Spinning Top - Beginners Woodturning Project

Рет қаралды 171,085

Күн бұрын

A really super simple beginner woodturning project this week, and one I'd never turned until last year:- A spinning top.
Great for spindle gouge practice and a joyful result to play with, especially with a well figured or coloured wood and loads of room to get creative.
Don't forget to send me some of your wood turning pictures and I'll feature some in an edition of Turner's Journey.
See Below for useful links to stuff used in this project.
At www.msabansmith.com, you can read more about this project, see images, and possibly download one of the projects .pdf worksheets or full length, advert free videos. There is also a free mailing list!
Hampshire Sheen: Find your nearest retailer: www.hampshiresheen.com
Something else of interest: Read my FREE newspaper at www.turnersrest.com
The UK & Ireland Woodturning Symposium:
www.ukiws.co.uk
Useful Amazon links to related products used in this project. These links will take you to pages appropriate for your location:
Kits and Finishes
Wood Blanks: geni.us/1pZC
Airbrush and Compressor: geni.us/3zfB
Pyrography Machine: geni.us/Sjz
Watercolour Pencils: geni.us/3vIj
Spirit Stain: geni.us/7G2
Liberon Gilt Creams: geni.us/3Fxi
Powdered Metals: geni.us/3fZ7
Pen Kits: geni.us/3raA
Project Kits: geni.us/1Kbf
Blow Torch: geni.us/2VhP
Dremel 3000: geni.us/15xa
Dremel Burrs: geni.us/3zqw
Lathes Tools and Accessories
Lathes: geni.us/VIu
Scroll Chucks: geni.us/v7C
Jacobs (Drill) Chuck: geni.us/3KGt
Box Set of Tools: geni.us/4AhX
Thin Parting Tool: geni.us/ym7
Captive Ring Tool: geni.us/BnF
Spiralling Tool: geni.us/2MKd
Bench Sharpening Grinder: geni.us/qBX
Fingernail Jig: geni.us/429R
Centre Finder: geni.us/3XLh
Live Centre: geni.us/AiI
Pen Mandrels: geni.us/C8C
Personal Safety
Face Shield: geni.us/3OrM
Respirator: geni.us/Z44
Keep up with my socially!
Facebook: / msabansmith
Twitter: / msabansmith
Google+: plus.google.com/+Msabansmith/
Instagram: / msabansmith
*** Small Print and Disclaimer: Woodturning can be dangerous. The project in this video is a demonstration of a woodturning project suitable for beginners and is not intended to replace a physical lesson from an experienced woodturner.
At all times, you are responsible for your own safety, that of your workshop and other people in it. Ensure you wear suitable personal safety equipment at all times.
This is my way of turning this project - Other turners may turn it differently and you may find your own way of reaching the same result.
By copying these techniques, you do so at your own risk.
Please note that I am not sponsored by any of the companies or products linked to in the 'Useful Links' section. Nor do I necessarily endorse them.
Thank you for your understanding.

Пікірлер: 162

@harrycleworth5103 3 жыл бұрын

lovely job. Commentary was excellent and no unnecessary music. I also would have liked to see it spinning. Nevertheless one of the best vids.

@ScottRedstone Жыл бұрын

This weekend will be my first time on a wood lathe. The top will be my first project. I’ve made brass tops on a metal lathe. Thanks for a succinct and comprehensive post.

@gilgrace1915 8 жыл бұрын

Great video for beginners. Clear descriptions of layout, order of operations, tool presentation, sanding and finishing. Well done!

@ianbartlett2626 5 жыл бұрын

Great video and great instruction. I like the fact that you take it one step at a time and do so with lots of explanation and slowly. As a beginner I really appreciate this.

@mjjayful 3 жыл бұрын

Very enjoyable and I liked the close up angles of the gouges when turning. Excellent!

@PikachuHugs2U 8 жыл бұрын

Great series, Martin! Would love to learn more about finishes (Danish oil, shellac, and you mentioned a 'finish' that you like - but I don't know enough about finishes to like one yet - in this video). Maybe a future video? Thanks!

@daleney7211 3 жыл бұрын

well done teacher, as all your videos, brief, clear, for a newbie retired hobby for an old soldier, thanks

@fredlewis1945 2 жыл бұрын

As I am new to this turning I appreciate all the help I can get. I find your videos informative and interesting. Thank you

@cheyb75 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Martin, thanks for the advice. Just started turning and I find these videos very helpful.

