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I created a simple coil/spring using the "Screw" modifier. Is there a way to "taper" the coil so it gets smaller on one end?

Explanation: I created an Xmas tree in Blender. Now I want to add a string of lights to it using a coil. Hopefully it's something that can be done easily.

PS: I'm using v2.79. Still learning/hate v2.80.

My coil: Simple coil

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4 Answers 4

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Let me propose another solution.
This will get you the christmas tree shape.

It's not perfect, but it's fast.

1) Create a spring using the Screw modifier.
2) Add a SimpleDeform modifier, set mode to Taper, set axis to Z
3) Adjust the Deform Factor to change the diameter of the spring.

enter image description here

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It's perfect and fast!

If you want to create this shape and don't want to deform the pipe, you could do it this way:

  • Activate the addon called Add Curve: Extra Objects (available by default in Blender). Create a Curve > Curve Spirals > Archemedian.

enter image description here

  • In the operator panel, find the right setting.

enter image description here

  • In the Properties panel > Data > Give your curve a Fill > Full, choose the Bevel Depth and the Resolution you want. Convert to mesh if needed.

enter image description here

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  • $\begingroup$ Very nicely tapered coil/spring indeed. $\endgroup$
    – Mast
    Commented Dec 4, 2019 at 14:52
  • $\begingroup$ Do I remember correctly that this primitive is only available if you enable an add on? $\endgroup$
    – Matt
    Commented Dec 4, 2019 at 22:15
  • $\begingroup$ Yes you're right I'm going to edit $\endgroup$
    – moonboots
    Commented Dec 5, 2019 at 9:18
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Use a Bezier curve spiral instead the use the Radius Property to control the tapering.

After adding the spiral enter Edit Mode turn on Proportional Edit and use the Radius Property to control the tapering.

Select the tip vertex then pressAlt + S to change curve radius, use the Mousewheel Scroll to control the influence radius.enter image description here

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    $\begingroup$ Thanks for the reply, but it wasn't the tip I needed to taper but the entire coil (top-to-bottom.) Fortunately, I believe I already found the solution: With my coil selected and placed over my tree, I found a "taper" modifier as part of the "Simple deform" Modifier. For the "Axis, Origin", I eyedropped a branch at the widest part of my tree. I then clicked/dragged the "Deform" value down to taper the coil (if the coil does not change, click the "<->" arrow on the "Vertex Group" field.) i.postimg.cc/yddNMLc5/coil-lights.jpg $\endgroup$
    – Mugsy
    Commented Dec 3, 2019 at 13:55
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    $\begingroup$ The tree is probably a cone and Mugsy wants a conical spring that would follow the shape as if a thread on a reel. $\endgroup$
    – Lukasz-40sth
    Commented Dec 3, 2019 at 13:57
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Thanks for the replies, but it wasn't the tip I needed to taper but the entire coil (top-to-bottom.) Fortunately, I believe I already found the solution:

With my coil selected and placed over my tree, I found a "taper" modifier as part of the "Simple deform" Modifier. For the "Axis, Origin", I eyedropped a branch at the widest part of my tree. I then clicked/dragged the "Deform" value down to taper the coil towards the top. (If the coil does not change, click the "<->" arrow on the "Vertex Group" field.)

Tree with coil

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