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Tiger
3rd September 2005, 02:52 PM
Dear all,

Does anyone out there know what dimensions are needed for Japanese spinning tops? These are the tops that will spin on almost any angle. When made correctly, they will start spinning on one face and then continue to spin on another face etc. Grateful for any advice.

Skew ChiDAMN!!
3rd September 2005, 07:25 PM
I can't say I've heard of these before but they sound interesting. I don't s'pose you know of any links to a pic of one?

I have heard of tumbling tops though; these are a similar shape to normal tops except they will flip themselves over and spin upside-down. I should have the specs for them somewhere around here... I've always meant to try making a couple but had forgoten all about them until just now. :)

Thanks for reminding me!

Robert34
3rd September 2005, 08:08 PM
I can't say I've heard of these before but they sound interesting. I don't s'pose you know of any links to a pic of one?


Go here and follow the links.

http://www.sandstrum.com/japantops.html

Robert34

conwood
7th September 2005, 04:00 PM
went to the site, but there is not enough info on making them. They look like good things to make, and easy I suspect.

if anyone has any dimensions, may we have them please.

conwood

schaf
27th October 2006, 02:58 PM
Hi Tiger,if you do not mind I would to try and revive this thread.

I am looking for plans and spec to make spinning tops.If anyone can give me some advice it would be appreciated.
Terry

schaf
27th October 2006, 02:59 PM
Just checked the dates. Should have started a new thread.
Terry

Joash
27th October 2006, 04:00 PM
No problem


These threads are timeless

Tony Morton
27th October 2006, 05:44 PM
Hi Tiger
I got plans for japenese tops that turn over from Aust Wood worker somwhere between '88 and 99 I made one but could never make it turn over I think the secret is to do with the weight of the timber used .I to would be interested if some one can come up with plans.

Cheers Tony

Skew ChiDAMN!!
28th October 2006, 12:52 AM
Our woodturning club had a "top night" a few months ago and gave out the plans for a tumbling top. I dunno where my copy has ended up but I'll ask around at the next meeting (next Wed. night, I believe) and will hopefully have some plans to post here (and permission) before the end of the week.

Assuming my memory doesn't fail me, of course. :o

lubbing5cherubs
28th October 2006, 01:09 AM
That sounds brilliant. I made 3 normal spinning top today..Had a break from doing pens. :) We got festival coming up and I was thinking spinning tops that will get the kids over and the parents follow. I might sell some pens to the mums for christmas presents
bye Toni

schaf
28th October 2006, 07:27 AM
Thanks Skew.Looking forward to some info.
Terry

Skew ChiDAMN!!
28th October 2006, 08:17 PM
I found some of my old notes on making the tumbling tops (apparently they're also called Tippe Tops) and thought they'd make a handy reference:

"The tippe top must be turned so that the centre of gravity is below the geometrical centre of the spherical body. In other words, you turn the body as a sphere then hollow out the inside to about halfway down so the top is bottom heavy and stands straight up when not spinning. Make the peg so that it stick up about half the radius of the body. Either cut around the peg or hollow the bottom first, then glue the peg in later. Do not cut much past the centre. After parting it off, sand the bottom to the same radius as the body, making sure there is no tip sticking out. Keep tippe tops under 1-1/2" in diameter--much bigger than that, they are hard to spin."

I'll still chase up "proper" plans though...

Joash
28th October 2006, 08:40 PM
I think this guy has some interesting ideas, but before you look at it, see my thread on this guy, just explains a few things.

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?p=400222#post400222

www.toupies.fr

Skew ChiDAMN!!
28th October 2006, 09:09 PM
Miracles do happen! Found my copy of the plans... :)

I just spent some time replacing the hand-written measurements with clearer type, but I'm pretty sure I didn't make any typos. [fingers Xed]. I haven't made any from these plans (I tried my hand before we got these plans though... without luck, I might add. :rolleyes: ) but other blokes in our club managed to pull it off. C'est la vie.

Tiger
1st November 2006, 11:13 AM
Thanks, Skew. I'd almost given up on these tops but will try the plans and see what happens.

schaf
1st November 2006, 11:53 AM
Hi Toni
Any chance that you could post a pic of your tops and their measurements.
And maybe how you went about making them.
Terry

powderpost
1st November 2006, 12:13 PM
I played with these just after they appeared in the Woodworker. After many failures, I found that the top of the top needed to be a very flat curve, something like a very blunt ended egg, otherwise they would spin on the "point" of a regular curve and not turn over.
Jim

lubbing5cherubs
1st November 2006, 12:41 PM
Hi Terry I followed this links instructions
http://www.turnedtreasures.com/project.html/finger_top.html
Toni

schaf
2nd November 2006, 07:06 PM
Thanks toni,
I followed your link and will give them a go,but not quite what I am looking for.I would like to make the type of top where you use string as a pull start to spin the top.
Thanks
Terry

Sprog
3rd November 2006, 07:07 PM
not quite what I am looking for.I would like to make the type of top where you use string as a pull start to spin the top.
Terry

PM me your email address.

scooter
3rd November 2006, 07:40 PM
Sprog, our kids were given one of these string tops, but we can't figure out how to wind it :o

Sounds basic, probably is, but we can't get it.

Any ideas?


Cheers............Sean

BernieP
3rd November 2006, 09:55 PM
G'Day Tiger

Try this link for some ideas on tops http://www.toycrafter.com/tops.htm

And Sean http://www.topspinning.com/ will show you how to wind them, do tricks etc.

Cheers Bernie

Sorry just thought you may not have http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/pdf/throw_top.pdf

Seeya!

OGYT
4th November 2006, 05:30 AM
Hijack: What do you use for the metal tip/point thing-a-ma-jig on one of those tops that use string? Anyone know where you can buy the points?
I don't think a nail would work, it needs a flat ring on it to keep it from being driven into the wood when it hits the ground.

Floody1
22nd March 2007, 11:28 PM
G'Day Tiger

Try this link for some ideas on tops http://www.toycrafter.com/tops.htm

And Sean http://www.topspinning.com/ will show you how to wind them, do tricks etc.

Cheers Bernie

Sorry just thought you may not have http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/pdf/throw_top.pdf

Seeya!


Thanks Bernie - My son is going to an orphanage in Burma and wants to take 200 tops. The information you gave will ensure I get the design right so at least they'll work. Thanks again Floody1:)

tashammer
23rd March 2007, 01:14 AM
Hijack: What do you use for the metal tip/point thing-a-ma-jig on one of those tops that use string? Anyone know where you can buy the points?
I don't think a nail would work, it needs a flat ring on it to keep it from being driven into the wood when it hits the ground.

maybe one of those domed upholstery finishing nails would do the job?