@jc5510 4 жыл бұрын

Learning loads from your videos. In preparation for starting with my new lathe next week. Thanks

@PaulLockwood 8 жыл бұрын

You covered so many things in this video, really nice. Thank you.

@jakejacobs652 8 жыл бұрын

Awesome job Martin great top too good to see how others turn tops

@thecoppertopdesigns5873 5 жыл бұрын

I love the way you have your shop set up. I have a lot to learn!!

@philippevigneault1557 2 жыл бұрын

You are a natural teacher!

@dorro50 6 жыл бұрын

Only started woodturning a few weeks ago so need lots of ideas on how to practice and develop the techniques. I find your videos really helpful and I like the way you clearly explain what you are doing and how us beginners can achieve the same results. Many thanks.

@yuvallahav 8 жыл бұрын

Yep. It's a spinning top allright. Always nice to come back to basics for a little while, kind of a vacation... :) Yuval.

@matthewharper170 8 жыл бұрын

beautiful wood and cool top, I usually turn them the other way around because I think the tip of the top is the most important. thanks! -Matt

@matthewharper170 8 жыл бұрын

+Martin Saban-Smith Makes perfect sense. I'm not very good at parting off cleanly, and wouldn't want to risk messing up the tip. And some times I glue on a thin scrap of hardwood to the tip so it will hold up longer, which also requires me to turn it the other way. I guess it's all about the context!

@NateShank 7 жыл бұрын

Great stuff! Very informative... I'm looking forward to doing my first project - this will probably be it. Cheers!

@allendesteiguer9020 Жыл бұрын

Great, Martin. Thanks for the tips!

@rickrogers3188 2 жыл бұрын

thanks really helped to see you use all the different tools. kept it simple and explained very well. i feel confident. cheers for the knowledge!

@TheLittleGardenShedWorkshop 8 жыл бұрын

Great Spinning Top Martin, these are great fun to make, well explained, Regards Harry

@stephenwhite9534 3 жыл бұрын

Great video will definitely be making a few of these, I think my granddaughters will love them,thank you for your time am now a new subscriber.

@royothebuzz 6 жыл бұрын

Well, that was informative, well presented and has inspired me to go and make one. Thanks very much.

@thomasbrandt8644 6 жыл бұрын

By the way, love whatching your videos, you have a good way of showing how to do woodturning... You are a good inspiration...

@janicekneule5979 8 жыл бұрын

Very nice Martin. I've been turning tops for years. This is a great teaching video for beginners. Great teaching technique. I might try your finish - it looked very nice. Super job !!!!!

@thomasreid8955 8 жыл бұрын

Another great video nicely explained

@georgev5620 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Martin! Nice little project to make for my three grandsons!

@msabansmith 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you George. I hope it gives them many hours of joy. All the best, Martin

@mikeyandalyssab4782 4 жыл бұрын

Great video as always! Thanks again!

@samriddle3591 2 жыл бұрын

Great work Martin

@mheermance 4 ай бұрын

It looks great.

@craigc7493 Жыл бұрын

Look this!! Going to try it

@jan-roarbernhardsen7626 8 жыл бұрын

A beautiful Spinning Top that would be in a family for many years-It reminds me of my grandpa making this for us when we were kids

@jan-roarbernhardsen7626 8 жыл бұрын

That would have been very nice. My sons are 24 and 25 so my wife and i are waiting :) :) Have a nice evening

@jhcarr830 8 жыл бұрын

Very nice. Thanks for making this video. I learned from it.

@geoffl.2293 3 жыл бұрын

Many thanks....very clear. From Australia

@casperscuts2627 5 жыл бұрын

Great little project, thanks for sharing!

@msabansmith 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you. A lot of fun knocking these out. Good bevel rubbing practice, too.

@miketobish5387 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome video love how you explained everything. Thank you

@msabansmith 7 жыл бұрын

Hey Mike! Thanks for commenting today. I hope you continue to enjoy the videos. All the best, Martin

@paintilludrop 2 ай бұрын

2024...great info,skill. Enjoyed watching Started my first one today. I made the bottom too v shape.

@forrestlee59 5 жыл бұрын

The video is very well done, no nonsense. I'm new to turning and will definitely be watching more of your work. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge. Keep it up!

@msabansmith 5 жыл бұрын

Hi! Thanks for watching. Sorry it took some time to reply to you. Been a tad busy! I'm glad you are finding my videos useful and worth watching.

