EvanSchneider.net: a Work in Progress
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Spinning Tops: They Never Get Old!

Goal: create the ultimate spinning top -- one that gets at least 10 minutes on a good spin and that requires no tools to start.

Materials: 
  • Brass rod
  • Carbide ball bearing (more on that later)

Processes:

  • Lathe work (turning)
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3 flavors: aluminum, brass, and copper
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Another shot. On a hard surface, these tops will spin for 12+ minutes! The hard bearing ball on the bottom is key to that success -- with the hardest materials possible you get closest to true "point contact," which means less friction as the top spins and hence less energy loss and longer spin times.
Top Wars: I think this game could catch on among kids and adults alike!

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My simple aluminum top after machining
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I was satisfied with the shape of this part (done free-hand), so I copied it into CAD and used it as the basis of my other models

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Post-turning of brass top
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Yummy finish
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Still learning how to use this mini-lathe knurling tool, but was satisfied with the results this time!

Now on Etsy!

I ended up making a huge batch of anodized aluminum spinning tops (pictured below) that we've been giving to friends, playing with ourselves, and donating to charities.  We're also offering a few for sale via Etsy -- please check it out if you're interested here!
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Aluminum spinning tops for sale!

How Big of a Spinning Top Can We Make?

My mom loves spinning tops -- this whole endeavor was inspired by her!  For her latest birthday, then, there was no doubt in my mind that a huge spinning top would become her favorite gift.  I just had to figure out how big I could make one.

​I found a piece of aluminum (shipped via freight of course) that was about 15" diameter and 2 feet long.  It weighed a few hundred pounds.  My friend Alex owns a local machine shop, and I quickly realized that he was my only hope of getting the top done well and on time -- I've never turned anything like that before!  The project came out beautifully, especially after some light bead blasting and clear anodizing.  I also had a special base made for the top, with a divot in the center to keep the top spinning on the platform instead of wandering off and destroying our entire home. 

​Lastly, I 3D printed a custom bit (complete with a rubber o-ring for traction) to spin the top up via power drill.  Check out the pictures and videos below!
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WD-40 bottle for scale
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The custom drill tip that enables us to spin the top up to 3,500+ RPM
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The tip fits into the center drilled hole on top of the spinning top. That hole serves a double purpose, as it was used during manufacture and also during spinning
A good spin can last for 35+ minutes with this top.  Below you can see a couple of videos: first at startup (spinning fast), and then the final minute of spinning as the top holds on to the little bit of energy it has left.