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:
Processes:
Materials:
- Brass rod
- Carbide ball bearing (more on that later)
Processes:
- Lathe work (turning)
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.
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Top Wars: I think this game could catch on among kids and adults alike!
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!
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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!
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!
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!
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
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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.
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