Spinning Top

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1. Introduction

2. Important Notes

3. Spinner Body

4. Spinner Mass

5. Assembly

Introduction [RETURN TO TOP]

This document is intended to explain the manufacturing sequence for a Spinning Top. All tools needed to make the top are located in the “Spinning Top Tackle Box.”

Important Notes [RETURN TO TOP]

1. Material Selection: Use the ˝” AL rod from the material rack for the Spinner Body. Use the 1” brass rod on the cart by the office to make the Spinner Mass.

2. Parting Off: If you have not been trained to part off, ask Mike or another trained TA to perform the part off with you.

3. Loading Tools into Tool Lathe Tool Holders: Seek assistance from a senior TA or Mike regarding tool installation.

4. Make sure to check tool center height EVERYTIME you change tools. Failing to do this will result in broken tooling.

Spinner Body [RETURN TO TOP]

1. Cut a piece of ˝” AL rod to at least 1.5” in length using the Marvel or Rollin bandsaw

2. Clamp the workpiece in a ˝” collet chuck with at least 1” of material protruding from the chuck

a. NOTE: Measure the work piece to ensure it is within the tolerance required for a collet chuck. If it is not it could permanently damage the collet

3. With the lathe turned off, adjust the headstock federate controls to 0.002”/rev

4. Face 0.010” from the stock and re-zero

5. Turn the OD to 0.4840” by removing 0.0040” from the diameter (0.002” radial depth of cut) at a time, and measure with micrometers after each pass

a. NOTE: It’s important to write down how much each cut removes so you can average material removed and know what to expect for your final pass

6. Drill and ream the center hole to the correct depth

7. Set the compound rest to 35°, and cut the taper to size by adjusting the x axis 0.050” at a time

a. NOTE: If you have not cut a taper on the lathe before, seek assistance from an experienced TA

8. Remove the part, and clamp on the 0.4840” OD using a 31/64” collet

a. NOTE: Measure the work piece to ensure it is within the tolerance required for a collet chuck. If it is not it could permanently damage the collet.

9. Face 0.010” from the stock

10. Center drill with a #2 center drill to a depth at least halfway up the taper of the drill

a. NOTE: This is so a live center can be used. If unfamiliar with live centers, read the Live & Dead Center Section of the TA Information Archive, and afterwards consult Mike or a senior TA.

11. Load a live center into the tailstock

12. After sliding the tailstock forward and activating the break, rotate the quill handle until the live center comes into contact with the part, then activate the quill lock.

a. NOTE: Be careful not to apply too much force to the part using the quill handle, which can push the part farther into the collet.

13. Using the VNMG 332 turning and facing tool, turn the shoulder to size

14. Knurl the 0.3125” OD

a. NOTE: If you have never knurled before, consult Mike or an older TA for correct technique, speeds, and feeds.

15. Cut the grooves using a 0.050” grooving tool

a. NOTE: Ensure the tool is parallel with the X axis prior to cutting using the 1-2-3 block. If you have never done this before please consult Mike or an older TA. This is a crucial step and the cutting tool WILL break if this is not done correctly

b. NOTE: Check/Set the extension of the grove such that is the correct length (which maximizes rigidity, yet has clearance from the part)

c. NOTE: Seek assistance from Mike or senior TA regarding zeroing the tool

16. Remove the tailstock and face the part to length, using light depths of cut (~0.020) to minimize part deflection

Spinner Mass [RETURN TO TOP]

1. Clamp on the 1” brass rod using a 1” collet.

a. NOTE: Start with the speed turned all the way down, and slowly increase until you reach 600 RPM. If you can hear or feel the stock whipping in the spindle, turn the speed down until it stops.

b. NOTE: Measure the work piece to ensure it is within the tolerance required for a collet chuck. If it is not it could permanently damage the collet

2. Face 0.010” from the stock and turn the OD to size

3. Cut the first fillet using the 1/8” fillet tool

a. NOTE: Ensure the tool is parallel with the X axis prior to cutting using the 1-2-3 block.

4. Part off the workpiece 0.010” oversize

a. NOTE: Reference the Parting Tool Notes document and seek assistance from a trained TA when using a parting tool.

5. Clamp on the workpiece using a 63/64” collet

a. NOTE: Measure the work piece to ensure it is within the tolerance required for a collet chuck. If it is not it could permanently damage the collet

6. Follow the Boring on the Lathe document for proper boring bar selection, setup, and use.

a. NOTE: If you have never used a boring bar on the lathe before consult Mike or an older TA

Assembly [RETURN TO TOP]

1. Using a vise and the premade tools in the tackle box, press the Spinner Mass onto the Spinner body so that the fillet and taper are on the same side. Ensure that the face of the filleted side is flush with the top edge of the taper.

2. Clamp on 0.050” to 0.100” of the Spinner Mass’s OD, and finish the shoulder to make the two surfaces flush with each other.

3. Cut the second fillet using the 1/8” fillet tool

4. Remove the assembly from the collet chuck, and support it on the top edges of a vise. Place one of the 1/8” ball bearing in the hole, and lightly tap it into place with a dead blow.

5. Polish J