Thirty More Spin Tops.

[William Young]

I put this on the scrollsawing board because it is one of the many projects that I use both the scroll saw and the lathe to make.
The three inch round disks of wood are cut out on the scroll saw first. A 3/4" hole is drilled in the center and a 3/4" dowel is glued in place. Then they go to the lathe for turning .

I am trying to catch up on some out of stock items for the Saturday morning Craft sales. These spin tops sell like candy and I was sold out again last Saturday.
I started these yesterday afternoon and got them out of the way so I can start on some more fast movers.
With the economy the way it is and high gas prices and all I am finding that I need lots of items under $5.00 and $10.00 because many people at sales simply cannot afford higher priced items anymore but will often buy several lower priced ones at the same time. This is one case where a lathe is so handy for producing lots of fast moving items in a short time.

I have got it down to between six and seven minutes turning time on these. That includes turning and sanding and applying a shellac finish right on the lathe and parting it off.. Repetition and practice make for lots of small items in a minimum of shop time.

If anyone wants to laugh at my paint jobs, please go ahead and do so. Laughter is the best medicine . I admit I am the worlds worst painter but in spite of it, the colors are what helps sell them.

W.Y.

[Dragon]

I love the paint job. Always thought that the tops were turned only.
Diane

[William Young]

Diane;
Some tops are tuned only.

These were turned from a small juniper firewood log and are all sold long ago.
Difference is that the ones that are turned only are end grain turning which is not as quick and easy to do as the disks cut out of a 3/4" piece of flat wood.

W.Y.

[Arcy]

I like the paint job. Very fun and lighthearted and perfect for tops. I bet the colors look great spinning too.

--Rob

[William Young]

The dots turn into lines when they are spinning.
Every one is spin tested and all are good except one that had a small knot on one side which put it a little off balance.
It is still good enough to play with so I will give it to a kid.

Surprising how many old kids (like real old) stop and try the tops out and buy a few for their grand kids but they give them away only after playing with them themeselves for awhile .

I have tried making small wooden toys for kids but they just wouldn't sell in this age of electronic toys but spin tops seem to be an exception because I have made a lot of batches of them . No batteries required and no expensive hardware for assembly.
I even enjoy spinning the silly little things myself.
W.Y.

[Pajaro]

William, great looking tops, I love the bright colours. Only I have a question. You said that you use a scroll saw and a lathe, what part of the top do you need a scroll saw for? I have been looking at them for some time and cant figure it out. Do you cut them out 3D first before turning them?

[Rolf]

William,
If I may ask how much do you sell those for?

[sawdustus]

William, don't knock your paint jobs. The neatest thing about your tops is the folksy looking paintings. That is what makes them so attractive to kids of all ages.

george

[Ramjet]

Paint looks good to me . Any painting is done by my wife . Takes patience . I'm not much of a finisher. Nice work .
Roger

[DWSudekum]

William,

Those tops are great. One of the things folks will like about them is the bright colorfull and hand painted decorations. Anyone can get things that are mass produced with a machine and it is another thing entirely to have a bunch of items obviously hand made. Anyway great looking tops!


DW