DIY Network

Tops: Wind-Up Top From "Woodturning Techniques" episode DWTT-102

Figure A

This is a top with a throwing handle that winds up with a string (figure A). When the string is pulled, the top separates from the handle and spins.

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Steps:

Figure B

• Start with a small stack of different colored wood that has been glued together, then place into the lathe (figure B). Using a spindle gouge, shape the block into a cylinder.
  

  Figure C

• Measure the diameter of the cylinder, then make a mark on one end of the cylinder (figure C). Spin the cylinder to make the mark all the way around the wood. Next, find the center between the mark just made to the end of the cylinder and mark.
  

  Figure D

• Trim the waste down from the first mark using a spindle gouge (figure D). With your hand on the top of the handle of the tool, raise the handle and roll to round the wood on each end into a sphere. Continue on with the handle to shape.
  

• Finish using a skew, touching the wood below the center of the tool. It's important to keep your hands still, using your body to move the tool back and forth. This process along with some light sanding should leave a level and smooth surface. Finally, part off the top from the lathe.
  

• Use the spindle gouge to shape the disk, then cut a groove in the outside edge (figure E) for the string to wrap around. Attach a piece of wire to a wooden handle on each end, then while the disk is turning, burn a mark into the groove (figure F). Finish the disk by turning the point and freeing it from the block.

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

• Use a hand saw to flatten the sides of the sphere (figure G). Then, drill a hole through the center and cut out a circle (figure H) for the dowel. Slide the two pieces together and insert the string. Wind-up the string, then pull to spin the top.
  

Figure G

Figure H