Explaining the metal spinning process, this paper reveals the basic characteristics of metal spinning lathes including CNC controls that bring higher levels of speed, precision, and consistency to the process. Covering hot spinning" technique that is commonly used to fabricate pressurized vessels, it describes the tooling required and states that although for axially symmetric parts, metal...
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Read More »Focusing on metal spinning as a proven technology for simplifying, streamlining, and reducing the expense of producing axially symmetric parts, this paper lists out the advantages of metal spinning over other processes to achieve substantial cost savings through low-cost tooling, increased material yields by using CNC controls, and reduction or elimination of secondary operations for both...
Read More »Explaining the metal spinning process, this paper reveals the basic characteristics of metal spinning lathes including CNC controls that bring higher levels of speed, precision, and consistency to the process. Covering hot spinning" technique that is commonly used to fabricate pressurized vessels, it describes the tooling required and states that although for axially symmetric parts, metal...
Read More »Focusing on metal spinning as a proven technology for simplifying, streamlining, and reducing the expense of producing axially symmetric parts, this paper lists out the advantages of metal spinning over other processes to achieve substantial cost savings through low-cost tooling, increased material yields by using CNC controls, and reduction or elimination of secondary operations for both...
Read More »Including five examples of spun and hydroformed metal components fabricated by Helander Metal, this paper shows how each item is a combination of functionality and good aesthetics. Beginning with Hubcab, a replacement part for vintage automobiles, that is hard to find and expensive, it goes on to feature components made for furniture industry such as steel table columns ranging in size from 0.040...
Read More »Metal spinning process stands firmly between the artisans and craftsmen of the past and the machine tool automation of the present. This paper looks at how combining CNC automation with hand spinning can create more intricate architectural and decorative products. Stating that hand spinning is the most cost effective and reliable way to produce prototypes, and small quantity orders, it explains...
Read More »This depends greatly on the surface being used. On a soft, wood table top a spin of a minute or two is pretty good, but it doesn’t compare at all to a good spinning surface.
On a hard glass or ceramic surface the following times are good guidelines when using any of our tops:
Check out our YouTube Channel for some top times!
There are three components to achieving the longest spin, and the first two are all about technique:
Link to US Metal Spinning
Our longest spins have been achieved on a custom 10-inch concave mirror, and they were high speed spins that started with almost no imbalance whatsoever. For every spin over 10 minutes, we had a dozen or more that were in the 9-minute range. When everything is just perfect 10+ minutes is doable.
The ideal surface is a hard, dry, clean surface such as a concave mirror, lens, or a ceramic spinning base. The goal is to minimize friction between the top and the surface, and that means a hard surface since it will have the smallest contact point possible. Also, a moderately concave surface is good for general purpose use and learning, but the least concave surface possible will result in the longest spins.
The only way the top will NOT travel when spinning is if the surface is either 1) soft, such as wood, 2) concave, or 3) both perfectly flat AND perfectly level. Let’s break them down a bit:
The Schulte tops are approximately 1.1” long, just under 1” diameter across the flywheel portion and just under ⅓” across the knurled stem.
We refer to the largest diameter of the top as the flywheel. It is where most of the energy from the spin is stored. The portion extending above the flywheel is referred to as the stem or handle. The top of the stem is knurled, which is the term for the pattern that is cut into the stem to give a better grip for spinning. Unlike traditional tops, the bottom doesn’t have a point, it instead has a ceramic ball bearing that provides a long wearing spinning surface and better performance than a point would. Even though it is a ball bearing, it does not spin relative to the top, but is fixed in place permanently and spins against the surface on which the top is spinning.
The Fused version is a lightweight core of T6 aluminum with a shrink fit brass outer ring for high inertia. The other models are named for the metals from which they are made, brass, bronze, and stainless steel. On all models the bearing is a 4mm silicon nitride ceramic ball that is pressed into place.
Because a ball actually works better. First, if the top just came to a point there would be a very small contact point between it and any surface and the metal would quickly wear down until the point was no longer sharp. The likelihood of the top remaining in balance is extremely low. If we had just machined the brass down to a sharp point, it would be much like the edge of a knife. And just like knives go dull with use, the top would do the same - quickly.
So, if it’s going to end up rounded off anyway, why not start with a perfectly centered round shape, and use a hard ceramic that will last hundreds of times longer than the relatively soft brass would? So, that’s what we did!
If you’re wanting to buy a top for someone who you know will be chasing the longest spin possible, then the Fused Aluminum and Brass is the best choice. The combination of heavy brass flywheel and low overall weight from the aluminum results in the best spin times of any of our tops. While we think all the tops are beautiful, the solid brass top draws attention with its finely polished and brilliant gold surface. If you’re buying on looks alone, you won’t go wrong with any of our tops, but the brass takes top spot for most people.
Yes! We now have the ability to pass along our discounted international shipping rates directly with no markup. You should find this in the shopping cart at checkout. If our international rates are not available for some reason, we have found that international customers can also get these discounted rates through our Etsy store. In some cases, Amazon.com does ship outside the United States. If you have questions or need special international shipping, us at with your request and location so we can help.