A while back I started sizing my ornaments blanks to have enough of a cutoff to use for the body of a two piece top. One piece tops waste a lot of material but two piece ones are just the opposite and provide a way to use up cutoffs and small spindle scraps. Add to that, they are quick and fun to do while building skills.  I will probably make 30 or 40 of these before I'm done. Everybody loves a spin top.

 

Really cool, Steve!

Nice work. But deceptive advertising. I came expecting some beach babes in bikinis.

 

9 minutes ago, Gunny said:

Nice work. But deceptive advertising. I came expecting some beach babes in bikinis.

 

Other than I think I’m older than you, maybe we are twins separated at birth? I was having that same thought. Those are awesome looking, Steve. I’m hoping to start my turning learning soon, and may be asking a bunch of questions from you, and the other turners here.

Nice Steve.  Great idea too.  How do you hold them when turning.

20 minutes ago, HandyDan said:

How do you hold them when turning.

 

Thanks to all!!

 

Dan, I turn them with the point away from the head stock keeping the tail stock up until they are nearly complete. I hold them with a 1/2" tenon in a Beall collet chuck. I like the Beall because it's completely smooth and doesn't tend to bite.

Ok, Steve, my vision has short circuited.  Can you provide some pictures of how you do this?  

 

These are beautiful tops.  And, yes, at age 72, I still love them.  

6 hours ago, FlGatorwood said:

Ok, Steve, my vision has short circuited.  Can you provide some pictures of how you do this?  

 

These are beautiful tops.  And, yes, at age 72, I still love them.  

 

I did a video a few years ago on doing two piece tops if that will work for you. If not, let me know and I'll snap some pictures in the few days.
 

 

Cool tops Steve, and a great video too.  Very glad you're getting your mojo back

Very nice ! I am going to have to give that a try. Thanks for the post. 
Paul

16 hours ago, Steve Krumanaker said:

I hold them with a 1/2" tenon in a Beall collet chuck. I like the Beall because it's completely smooth and doesn't tend to bite

 

 

I agree.  The run out is pretty much non existent too.  Another nice tool set in our arsenals.

Great video Steve. Like the way you are using cutoffs and yes I have a drawer full too. Have done some pendants but may have to thy this one. I do maybe 200 to 300 tops a year one piece. I usually use wood too small for most other thing except tops and snowmen.

Thank you, Steve.  That is awesome.  Good use of tools and I learned something.