@markhuskie134 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Martin and greetings from Switzerland! Great videos, I am waiting for my lathe to be delivered and can't wait to get turning! Thanks for the inspiration, Mark

@msabansmith 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Mark. Thanks for watching. Enjoy your lathe and stay safe!

@rodneypage9788 4 жыл бұрын

Martin, I learned to make tops from this video. You showed me I can

@user-xy4ky9pq9z 7 ай бұрын

the best of all video

@orvillerose2764 4 жыл бұрын

Hello. Im loving this video, I wish I had a wood lathe to do some of these simple projects. Bless you man

@davidparker2436 8 жыл бұрын

Hi Martin, another good and very informative Beginners Video. You are gradually increasing my knowledge base. For me it is all theory at the moment but I am hoping to get my first Lathe and other necessary bits and pieces in the next month. Keep up the good work.

@MikeWaldt 8 жыл бұрын

That's a great project for beginners, a good skill builder, and also good for the more experienced too. You have made a simple top intro a beautiful piece, nice work mate. Cheers Mike

@leksey7870 8 жыл бұрын

Fun interesting work. Skillfully made. Like!

@tyronedeasbrailsford951 3 жыл бұрын

Well done!

@faliciawatson5294 2 жыл бұрын

Fascinating

@jpwoodwork 8 жыл бұрын

great video, really enjoying this series :)

@vigilante004 7 жыл бұрын

Very Nice! Thank You.

@gunterschone8402 8 жыл бұрын

Beautiful video, Martin. I have last year also turned 2 Spinning Top for the grandchildren.

@gunterschone8402 8 жыл бұрын

That's true. There is the saying "Small children like to play, bigger even more they love". :-D

@ewalddamey 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Many regards!

@silvioinacio7929 4 жыл бұрын

Congratulations for the work, very good and beautiful ... I'm from Brazil, I intend to make one for testing. Congratulations, Silvio Jr

@JH-et7ig 6 жыл бұрын

Just found your channel...liked and subscribed... excellent clear instruction.. thanks for sharing your knowledge

@msabansmith 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Jay. Many thanks for your kind words, and thanks for watching too. I'm very pleased you find the videos helpful. All the best, Martin

@bobbyplatt7654 6 жыл бұрын

Very nice indeed..

@paulspencer7401 4 жыл бұрын

Great video for us beginners, many thanks.

@msabansmith 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Paul. Glad you enjoyed it.

@davidkuhns8389 7 жыл бұрын

A great way for a new turner such as me, to practice skills and produce a little toy my young grandkids will love.

@msabansmith 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for your kind words. I am so pleased you enjoyed the video. I hope you continue to enjoy my productions. Martin

@JimsonMakes 8 жыл бұрын

Nice one and no scary bits. I'm off to the big toy shop in Basingstoke this evening, very excited.

@neva-surrender 6 ай бұрын

This helped me alot, made my first one but it wasn't great, I'll keep practicing lol, thank you

@gardenweld 3 жыл бұрын

Tip Top 😊

@PENFOLD1962 8 жыл бұрын

Hi Màrtin, Ooooh a brilliant video, spinning top's are great fun to make and with me being a Learner they are ideal for tool practice and of course sanding and finishing. My wife's a TA for the local infant school, and she was wondering what she could do to help keep them occupied during wet playtime! I've made 22 of the 36 spinning top's needed! I make them from Beechwood Rolling Pins from THE RANGE, only £1.49 each! They are shaped like the old fashioned spinning tops, they only have a baby oil finish so the children can decorate, paint them. A brilliant video mate, I'm really enjoying the Learner Series and can't wait for the next. Brilliant work mate keep it up :) Cheers Andy

@gregdykes8832 8 жыл бұрын

+Andrew Smith A great way to get round dry wood at a great price.

@PENFOLD1962 8 жыл бұрын

+Greg Dykes Hi Greg, I bet the Beechwood Rolling Pins make great tool handles too. :)

@ericmcrae7758 8 жыл бұрын

Hi Martin Nice video for beginners - quite amazing although I have been turning for 3 years I have never made a spinning top, something else for me to do. A simple tip for spindle work once the centres are marked I usually use a bradle so they are easier to mount on the lathe. Eric

@GabiFodorrasRO 3 жыл бұрын

Big like!👍👍👍👍👍✅💪Felicitări! Great video 👍🏆😎💪

@angusmacdonald7293 8 жыл бұрын

nicely done sir, i have not done this project yet better go of to the shed and try one or two. liking this series you are doing

@chrisking3849 3 жыл бұрын

thanks just getting back into turning

@msabansmith 3 жыл бұрын

Welcome back.

