How to Design a Rope Coil Using SketchUp

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Use the Polygon tool and create a 12 sided shape (a dodecagon).

   Use the Push/Pull tool and extend it.
   
   Be sure that you have it set for a certain distance, e.g. 12 inches (30.5 cm), 36 inches (91.4 cm), etc.
   
   It depends on the scale that you are working at.
   
   Then hold down CTRL down and extend it a small distance further.
   
   Be sure that it is centered on one of the axes.
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   Step 2: Using the select tool

   In the case of this screenshot, each section is 3 feet (36 inches).
   
   Do this for a total of 12 layers.
   
   You need the 12 layers because there are 12 sides to the object and that way it will make a complete turn. ,, You do that by clicking on one corner and taking to the next upper left corner and continue on around. , Draw a small circle perpendicular to the object. , You will see a single revolution.
   
   If you want more, copy and paste more to extend it. , This is what it will look like at this point. , It is no longer needed. , Move the Slider bar until it is smooth. ,
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   Step 3: select the top shorter piece's top surface

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   Step 4: click the CTRL key and raise it the same distance that you did the first time.

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   Step 5: Click View >> Make Group.

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   Step 6: Click on the pencil tool and then trace over one of the longer lines and from there

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   Step 7: start drawing the spiral tool.

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   Step 8: Go back to the beginning where you traced the first long line.

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   Step 9: After making the Follow Me circle that you created above

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    Step 10: press Delete to delete the Reference Group that you have made.

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    Step 11: Using the Follow Me tool

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    Step 12: extrude the circle to go along the path.

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    Step 13: Get rid of the long edge at the beginning of the spiral.

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    Step 14: Select the entire object

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    Step 15: right click on it and click on Soften/Smooth Edges.

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    Step 16: Copy and paste the spirals to interweave together to create a rope coil.

Detailed Guide

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