You can make your own small lathe tools from old worn-out screwdrivers. They are hard tool steel and work well. Grind any shape on the end; keep the steel cool as you grind.
Thank-you so much for making this video. I am brand new to turning and am really enjoying it. I've made a few tops but the wood really shows what type is best. The 2x2's are handy but the grain just keeps exploding on me. I made a really nice one yesterday from a piece of apple wood, what a difference. With your encouragement and tips, I'll keep going!!
I remember someone said the harder wood spins longer than the softer. That shop of your sawdust pile reminds me of my cat using a sawdust pile like that my dad had in the garage as a litterbox. Dad did not appreciate that much, but then he chuckled. We didn't know about her doing that till we started cleaning up his mess. So...
Thanks for the fun little video. o how do we find that little book? I've made a few Tops but I'm game for some new tricks and live to support other guys out there. ( it was a little hard to find but after a few searches I found it on Amazon) Thanks for checking on this note anyhow.
The higher the rpm the larger the spacing is between bumps when using a chatter tool. Chuck up some maple, turn the end smooth and play with a chatter tool. That's the only way to get a feel for the tool. The other embossing tools I run at 500 rpm.
You can make your own small lathe tools from old worn-out screwdrivers. They are hard tool steel and work well. Grind any shape on the end; keep the steel cool as you grind.
Thanks Jim, very detailed and informative
Most informative video that I’ve seen on the topic. Thank you.
Wow, so much info in such a tiny object. Learning alot..
Thank you sir, as a new older, new, turner, I appreciate any helpI can get..Blessings
Thank-you so much for making this video. I am brand new to turning and am really enjoying it. I've made a few tops but the wood really shows what type is best. The 2x2's are handy but the grain just keeps exploding on me. I made a really nice one yesterday from a piece of apple wood, what a difference. With your encouragement and tips, I'll keep going!!
Maple is great for tops.
Hardwoods are easier to turn. They also take much finer details. Use some firewood - that's usually hardwoods. Keep at it.
First time seeing your video. Very well done. I enjoyed it. I’ll be back. Thanks Roger D.
I remember someone said the harder wood spins longer than the softer. That shop of your sawdust pile reminds me of my cat using a sawdust pile like that my dad had in the garage as a litterbox. Dad did not appreciate that much, but then he chuckled. We didn't know about her doing that till we started cleaning up his mess. So...
Very nice video, thanks. I've turned tops off & on for years. Never had luck with the chatter, will try again.
Thanks you for a great education, I did not know the Dremel tool trick.
Thank you so much for,which has to be,the best top turning video I have ever watched 😄👍.
Very enjoyable video. I'm going to have to give pine wood a try!
How do you keep the pen coloes frim running? I like to wax or spray lacquer my tops for that extra shine and durability.
Pat Harris
Very nice video, love the 2 piece top option.
You were talking about rods made out of high speed steel. A wore out or broken drill bit is high speed steel.
Excellent video!!!
What markers are you using? I’m enjoying your video. Thanks
Sharpies mostly
Very nice video. I'm in a club and I've turned over 70 tops - we sell them and donate to a children's hospital (over $4000 last year!).
thank you very much for the teaching.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge 🙏
Thanks for the fun little video. o how do we find that little book? I've made a few Tops but I'm game for some new tricks and live to support other guys out there. ( it was a little hard to find but after a few searches I found it on Amazon) Thanks for checking on this note anyhow.
Do you turn tipe topes ? I find they are easy to turn but hard to turn so they work.
ever made Dreidels? A toy similar to a spinning top used in games of chance played by children and adults at Hanukkah.
Are you using Hard maple or soft? Where I live there is very little hard maple
As always a very informative demo
What speed are you using the chatter tool, at
The higher the rpm the larger the spacing is between bumps when using a chatter tool. Chuck up some maple, turn the end smooth and play with a chatter tool. That's the only way to get a feel for the tool. The other embossing tools I run at 500 rpm.
nice! thanks!
Could use drill rod
Anyways is not a word. The word is anyway.