Spinning Tops - British Woodworking Feature

[Harbo]

Here's a couple of Spinning Tops I made for my two younger Granddaughters - based on a recent feature in BW.

I had a few problems making them especially the 6mm diameter spindles and not too sure how they will survive especially when drilled with a 3mm hole to take the pull string?

The top one went T*** Up during turning and the spindle replaced with a piece of dowel. Shown complete with dents!

Scrap wood - she oak, yew, sycamore, elm and brass pins.


Rod

 

[lanemaux]

I've not played with a top in 5 decades , yet suddenly have an urge to. They look like a hoot , to make or to play ...nice.

 

[brandy20]

Seems you did a good job!

 

[Lee Brubaker]

Those are nice looking tops Rod. I usually make a half dozen with the toys that I donate for inner city kids at Christmas. Mine use a flat shoe lace rather than a string & the youngster can put a pretty good spin on the top. On a cement floor I can get all 6 spinning at the same time.
You may know the answer & the question is: if one drills holes around the circumference at what angle should they be drilled for the top to whistle while it spins. You know....something to make mommy grit her teeth.

Lee

 

[Harbo]

I will have to look into the hole question - these do whistle a bit but not for long.
My fears about the holes and spindle thickness proved itself today as one has already broken! I will replace it with some dowel. And make a few more probably without the hole?
I have an old metal ratchet one that whistles but that is hollow - also have a modern plastic one that plays Jingle Bells! :ho2

Back in the late 40's, girls used to play with Tops (i'm pretty sure we boys did not play with them as they were considered girlie?).
They were quite large and heavy (the girls used to decorate them with coloured chalks) and use a long string or leather strip fastened to a cane ( a bit like a whip) to spin them. Some were clever enough to keep them going with the whip and some could make them jump!
We boys used to partake in more dangerous activities like travelling down steep roads sitting on a thick book or board on a roller skate - an early form of skateboard? Either that or climbing/crawling around bombed out factory ruins - those were the days?

Rod

 

[OPJ]

Nicely done, Rod. Be sure to pass this on to Nick. He always appreciates hearing back from readers when they've made something which was featured in the magazine.