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How to Make a Metal Spin Top

A metal spin top can be fun to play with for hours. All you need is a metal spin top and a hard surface to play with it on. In the past, spin tops were made from wood and plastic. Experience in metalworking is important when it comes to creating a metal spin top.

Things You'll Need

Metal lathe
Light metal such as tin or aluminum
Chisel
Sander
Paint
Paintbrush

Instructions

How to Make a Metal Spin Top
- 1
  Place the piece of light metal on the lathe and grind it down to a small cylinder shape using the tools on the lathe.
- 2
  Work the cylinder so that it is pointed at the bottom and provides the user with a small handle or knob near the top.
- 3
  Use the narrow chisels on your lathe to cut grooves and divots into the top to give it a more decorative look. Use the sander on the lathe to remove any and all sharp edges.
- 4
  When you're finished, spin the top on a hard surface with the pointed side down to test how well it works.
- 5
  Decorate the finished metal top using paint of your choice.

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