magnetic levitating spin tops

[Kent Crowell]

Looking for tips on how to create magnetic levitating spin tops that will work with a minimum amount of trial and error. These have 2 magnets, one in the top and a large one in the base.

Planning on collecting a bunch of old speaker ring ceramic magnets ( big 5
" OD ) from the Car Audio shops and salvage some rare earth magnets from old computers.

I like to keep the cost low in case this experiment does not work.

Here are links to what I would like to end up with:

http://abctoupie.com/en/toupie-volante/ Flying Top -Sometimes both videos play at the same time. Stop one.

https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Build-a-Magnetic-Levitating-Top/

Football fans can search You Tube for " Hover Helmets "

Anyone made one that works better? Thanks in advance. Kent

 

[Mike Johnson]

It helps to make a precision balanced top that has the proper weight to levitate over the bottom magnet. If there is any imbalance or wobble to the top it will have a hard time staying upright in the magnetic field. A solid turned material will be easier to balance compared to wood which can change its shape if it is not completely dry and stable when turning. If you use weights to alter the weight of the top make sure the shaft of the top fits the hole perfectly for the washers being stacked on the shaft, any slop on the weights will throw the balance of the top off. Once you have determined the weight of the top for your magnetic base it helps to mold the magnet to your billet and turn the top on the lathe checking the weight until you get it perfectly balanced with the proper weight that will work for the magnetic base.

 

[Kent Crowell]

Thanks Mike.
You are spot on that I need to have a well made smooth running top.
Another experimenter kept the top weight under 12.5 grams.
Will start with some 2x2” walnut, maple, or mesquite.

 

[Mike Johnson]

For precision spinning tops I usually use a composite, polymer or metal, if you use wood make sure it has no knots good quality dry wood. You also want to rough turn it and let it sit for a few days to let the wood relax and then finish turning, sanding and finishing. A freshly turned piece of wood tends to move/relax after it is turned to a shape, a spinning top will show this movement by its lose of balance after a few days if it dries, absorbs moisture or the wood relaxes.