Modelling a mechanical spring for a bike

Question

I am currently modelling a bike based on a Norton 961:

I struggle with modelling a proper mechanical spring. It should look like this, I think:

I really don't know how to make it look flowing and natural and having enough "layers".

See meta.stackexchange.com/questions/75491/… on how to upload images and use that facility please, as great part of your question depends on them and if they go dead so the question with them — Mr Zak, Jan 29 '18 at 19:29

Duarte Farrajota Ramos · Accepted Answer · 2018-01-30 01:44:05Z

Activate the Add Curve: Curve Extra Objects addon in the user preferences if you haven't yet.

Then just add a new 3D object with Shift + A Add > Curve > Curve Spirals > Logarithmic or Archemedian in you prefer.

Adjust the desired height and number of turns as required.

Adjust curve bevel factor from the Properties Window > Object Data (Curve) as desired and set the Fill option to Full.

You can then manually add the "flat" end loops manually by joining in a bezier curve circle object afterwards in Edit Mode.

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