When I decided to do string tops I did a search for information on how to turn one and more importantly the dimensions for them.  Surprisingly there is very little information out there but our Charles Nichols gave me the best information on how to get started.  After turning a few and experimenting with different dimensions and angles here is what I found works best for me.

 

I start off with a blank 2.5" square by 5" inches long mounted between centers.

 

 

I then turn it round and size an end to fit my chuck.  I also hog off the other end to an approximate 45 degrees while the support is there.

 

 

I get it mounted in the chuck and turn it true again and take it to a final diameter of 2.25 inches.  I also set the banjo perpendicular to the ways and adjust the tool rest  to 45 degrees which is the angle I find works best for the bottom.

 

 

I then true up the bottom to the 45 degrees and prepare the end to drill for the tip.  I started out by making tips on my metal lathe and found it was a waste of time.  I don't know why but a sharp point on the tip makes it spin a while longer but the top will not stand straight up with it.  I found that a ball shaped tip works best to get the top to stand straight up.  So for the tip a 1" piece of .25" brass rod is all you need.  So now is the time to drill a .25" hole .75" deep for the tip.

 

 

I take the tips and put them in a drill chuck and roughly round them over.

 

 

Now take the tip and glue it into the hole making sure it is firmly seated to the bottom of the hole and measure off the overall length of the top and mark off a line.  Overall length is 2.75" for the wood body.  Do not include the brass tip in this measurement.

 

 

I leave the tool rest set to the 45 degree angle because it is now time to work the tip end again.  Turn the end again to get a smooth transition to the tip and then work on the lower string catch turning away at the 45 degrees and stopping at the catch.  At this same time go to your length line and make the upper string catch.  Take the parting tool and make a .25" slot on the tip side of the line taking it down to a 1.375" diameter remaining.  Measure and mark the middle of the remaining total diameter.

 

 

Round it over from the center line.

 

 

Sand it and add some burn lines or maybe some other visual decoration.

 

 

Now is time to finish shaping the tip.  If your hole wasn't exactly on center this step will cure that.  I take a skew chisel laid horizontal on the tool rest to finish shaping the brass tip.  I do it at sanding speed or a little less and shape the tip end round like a ball bearing.  Sand it to 320 grit and polish it with fine steel wool.  When done the tip will be perfectly centered.  Take it nice and easy.  If you get a catch it is possible for the whole top to go off center.   BTDT.

 

 

It is now time to part it off and take it for a spin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

So Neat! Thanks for the tutorial, Dan!

Very cool!

Way cool, great step by step!

 

Steve

  Nice work Dan. There was a time my brother and I would play with these on a slate sidewalk in front of the house. Five or ten cent a piece or if you saved up a half a buck you could get one with a ball bearing tip.

I tried one two or three years ago and they ended up in the trash. Thanks for leading me down the correct path. Back to the lathe. Thanks again.

Awesome job Dan...enjoyed the excellent tutorial...you and Charles should team up and start a Blog...It would be "tops." 

11 hours ago, Ron Pemberton said:

I tried one two or three years ago and they ended up in the trash. Thanks for leading me down the correct path. Back to the lathe. Thanks again.

 

I am glad this helped Ron.  Feel free to ask questions if necessary.  I would be glad to answer them.

13 hours ago, DuckSoup said:

  Nice work Dan. There was a time my brother and I would play with these on a slate sidewalk in front of the house. Five or ten cent a piece or if you saved up a half a buck you could get one with a ball bearing tip.

 

Thanks Bob.  My older brother and I played with them as did the neighbors friends also.  I was telling my siblings I was making them and my younger brother spoke up and said he was mad because he was never able to get one to work.  Said he didn't want to ask and get the ribbing we all know he would have gotten.  I will see him next week and plan to give him a top with a lesson on how to use it.

 

Thanks to all for the kudos and nice comments.  It is appreciated.

Now that all the tops are made I am going to start another thread on how I made the strings.

 

that's some kind of different chicken you gots there Dan...

You need to make a video on how to throw one....

1 hour ago, Kevin Beitz said:

You need to make a video on how to throw one....

 

Plenty to watch on YouTube.  I have never made a video.  Not sure how.