Spinning top / gyro (陀螺)

thingiverse

We grew up playing with the inexpensive wood toy 陀螺, a spinning top found worldwide. Unable to purchase one here, I decided to build my own for my kids to learn with. My initial build was too big and fragile, so I redesigned it smaller (https://youtu.be/BSIfdugXvtA) without sound holes. Since this is a 3D printed object that breaks easily due to high impact, duct tape is the perfect remedy, covering it before your first shot. The total print time is about 10+ hours with 0.24 layer height. Although the original screw holes are designed for M6 0.8, they fit M5 0.8 nicely due to print tolerance. I made another one (filename with a M6 at the end) with M7 1, so it fits M6 1 bolts. If you have a perfect print machine or use a drill bit to clean up holes, you can fit M6 0.8 or M7 1 bolts. The M6/7 bolts are better and stronger, providing more weight. The M5 spinning tip is weaker and can bend from the drop. To increase spin time (more angular momentum), I used pennies/nuts to build up weight. It's essential to make the bottom heavier, so it will always spin on the tip. Materials: * M5/6 0.8 or M6/7 1, 5x 30mm+ bolts and many nuts (I use M8 nuts for weight) * Some small screws * Coins with diameter <= US penny 1982+ (optional; I used 42 pennies, 30 in top cap, and 12 in base) * Duct tape * Hot glue * Twist rope (~2m; cotton is probably better) * Heat shrink tube (optional for rope end) Introduction: https://youtu.be/bV9k_Qj13x0 Basic steps: https://youtu.be/RgTstkFGaB4 Fun videos: * English: https://youtu.be/B02usJQlxuo * Chinese: https://youtu.be/NkbZWYAtvQI, https://youtu.be/Db4lH3BZE0Q Use coins with the same composition (after 1982): https://www.treasury.gov/about/education/pages/lincoln-cent.aspx