Thread: Japanese spinning tops

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!

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

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

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

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

Just checked the dates. Should have started a new thread.
Terry

No problem

These threads are timeless

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

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.

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

Thanks Skew.Looking forward to some info.
Terry

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...

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...222#post400222

www.toupies.fr

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. ) but other blokes in our club managed to pull it off. C'est la vie.

Thanks, Skew. I'd almost given up on these tops but will try the plans and see what happens.