How to make a fingertip spinning top

Tools and materials I propose:

Lathe

Bowl gouge

Wood turning tools set

Chisel set

Beeswax

hacksaw

A while ago, a friend showed me a fingertip spinning top. He bought it from a Greek maker. So the credit for this idea goes to him.

I first made a few prototypes and now I can show you, how to make one yourselves. 

I begun by trueing up an iroko wood blank. I used the bowl gouge. I also used the skew to make the tenon for the chuck.

In order for the top to work, the tip needs to be sharp. The tip also needs to be located under the surface of the bottom, so it cannot brake in case the top drops.

I first created a slight curve with the bowl gouge. Then I shaped the bottom with the spindle gouge. This was end grain, so I took my time.

Next I established my measurements with the parting tool, and removed material fast with a flat scraper. I just used a regular chisel.

The rest of the shaping was mostly spindle gouge work.

I sanded with 100 and 220grit.

Then I finished my piece with beeswax friction polish. You just rub the wax against the wood. Then you take a paper towel and push against the wood. The lathe needs to run on high speed. The friction melts the wax which goes into the pores of the wood and creates a shiny finish. Use the paper towel a few times until you remove the excess wax.

Next I parted the piece of the lathe.

I reversed chuck the top to clean the handle. But first I added a cloth to make sure the jaws would not leave marks on my top.

Next I had to balance the top. I used my hacksaw to cut a small metal piece out of a nail. This acts as a weight. I then temporarily taped the weight on the top. I placed the nail in several locations around the top. Finally I drilled a hole and glued the nail in the position on which the top seemed to balance better. I add one more nail until the top felt nicely balanced. This makes the top spin nicer and for longer time.

Last but not least I made a display. This is just a conical piece of wood on which the top can spin. I made the cone with the skew and finished shaping with the spindle gouge. I finished it again with friction wax polish.

This was an easy but interesting project! The top is really fun to play with.

But that was it, see you soon, with a new project video.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, that at no cost to you, I get a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.