Tools for tops......it's pretty subjective, some people prefer gouges (principally a detail gouge), some like scrapers, and some use skews......Depending on the application, I use all three.......plus a 1/8" parting tool, which I use as much or more than any other tool. For top and yo-yo making I use the following:
- The parting tool
- 1/4" round-nose scraper
- 1/8" round-nose scraper that I made from a 1/8" chisel
- 3/16" skew with 60 degree angle on the edge (very pointy, for hard to reach details)
- 1/4" skew
- 1/2" skew
For hollowing I use the two round-nose scrapers and, more and more, I'm using an Easy Wood Tools Ci3 Midsized Finisher.
On tops, I use the parting tool for parting (duh), cleaning up parted edges, shaping the top of the crown and tip sections, and making "steps" for joining sections of the top. I use the round nose scrapers for the transition between the top of the crown and the first curve, for basic hollowing and for the transition between the body and the Delrin tip section. I use the skews for shaping the top body and for finishing cuts. I use the EWT finishing tool (small round carbide cutter) for hollowing.
