My 10" top

[cecil]

I am trying to make my 10 inch top. This is a lot of work. About 110 pieces. It's about seven pounds. I hope it all cleans up.

[ta0]

Wow! Great project Cecil! The 10" makers club is very exclusive! 

I you shave 1.5 pounds you'll be at the weight of Figaro

[Neff]

Damns! That's a buncha of miter saw action there. Enclosed crown, eh?

[cecil]

Yes I'm lucky to still have all my fingers. As a Machinist I know that there is nothing more dangerous than a saw. I still don't know what size bearings I should use. Anyone have any suggestion's? And I'm hoping for 10 3/8 dia. and at no more than 4 pounds.

[Dalton Bissell]

WOW that's gonna be a cool top. Very jealous of the size you can work in. I wish my medium could be effective at that size.

[collectop]

Please let us know if it spins, and if it does, tell the kitty cats to run because it well destroy anything in its way l.o.l.

[yollector]

Keep us abreast of your progress.
    Cant wait to see when
          it is finished !
                RFC

[dazzlingdave]

Looking good. I cannot wait to see your results.

It is good to use a skateboard bearings for this size top. (about an inch diameter I believe)

Have fun!

[jim in paris]

hello Cecil
what a tremendous project !
about the bearing size , standard skate bearings should do the job

8mm core,  22mm outer diameter and  7mm width
2 bearings may be like Maurizio does, and a long shaft

wish you the best for the final shavings
jim

[Neff]

Bearings?  We don't need no stinkin' Bearings!

[ta0]

Bearings?  We don't need no stinkin' Bearings!

Well, if this top is for you and not your grandson and you want to spin it for a while, I would recommend the bearings. I very seldom feel like I want to go through the exertion of spinning Figaro with the tip fixed.

As others said, two roller-blade/skate-board bearings is the way to go.

[Neff]

I think the bearing proponents are well represented here ta0, no need to refute my silly principles.   
I can only think of two others that would maybe agree with me on this anyway.

I can't help it though... why spend all that time to weaken the top and limit it's trick-ability?  Also, roll staring a big top is far, far easier and safer than a boomerang. Once you learn both of course.  In this case, a Columbian style top I presume, yeah go ahead and stick a pair in that sucker.

[cecil]

I'm really getting tired of all the glueing. I think the wood is pine but after a trip to Home Depot, I think it's common wood. I bought it because it was $ 1.29 for eight ft. I'm going cheap because this is all new to me and I don't care to destroy expencive wood . A top like this would be around # 125.00 black walnut wood. I spent about $ 18.00 max. But I am having FUN.

[the Earl of Whirl]

Glad you are having fun.  That is what it is all about!  The pictures sure look cool.

[cecil]

Two halfs are glued up, now for the Bridgeport to put plugs in then the lathe. It's 7pounds 8 ounces. I'm hopeing for 3 1/2 pounds at 10.1/4 dia. With 3/8 walls.