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Molly Winton

>These are breathtaking. I can only imagine the time put into them. Very impressive. Thank you for sharing them with us.

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Ron Sardo from PA

>These are all beautiful, which is really an understatement.

I asked in an earlier thread if the handle comes off, I now see that it does. How is the handle connected to the top?

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Keith Tompkins

>Hi Ron, the handle is drilled to accept a 1/8" steel rod, which is epoxied in. I drill a hole in the top to accept the rod. the hole is 5/32". so it has clearance to spin. I drill it while on the lathe so it is straight and doesn't affect the balance.

Thanks for the compliments! Keith

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Keith Tompkins

>HI Molly, I noticed your post with the migration vessel. That is an awesome piece. It's nice when an artist such as yourself compliments my work.Thankyou, Keith

Thanks

Ron Sardo from PA

>

They all look so cool!

Dominic Greco in Wet! Richboro PA

>

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David Eaves

>Thanks, for posting all the photos they are awesome and very inspirational. They put the simple spinning top I turned to shame :o)

David

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Keith Tompkins

>HI David, thanks. A funny story.....I was asked to make a few 'fancy" tops to give out as prizes at Northeastern Woodworker's Showcase last spring.

I had lots of segmented scrap pieces left over so now only one problem...I had never made a top before.

I experimented with a couple of ideas, some of them spun pretty well. Then, I had the idea; hey these things need a supercharger to really get them spinning....that got the string and handle involved.

One particular top appeared to resemble a dancer with a flared skirt, so there is the next step.

Such a "star" dancer needs a home, so I came up with the star-shaped base. My first star-top won first place at NWA showcase, then I donated it to the AAW educational fund.

My point is , it pays to follow up on an idea to see where it might lead...Hey, you never know Keith