3D carver links:
Tools and materials I propose:
I have always loved spinning tops. To make most of them, you need a lathe. So I decided to make one that can be made without a lathe. It can be made with simple tools as a fret saw but I made it using my Inventables 3D carver.
I begun by designing the vector templates of my top. Next I imported my design into Easel. Easel is the online software my 3D carver uses. I imported my template as an SVG file and set the machine, to cut outside the lines. I chose my cutting bit and run a simulation, to see how the machine was planning to carve.
For this project, I used 5mm plywood.
It is important for the material to be secure and flat. So add as many clamps as you have to. I then homed the machine manually, and started carving.
The carving session leaves a few tabs on the piece. I removed the tabs using a chisel.
I did three carving sessions. Each time I changed my design a little bit, until my joints fitted nicely.
I sanded my top with 100 grit sand paper. I also made a sanding file using a popsicle stick, double sided tape and sandpaper.
I then glued the parts of my spinning top together.
If you don’t have a cnc machine, you can still create an easel account, enter my Inventables project page and download the templates of my top. Next you can glue them on a piece of plywood using spray adhesive.
To cut the templates, you can use a scroll saw or a fret saw. In both cases you need to drill you saw blade’s entry holes. If you use the bandsaw for the outer lines, be extra careful, because you will be cutting small pieces and your hand will be extremely close to the blade.
If you use the fret saw, make a small bench jig to help you out. A set of small files will also be handy for you to finish shaping.
Next I wanted to make different tops for my top’s top. So I used a V carving bit, to carve a few different designs. I then changed to the straight bit again to cut the shapes out.
I painted the caps with latex paint. I like latex paint, because it is water based, doesn’t smell bad and it dries really fast. To speed up the drying process, you can use the heat gun.
To remove the excess paint, I just sanded the pieces.
The different designs, produce different animation effects, as the top spins. I really like the spirals most.
My tops came out great and spin for a really long time. I really enjoyed this project and I hope you’ll make a few similar tops yourselves.
At this point I would like to thank Inventables for sponsoring this project.
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.
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