Tools and materials I propose:
In this video I make a whistling spinning top out of basswood and brass. In order for this to work you need the top to spin really fast. So an acceleration handle mechanism is essential.
In mr David Reed Smith's site I found really useful info on how to make it, in this link: https://tinyurl.com/2fxwkm59
I first drilled the blank that would be the body of my top. This way I will have a centre point on all sides.
I then mounted it between centres and turned it true. I also made tenons for my chuck on each side.
I then cut the cap off.
Next I hollowed the interior of the air chamber. I then divided it in half and drilled two 6mm holes.
Then I made the cap and glued the cap and the chamber together.
While the glue dried I worked on the acceleration handle.
While my blank was still square I drilled all the holes needed. For the main hole I used a hole saw. I then removed as much material as I could on the bandsaw. Finally I turned the handle between centres on the lathe.
Next I made the tip of the top out of a piece of brass. I used my machinist’s lathe for the job. If you can’t work with brass you can use resin, wood or whatever material you can turn on the wood lathe. I epoxied the tip in place.
I then started making the thin finial. This was mostly skew work.
At this point I could still use the tenons to clean some material off.
I used a jam chuck so I could shape the bottom of the top.
To make the top sing I had to sharpen the vertical sides of the holes. I did that using a small diamond file. I sharpened at around 45 degrees. Sharpen both sides so the top can whistle when it spins clockwise and anticlockwise.
I finished the top with mineral oil.
In order to whistle the top must spin really fast. So don’t be afraid to use some power when you pull the string. I am really really happy with the way it came out. 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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