More rummaging

[Don Henthorn Smithville, TX]

Another rummaging through a box and I found this top. I turned a number of these also
quite a few years ago. Each year at Christmas I gave each on my secretaries a gift form
the store and one from my shop. One year I gave these tops as shop presents. After
Christmas one secretary confided to me that although her son liked his top as well or
better than any other present he got very little play time with it. The reason? The adults
monopolized it most of the day. I still like to play with it.
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<img src="http://users2.ev1.net/~henthorn/top.jpg">

[Charles McKinley]

That is a great piece Don.

[Martin Shupe]

Don,

I always enjoy your posts!

Could you give me some help on dimensions? Is this from a plan? How does the string stay wrapped around the top until you pull it...i.e., is there a hole in the dowel part of the top?

I am a new turner, but I think my kids would love one of these.

Thanks,

Martin

[Dave Crabbs]

Don,
Once again You did a Real Nice Job!!! I like the stories you put with the toys you make. This part had me chuckling I could just see all the adults fighting over who was next to play with the top.

After Christmas one secretary confided to me that although her son liked his top as well or better than any other present he got very little play time with it. The reason? The adults monopolized it most of the day. I still like to play with it.

Keep up the rummaging I enjoy reading your posts,
Dave

[Don Henthorn Smithville, TX]

Hi, Martin. Yes there is a 1/16" hole through the top spindle. I usually dip the end of the string in glue or shellac to make it easy to poke through the hole. If you don't do that, users will stick it in their mouths to get it wet so it will thread easier, and that isn't good.(-: I usually start with about a seven inch piece of wood about an inch square. The top itself is about 2 1/2" to 3" tall not counting the spindle. diameter is 2 1/4" to 2 1/2". This post has been changed because I had a brain fart and got the rattle and the top mixed up. Sorry about that. It is tough getting old. Hope this clears things up.

[Martin Shupe]

Thanks Don, I am snowed under by honey do's right now, but when I get some time, I'll try to turn one. Thanks for the additional information! I'll report back when it is finished.