Does anyone know whether it's possible to create a spiral (spline) object and then extrude it along a secondary sweep path? The idea is to create a telephone chord, rope etc. The Carrara modifiers only do a limited job. Are there other 3d programs / modellers that can do it? I've tried it in Hexagon but, again, the result is limited.
Advice would be highly appreciated!

It's a piece of cake in Hexagon!.You will find earlier threads here and at eovia3d.net covering just this subject and also rope and rope circles. All in the last couple of weeks. Think also at 3dXtract.com. Very well covered!

bwtr

Thanks, I will have a look!

In Hexagon, just create the spiral as you want it and add thickness--or did you want more?

bwtr

I know this is easy to do in C4D (you did mention other 3D apps). Create a helix spline and a circle spline (setting the circle to the desired radius for your phone lead), then drop them both into a sweep nurbs object. Make sure the circle is above the helix. Thats it! Sorry I cant give any advice for Carrara, my demo has expired:( Michael;)

I never intended to make art.

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez?galleryid=1005681&Start=1&Artist=sailor%5Fed&ByArtist=Y

I wrote a rope tutorial in the Hexagon forum at 3DXtract. I am not sure you will find it helpful but you can find it by searching "sailor_ed" as user and "rope" as keyword. The url will lead you to an image using the technique

Thanks everyone for al the advice! Unfortunately C4D is not part of my inventory. I've tried something like that in Hexagon which does work, except when the curves become a bit tight its tends to break up. Thanks sailor_ed, I will check it out.

Is this what you were trying to do?

bwtr