LEGO Techniques - Cones

Cones come in several shapes and sizes.  From the tiny 1x1x2/3 "Fez" to a gigantic 8x8x6 built from two halves.  But until only recently were the studs on the small end.  In 2013 TLG released a cone that is upside down.  On the small end is a bar but on the larger end is a positive stud.  Therefore, it's an inverted cone.  This part comes in one color so far and is only used as an ice cream cone.  Pity it gets classed under "Food".  It's useful to so much more than just Epicureans.

I didn't think much of the new cones when I saw them other than, "Hey, new mold!"  But as I wrangled the part around in my head I wanted to try a few things.  So I bought some.    Turns out they're sort of handy for SNOT and stuff.  Grab your hanky and let's go!

Your first inclination might be to just straight stack the inverted cone with a regular cone.  Way to go regular Joe!  It's not bad, it gives some texture and the bar works kind of like an anti-stud with open studs (as cones have).  It's cool and all... for like a weaving spindle. 

I hope Kevin doesn't mind me using his sig fig to show off his mad skillz.

But lets go 180 and see what happens.  I was hesitant at first but delighted to discover that the inverted cone bar will fit into the underside of the regular cone.  If you weren't aware, the inside of most cones (any size) can accept a Technic axle.  Technic axle holes are also formed to accept a bar with good grip.  The bar is long enough to grip into the axle hole and stay there.  I wouldn't be doing any sole structural connections with this technique but it will stay put.

Those look kind of like dolls...

There, that's better...

The side effect to this is that you now have studs going 2 ways.  Not only that but you have studs going two ways with what looks like two and two thirds normal stacked cones.  The only drawback to this connection is that it is ever so slightly under 5 plates high.  It's just enough in this case to cause failure in the bar/axle hole connection when used side by side with 5 plates.  I give this connection 2.5 out of 5 studs.