@jef3428 2 жыл бұрын

très belle toupie !

@robinmarwick1982 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Martin......a great video started to experiment with Danish oil and shellac. ....glad to have found your channel

@msabansmith 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Robin. Thanks. I hope you find the other videos on the channel interesting, too. Martin

@AllenOxendine 6 жыл бұрын

Just purchased a lathe, your tutorials are very helpful to beginners. My lathe is still in the box but I look forward to using it.

@msabansmith 6 жыл бұрын

All the best with your new lathe, Allen, and I'll raise a glass to many years of safe and fun turning for you. :-)

@telstraoranamall7680 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@thomasarussellsr 6 жыл бұрын

Lovely top, brilliant finish.

@sandiekelley8513 2 ай бұрын

Great job, you make both watching and listening to you easy to follow and understand. Funny question, can one use car wax when finishing a piece?

@timhyatt9185 8 жыл бұрын

cute little top and really great looking piece of wood! any idea what it was? Tops like that are quick turns and great skill builders. The even have some room for embellishing if you're so inclined (seen some really nice ones with chatterwork on the top of them....)

@geofo60 8 жыл бұрын

Nice project Martin & very well explained. I'm wondering if the wood is Ipe as I've seen it showing up in several pallet wood projects & the grain/colour looks very similar. Good video & should prove invaluable to beginners. Thanks for sharing...... Geof Harris

@billy19461 6 жыл бұрын

Beautiful piece of wood!

@fouroakscrafts7240 5 жыл бұрын

Great video! I definitely need to practice. I tend to run into problems with the spindle gouge grabbing and getting pulled back opposite from the direction I want to cut. This sometimes happens when I'm making a cove or bead cut. Maybe I don't have the bevel right? Any suggestions on how to remedy this?

@ianchappell4199 6 жыл бұрын

great piece for Practice as well, Martin.

@billy19461 7 жыл бұрын

You make it seem so easy. Thanks for the video

@msabansmith 6 жыл бұрын

It takes a couple of goes to get the technique down, then it is easy as muscle memory takes over. All the best, MArtni

@davidholliday5063 8 жыл бұрын

I thought you would like the wood, it comes up alright for scrap wood, I like making tops with mine

@user-we8rc8mr4y Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video, please can I ask did you fit the variable speed to your Myford yourself? If so where did you get it from.thanks

@anthonycipriano4007 Жыл бұрын

I really appreciate your video, I make some like you do, but I saw a video on using a spiral tool also very unique, can you do a video on using a spiral tool?

@cunningstunts3329 7 жыл бұрын

Great video. I've been working on a dreidel box, but the top wouldn't spin. Now I know where I went wrong I can do a proper job. Many thanks.

@msabansmith 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Graham. Being able to put videos together as part of my 'job' to inspire other turners is such a pleasure and a privilege. I'm so pleased you enjoy them. All the best, Martin

@chrisduchnowski3757 7 жыл бұрын

This is my project for weekend :)) thanks for nice video ;))

@msabansmith 7 жыл бұрын

Have fun with it, Chris! Martin

@AffordBindEquipment 5 жыл бұрын

Danish oil = equal parts boiled linseed oil, varnish, paint thinner. I have been using it for years, works great and a lot cheaper than buying it commercially.

@IanMaude 8 жыл бұрын

nice project Martin, it works great too :)

@felkebg1 5 жыл бұрын

My only disappointment was we didn't end with a final spin of the new top! Great video!

@msabansmith 5 жыл бұрын

Good point, Bill! Will have to do another one.

@yusufgames 5 жыл бұрын

The one he span at the beginning was the same one

@thomasbrandt8644 6 жыл бұрын

Hello Martin, my name i Thomas from Denmark and I just started to do woodturning. have you ever done a cone? I got inspired by one of my good friends and it is a great gift for Christmas.

@ericneering6357 2 жыл бұрын

What’s crazy is I’m watching you guys use all these different chisels and I only got one it’s a Stanley mortising chisel and I make all this stuff with just that chisel

@moodyharvey1309 3 жыл бұрын

Martin, I just stumbled upon this video. I was looking at the angle of grind on your roughing gouge. Did you us a IRish or finger nail grind? Also your teaching technique is very, very good. I am subscribing to your series. You do very nice work sir!

