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An Austrian Top
Excerpt from Boy Mechanic, Book 1, 1913.
All parts of the top are of wood and they are simple to make.
The handle is a piece of pine, 5-1/4 in. long, 1-1/4 in. wide
and 3/4 in. thick. A handle, 3/4 in. in diameter, is formed
on one end, allowing only 1-1/4 in. of the other end to remain
rectangular in shape. Bore a 3/4 in. hole in this end for
the top. A
1/16 in. hole is bored in the edge to enter the
large hole as shown. The top can be cut from a broom handle
or a round stick of hardwood.
Parts of the top.
To spin the top, take a piece of stout cord about 2 ft. long,
pass one end through the 1/16-in. hole and wind it on the
small part of the top in the usual way, starting at the bottom
and winding upward. When the shank is covered, set the top
in the 3/4 in. hole. Take hold of the handle with the left
hand and the end of the cord with the right hand, give a good
quick pull on the cord and the top will jump clear of the
handle and spin vigorously.
Editor's Note: This is a reprint of an article published in
1913. It describes what was recommended in accordance with
the knowledge and practices of the day. While reading it,
please consider this fact.
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