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How do you make spinning tops

D

Duff Bement

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Apr 4, 2008
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I have a guy work that wants me to make him some tops like he had as kid. The kind with a string that you wrap around and thow. I have never seen any personaly but I told him I would see what I could find. Does anyone have a drawing with the general shape and size.What is the best type of wood to use. Hard Maple? Are there any general things to watch out for or stupid mistakes not to make.

Thanks, Duf
 
I used to throw them a lot when I was a kid, and found that plastic or wooden tips didn't last long. I actually paid extra for ball bearing tips :)

When I turned one a couple years ago, I clipped about an inch off of a nail, and holding the piece with vice grips, let the spinning lathe help drive it into the body of the top, so only about 1/4" stuck out. It didn't need any glue, since it was a tight, friction fit. And throwing the top merely wants to drive it deeper.

One other thing...make sure the string is braided, and not stranded. Stranded string will unravel on ya.
 
Thanks for all the help. Made the first one last night and it turned out pretty good. I a round headed brass nail in the tip and made the top out of nice chunk of hard maple. I would post pictures but took the camera with her on vacation so you will have to wait. The only part I am not real clear on is the top of the top where you part it off. I was able to part it down to about 1/4" and sand the top then I parted the rest off with my skew and ended wit a pretty smooth top except for the little pip in the center. I did not want to sand it to much and make it out of balance. So what is proper procedure to finish the top of the top? All in all I gave it a 9 overall with a 1 point deduction for the top. Not to bad for the first one.

Thanks, Duff
 
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