reset that, but it doesn’t seem to override the objects’ “location memory” if alt+g is used on it

So, I know alt+r,g or s resets them, does ctrl+r,g or s reorient them, changing those values permanently? If so I’ll be using that a lot from now on.

Use Ctrl+A to apply rotation/location/scale (You will get a pop-up list)