how to turn a spinning top

Step 1: To get started you need a square piece of wood, mine is 2x2x4 inches long. Next, using a straight edge from corner to corner, find and mark center.

Step 2: Place between centers on your lathe, turn a tenon, and then flip the piece around to put it in your chuck. Leaving the tailstock in for support turn the piece round.

Step 3: Move the tailstock out of the way and turn a point at the end of your piece with a spindle gouge. This will be the bottom of your spinning top.

Step 4: Next make the handle for your spinning top. I use my parting tool and spindle gouge to create the shape I desire for my handle.

Step 5: Sand and finish your top. I like to use a mixture that I make that is Jojoba oil and beeswax melted together to form a cream like consistency.