Column Part 5: Creating the Bases.

Now we are going to create the square bases. Switch to the view that shows your column from it's top, which for me was the Front view. Go to the Create tab, select Geometry and then drag out a box in the viewport that is slightly bigger than your column. It's okay if you don't make a perfect box. Remember you will need to drag and click twice since you are also dragging the box in the 3rd dimension(which you can't see from this view).

Rotate your viewport around to make sure the box is not too thick. When you are happy with it right click the object and choose Convert To > Editable Poly. Next select the box, click the Align tool and then click the pillar. The box should snap directly to the pillar's Pivot Point, which should be in the center.

Now all you have to do is move the box to the top of the pillar. Move it slightly past the top so you will have some room to extrude down. Go into Polygon mode and select the polygon on the box that faces the pillar.

Next we are going to use the Inset and Extrude tools to create a stepping pattern on the base. Start by using Inset to bring the polygon in a small amount. Make sure you hit OK when you are done and not Apply. Hitting Apply will perform the command again and you will have two insets.

After you have your inset completed we are going to use Extrude on the same polygon. Click the Extrude button and try a number similar to the amount you inset. This will give the base a nice even look. Once again make sure you hit OK and not Apply when you are done.

Do at least one more Inset and one more Extrude on your base. When you have finished return to the top of the Modifier Stack and move your base until it touches the top of the column.

Now we are going to attach the base to the top of the column. After the base is in place select the column and click the Attach button. Now simply click the base. Max will now view these as one object even though they aren't actually welded together. If you want to select an individual piece use Element mode.

Once the top of the column is attached all you need to do is use Symmetry again to mirror it to the bottom. Apply the modifier, choose the correct axis, then convert your object back to an editable poly. Now would also be a good time to stand the pillar up if it's still laying on its side.