Helically coiled carbon nanotubes (HCNTs) with diameter of 50–100nm were obtained on a large scale by reducing ethyl ether with metallic zinc at 700°C. As the temperature was raised to 750°C, most of the products were solid carbon spheres besides HCNTs. X-ray diffraction pattern and the Raman spectroscopy indicate that the product is graphite phase. HCNTs with diameter of 50–100nm in large quantity were found in the products.