Well, I started learning to use Alias studio tools about a month ago, using the official training guide.

This is my first model I've ever made without a tutorial.

http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs102&d=06251&f=therim2.JPG
(more pics to come)

It's still w.i.p, so tell me what you think, and give some ideas.

also, can someone familiar with studiotools tell me how to create a nice looking chrome shader?

Hi
your 1st modeling with Alias is nice.but you should be more careful about the shadows and lights i think and maybe use better materials for the object.

good working for start, some suggest...
complete the "setting",small particular, like bolts can help to more light inside the well,"support base" for make spot and linear light for soft shadow,3 light are perfect, test with white enviroment,for make chrome,you must use map on different parameter in material setting on Alias with blinn preset with clearcoat and raytrace option,if you use Imagestudio you can use HDRI map on preset material for best image.