Just Simply Tops!!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

The girls wanted to make something for their summer craft homework.
I decided that turning some tops, would be fun.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/tops/mizuki_tops1.JPG
This is Mizuki at the lathe


http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/tops/mizuki_tops5.JPG
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/tops/mizuki_tops_hands1.JPG
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/tops/mizuki_tops_hands2.JPG
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/tops/mizuki_tops_hands3.JPG
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/tops/mizuki_tops_hands4.JPG
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/tops/mizuki_tops_hands5.JPG
She was getting in in the end.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/tops/erika_tops.JPG
This is Erika, only one pic of her, as Mizuki did not want to stand around and take pics.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/tops/tops_three_of_them.jpg
Here are the results, not bad for the first time

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/tops/tops_spinning.jpg
They even work!
Tops are something that kids can to easily, and they can get the instant gratification of making them and using them all in one go.
We used colored markers to decorate them.

Cheers!

[Keel McDonald]

Nice idea. It's never a bad idea when involving your kids. And it's amazing sometimes what they can do if given the chance.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Nice idea. It's never a bad idea when involving your kids. And it's amazing sometimes what they can do if given the chance.

My youngest, Mizuki (10 going on 25) is not into it so much, she can be very "What me get my hands dirty" at times, but my eldest Erika (12) is really into it, she would rather be with me in the Dungeon than most things, for at least an hour or so, after an hour she wants to do something different, (she is still a kid) but she is VERY creative. She is not so good at the academics, (like her dad :o ) but give her a roll of tape, some glue, scissors, and some cardboard, and she will build you anything you want! :D

Both very good girls, I can say that now, but in 5 years, when I have 17 and 15 year olds living with us, ask me again ;) :D

[Clem Wixted]

...
Both very good girls, I can say that now, but in 5 years, when I have 17 and 15 year olds living with us, ask me again ;) :D

Stu,

What YOU are doing NOW will have a very significant impact on what THEY will be doing THEN.

It seems to me that you are on the right track is being a good father image for them.

Keep it up.

Clem
(Now 66 and have three adult children that turned out very well because of positive maternal and some paternal influence :) )

[Pete Kekel]

A spindle gouge would make it even easier for them to learn . . .;)

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

I don't own any spindle gouges worth using.

Should get some I guess.

Cheers!

[Henry C. Gernhardt, III]

Stories like this always gladden my heart. Great "gloat", Stu!

[Keith Burns]

Stu, this is just "WAY COOL". Thanks for sharing.:) :)

[Jim Becker]

Yea, like Keith said, "Way cool!!" (or is that "kewel"??) :D :D :D

[Bernie Weishapl]

Stu that is absolutely wonderful with the girls turning. You being involved with them will have a big impact on them at 17 and 15. Stu those pictures are awesome. Keep it up it will pay you ten fold later.

[Corey Hallagan]

Way to go Stu! Great looking tops as well!

corey

[Ernie Nyvall]

Not bad for the first time???? I think they look great, and it's a wonderful thing you do to take the time to teach them. Good job Stu... nice story.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Ernie..........That's not Stu's daughters first turning. How can you forget that they whipped _______ in the bonkers contest? I've lost a lot of sleep over that!:eek: :rolleyes: :D

Enjoy the time with your daughters Stu! They grow up too fast!:)

[Ernie Nyvall]

Ernie..........That's not Stu's daughters first turning. How can you forget that they whipped _______ in the bonkers contest? I've lost a lot of sleep over that!:eek: :rolleyes: :D


Oh great Ken. I had successfully blocked it until you just brought it up.;)

[Brian Clevenger]

Now if that doesn't make you proud, I don't know what would. Great job.

[Barry Stratton]

GREAT JOB STU!!!!!!! Keep them beautiful girls at it. I've seen your picture and can tell the girls take after their mom:p

I am surprised to see a hardwood floor, figured you'd have ripped that out for pen blanks long ago.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

GREAT JOB STU!!!!!!! Keep them beautiful girls at it. I've seen your picture and can tell the girls take after their mom:p

I am surprised to see a hardwood floor, figured you'd have ripped that out for pen blanks long ago.

The tops are spinnin go a table, but we do have hardwood floors.

Oh yeah, they take after their Mama, you got that right! :D

[Joe Melton]

Spend all the time you can with them, Stu. In about three years, they'll "turn" on you, but in a different way.http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/icons/icon9.gif
Joe

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Spend all the time you can with them, Stu. In about three years, they'll "turn" on you, but in a different way.http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/icons/icon9.gif
Joe

I hear you, but I'm hoping against hope that at least I can keep the lines of communication open while they go through that tough time of their lives.

Cheers!

[Dick Strauss]

Stu,
Great job of getting the kids involved! I've got two nieces that I'm trying to get into turning. I want to give them the confidence to know that they can do anything they set their minds to...it looks like your girls are well on their way!

Take care,
Dick

[Rick Le Douche]

nice Stu !!

what did you use to color the tops?

here is a pdf file on turning wooden tops. I like the chatter marks on these.

www.woodturnerscatalog.com/email/pdf/spinning_top.pdf (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/www.woodturnerscatalog.com/email/pdf/spinning_top.pdf)

:)

[Mark Cothren]

Good goin', Stu! Teach 'em right. Thanks for sharing.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

nice Stu !!

what did you use to color the tops?

here is a pdf file on turning wooden tops. I like the chatter marks on these.

www.woodturnerscatalog.com/email/pdf/spinning_top.pdf (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/www.woodturnerscatalog.com/email/pdf/spinning_top.pdf)

:)

Thanks for that Rick, more stuff to do when I get back to turning!

We colored them with felt tipped markers, worked great.

Cheers!