So many questions about the throw tops. I remember fondly throwing the dome store ones when young.
Are the big ones solid or hollow?
Does it matter what materials they are made of?
What are the general dimensions or proportions?
What are the tips made from?
How long of a string is needed?
- Less than 2.5" wide ones I make are solid, larger sizes are hollow, with about 3/8" wall thickness. Try to keep the weight to below one pound, but too thin a wall will break/explode with a hard floor hit. One of the other advantages of a hollow top (besides weight) is the cord can be stored inside...looks better when displayed...and, you can put your maker's mark on the bottom/inside of the top.
- Balance is important, and some woods (spalted, burled, etc) may require some post build balancing...usually with a small piece of sticky clay attached to the inside wall. Use a laminated/manufactured wood like Spectraply or ColorPly, and you won't have to worry about balance...assuming no run-out on your lathe or chuck, and your turning process is good.
- Not counting the tip, width and length should start off the same dimensions. 80% of my tops are 3" x 3" without the tip, and 3" x 3.5 to 4" with the tip.
- The most popular tips are metal...brass, aluminum or steel. But I also turn them from 1/2" to 1" diameter Delrin rod, which is good for indoor use (won't mar the floor, or punch a hole in your palm if you do hand-catches).
- Cord length is a user preference and often is dependent on the type of trick that's being performed. If I'm selling them, I usually include a 7 to 8 foot cord, that can always be shortened. Nominal is 6 feet.