DIY Network

Tops: Adding Design and Color From "Woodturning Techniques" episode DWTT-102

Adding a design and color to a top adds to the fun of spinning a top.

Your spin-top doesn't have to be plain and ordinary. Give it design and color to make it more interesting.

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Steps:

• Place a square blank (figure A) onto the lathe, then using a spindle gouge shape it into a cylinder. Shape the bottom side of the top by lining up the bevel side of the spindle gouge, dropping the handle down and bringing it back up with one continuous roll. This gives the piece a smooth finish (figure B).

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

• If you want to make a design in the top, use a chatter tool. As the piece is turning, apply pressure at various places on the wood (figure C). To add color, touch the wood very lightly with an artist's marker (figure D). Don't apply too much pressure to allow some of the wood to show through the color.

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

  Figure E

• Continue to shape the top side of the top, then again use the chatter tool to create a design. Turn the handle in layers by rolling the spindle gouge as you go (figure E). Now you can add color to the design on the top side of the top.
  

• Finish turning the handle to work the diameter down until its free from the block.
  
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Tops: Shaping a Top
  	Tops: Adding Design and Color
  	Tops: Wind-Up Top
  	Tops: Setting Up Shop