@Chuck_Burke 2 ай бұрын

Don't know if you are still monitoring your channel, but that was a great video. Thank you for your time. I do have a question, when you get to the point and part the top off, it seems that the "point" would go away...is there enough left to spin effectively?

@msabansmith 2 ай бұрын

Yeah, still here. Very busy with other work. Thanks for watching. Yes, there's enough to spin, particularly if you turn the point first (to the right of the piece) and then part off at the top of the handle.

@Chuck_Burke 2 ай бұрын

@@msabansmith thank you so much. Again. Great video...I have indeed liked, subscribed and shared :) LOL

@msabansmith 2 ай бұрын

Thank you. I do have plans for more videos this year. Time is not my friend with the other side of the business being so busy at the moment. Still, I'll not complaining about being busy!! Lol

@remoman 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, yes yes yes...

@GertArijs 4 жыл бұрын

Nice video! Is there a reason to do it this way, and not the other way around? So you finish with the upper part instead of the spinning tip, so the spinning tip can be exact and perfect. I have seen videos both ways, so i’m just curious.

@رامي_وافي 6 жыл бұрын

Hello thank you to الفديوهات wonderful loved know of any kind of tools maps Wood recommend purchased there types in large kindly recommend buying the quality of certain can find them on the Internet thank you

@davidb0wden857 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Martin. I made my first top and it spins. Great video.

@rgoodleaf 8 жыл бұрын

Nicely done Martin!! Question though, is there a reason to put the handle at the right end of the spindle as opposed to putting it at the left end?Thanks, Rich

@deanthomas5466 5 жыл бұрын

It's his style, as he mentions in one of the answers above. Some prefer to do the tip at the right and then put a pointy end on the "handle" so it can easily spin on either end. Doing it his way makes it convenient to embellish the upper surface of the body of the top. Chatterwork comes to mind as does Sharpie spirals and color combos.

@DJVoyagerXue 2 жыл бұрын

Hampshire Sheen and Yorkshire Grit got together in a forest to do battle one day, and loads of trees got polished to death ;) #Fact

@fastnaught1 6 жыл бұрын

Martin, nice project. I’ll,be making them for my fifteen grandchildren 👍 I also have a question. I bought a tin of Hampshire sheen some time ago. I opened it lately for a project and it is hard and flakey. It won’t budge out of the can. What can I do to bring it back to a useable substance? Thanks, Jack

@msabansmith 6 жыл бұрын

+Jack Fastnaught Hi Jack. Thanks for watching. 15 Grandchildren! Wow, busy family and I'm sure you'll love turning tops for them. Please drop me a line via www.hampshiresheen.com or the Facebook pages with rough purchase date and place purchased from and I'll very happily investigate for you. Thanks.

@mummatoni9211 7 жыл бұрын

Martin what is your starter size blank did you start with or recommend?

@msabansmith 6 жыл бұрын

Hi again - I believe this piece was about 2" or 2.5".

@marisegemming7179 Жыл бұрын

Novice turner here. I would like to make a range of tops for the kids that I work with. What sort of finishing products do you think are suitable for littlies who sometimes like to sample things with their mouths? 😊

@joecanalori5588 Жыл бұрын

Danish oil, shellac, and then a finishing oil , and buff?

@cattleNhay 3 жыл бұрын

Looks like plum?

@martkt10 7 жыл бұрын

Great video, still saving for my hobby lathe, can all wood be turned down, because i have loads of old pine , from building a house

@msabansmith 7 жыл бұрын

Hi again Martkt10. Thank you for the subscription. I have also added this question to my Q&A list, as other viewers are also likely to benefit from the answer. All the best, Martin

@deanthomas5466 5 жыл бұрын

Absolutely yes, pine can be turned into lovely objects. Turn less aggressively than you might with harder woods and make sure your tools are scary sharp to avoid tear-out. Split 2x4s and use those for practice. Consider searching "2x4" here on KZfaq. Lots of clubs issue 2x4 challenges and lots of creativity shows up. Bowls, platters, tops, ornaments, all kinds of things! Hoping your hobby lathe has come to live. 8^)

@76DHerrick 5 жыл бұрын

I dont have a chuck yet and am a beginner. would mounting the wood on a faceplate instead matter at all? I want to make one of these for my niece!

@deanthomas5466 5 жыл бұрын

Consider attaching a scrap block to your faceplate, round it and face it off, then glue on the wood for your top. Works well and is very renewable. Almost any wood will work. I've used pine, even, and super-glued or hot glued my project material to it.