Wednesday, June 1, 2011

spin top

I saw a tutorial on how to make a spin top from wooden wheels a while back, but I can't remember who did it. If you know, could you please let me know so I can give proper credit?

EDIT TO ADD:
"There are a number of places that this seems to have come from but Kleas seems to be the originator.
http://kleas.typepad.com/kleas/2011/02/simple-wooden-tops.html
Both of these credit Kleas so I would assume that is where the idea came from.
http://webloomhere.blogspot.com/2011/03/tip-top.html
http://www.thecraftycrow.net/2011/02/make-your-own-wooden-tops.html "
Thanks to my reader Mhairi for giving such a comprehensive list of sources!



These are fun to make. And pretty easy. I think next time, i will paint the stick instead of the wheel.

3 reasons: 1) It's easier to paint the stick. 2) when the top gets played with and knocked around, I'm thinking that the paint will get chipped a few times on the wheel. 3) it's easier to paint the stick. yes, it's worth saying twice!

I bought 1/4 inch dowels, but they were too big to fit in the holes, so I drilled out the holes with a 1/4 inch bit. (DH has a drill press and it's fun to use)
I cut them into 2 inch pieces and sanded one end. (not pictured) Then i sharpened the other end with a regular pencil sharpener and sanded the point flat.


The spinning is a thing of beauty.

have a good one,
Amanda

3 comments:

m. bloom said...

I got the idea from Kristin at Kleas

http://kleas.typepad.com/kleas/2011/02/simple-wooden-tops.html and posted a tutorial here

http://webloomhere.blogspot.com/2011/03/tip-top.html

cheers!
MB

Mhairi said...

There are a number of places that this seems to have come from but Kleas seems to be the originator.

http://kleas.typepad.com/kleas/2011/02/simple-wooden-tops.html

Both of these credit Kleas so I would assume that is where the idea came from.
http://webloomhere.blogspot.com/2011/03/tip-top.html

http://www.thecraftycrow.net/2011/02/make-your-own-wooden-tops.html

It is an awesome idea isn't it. I first saw it on http://www.oneprettything.com/
and have been searching for the wheels ever since. I am in Australia so it is too expensive to ship from America. Love your tops.

Cheryl said...

I am always amazed at how long a spinning top keeps the children entertained. So simple, but so effective. Love your spinning tops. I've seen these else where, where they replace the dowel with a pencil.