Make and Sell Wood Spin Tops

[@davidanderson5767]

You have a great grasp of how theatrics sells products and how to "work" the audience. I appreciate your thoughtful analysis of the whole process.

[@ewbeal]

The whole time I’m watching this all I’m thinking is “I like this guy!” Thanks for sharing! Kids are getting tops for Christmas this year.

[@mikeyandalyssab4782]

He definitely seems like a guy you could hang out with and have a beer!

[@paulburrows6518]

Hi, I have been watching and learning from your videos. I am in UK and using creativity to fill my day and to not think about being ill all the time. I love your ethos and style. As an educator you are about the best I have come across. Take care and stay safe.

[@stevenmcdaniel1797]

It’s because of the joy that it brings to the kids and their parents. People remember what brings them joy.

[@TheSafecrkr1]

My goodness, you are an incredible educator, sir. I've been a woodworker for over 30 years & a woodturning for 18 of those years. This has been the best "class" I've ever had the privilege of attending. This is why I much prefer this format over the shorter tips videos you do. They are very informative, but not as in-depth as this one. All the best. Jim

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@Bionic_man09]

You sir, are a great turner and make an excellent and entertaining instructor. You should really be teaching shop class, as well as have a Master Class. You are extremely informative and have a wonderful channel.

[@oojagapivy]

As a woodwork teacher of 20+ years, I thoroughly enjoyed watching you "teach" both the skill required to create a beautiful top and the skills required to 'sell' at craft markets through educating and 'wowing' the crowd. It's also a reason why I like your channel. Thanks Damo

[@franka5416]

Another excellent video. Who knew anyone could pack 63 minutes of learning into making such a small toy. You're on "top" of it! Thanks for sharing.

[@wortheffort]

Ugh... puns. Some would say it's a gift of gab. Others, skill at "B"ottle "S"toppers. But it is fun. Thanks.

[@ProfessorVector]

Years ago I seen a father son making signs a craft shows who said people want to watch forever but don't make eye contact. Thye recommended a baseball cap with a visor to hide their eyes so they can talk all day w/o eye contact. You're a great teacher and businessman make feel like a kid again. I just bought a PennState TurnCrafter KWL-1218vs yesterday.

[@paulahemphill1412]

Darlin, I appreciate that you don't edit out verbal errors but correct them on the screen. You are a very personable individual and your teaching is quite entertaining. Thank you for all you do for beginning turners.

[@ravenrock541]

I've learned more about using the tools and the nature of wood grain in this one video than I have in all the hours of watching videos. Awesome video! Thank you. This is what I've been looking for!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@aloknight3656]

This is more than a top selling video, this is a master class on performance/ entertainment and crowd control. Well done sir!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@Rutce125]

I made my first tops today. Not perfect, not horrible, but thanks to you. I've learned a lot from your videos! So glad i came across your channel!

[@mrebholz]

So that woodworking is just a vehicle to offload your tremendous knowledge on us. Excellent. Enjoyed it a lot.

[@danielturner9832]

I need to work on getting and keeping tools sharp. The dude is good and if I could grow hair I would wear it the same way.

[@johnpiper8709]

A very good tutorials, i have learnt so much from this guy, wish he was in N.Z. a excellent tutor and wood turner. Keep it up and going.

[@robchadbourne8939]

...and subscribed. I've been turning over a decade now, just as a hobby. Really like how you include the detail in your videos, really explaining the details of slicing versus scraping, and the different results. Makes me want to find a craft fair and go sell stuff. Got my son making his first pen on the lathe a week ago, going to have to get him to watch your videos too.

[@mike02719]

Great video! In 2007, I was getting chemotherapy at Mass General Hospital in Boston. I kept a pocketful of these tops for the sick children I ran into. It made them and their parents very happy and took their mind off their problems at least for a little while. This also made me just as happy and and diverted because I could not wait to get back on the lathe to make more. I still go there for treatment with tops in my pocket. Thanks for some tips that will make the process easier and quicker. Mike Bouvier

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@apophysis2]

This is one of the most entertaining as well as informative videos on wood turning I've ever watched ... and I've watched a lot. Thank you very much for sharing this one hour with us.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@donrhabano]

Great Video! I challenged myself to turn 100 of those for practice. I'm turning the remaining rest piece in the chuck to a point and use them as painters pyramids to get drying stuff like oil or paint of the work surface.

[@chrisstearns10]

First video of yours I watched but it won't be the last!!! Your awesome!!!! So happy to have come across your channel. 💚🪵💚🪵💚🪵💪🧠💪🧠💪

[@ValioMadre7]

Your a great teacher, you've helped me a lot with my wood turning. Thank you very much.

[@kylewaterman2961]

This is an extremely well done video and I’m sure the people at your events are great to entertain by you.

[@ziopoe]

Your works are amazing, not only the tops but the information, the psychology and the tips, thank you!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@bbirdsill]

Excellent video. Gotta be the best explanation of using a spindle gouge I've seen. I'm off to start turning tops until I get it down. Thanks for the lessons!

[@wortheffort]

Get busy...

[@terrylacy6588]

Love this video, as well as your others. Thanks for all of them. On a note about the wood singing, DW Drum Company utilizes this fact. Since wood comes in different densities, species, and sizes, all combine to cause each drum shell (no heads or hardware) to resonate its own note, so every drum has that note stamped into the shell, making them easier to tune, and some of the finest drums on the market.

[@seasummitnorway]

Wow! You should teach kids in school! Classes like that would keep everyone interested for sure. You just convinced me to keep my midsize Jet to bring to my sales shows. Now, home to practise my spin top production! Thank you Sir for your videos, highly appretiated!

[@radkagajdikova9118]

Whenever I'm feeling down, I go and make colorful spinning tops (or now a few Easter eggs), inspired by you. It helps a lot. Until now, I made them from pieces of basswood, not sanded, to get better in surfaces. Kids here don't really don't know or like them, but the adults around me, they love them. Going with friends into a pub, I do pull out a few new tops and before the evening is out, everyone has one, constantly spinning, wanting more. So now accepting orders :) Thanks a lot. Also for this video, now I can get better and faster.

[@wortheffort]

great, keep making 'em.

[@MrMalthusMusic]

I didn't think I would be able to sit though an hour of top turning, but boy was I wrong. Really great presentation man, your energy and enjoyment really shines through. Some really useful tips for me as a beginner turner too, thanks!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@mikeyandalyssab4782]

Shawn, thank you so much for all the videos. Because of your videos, I finally signed up for my first arts and crafts show after years of wood turning! I can't wait to see how it goes. Your videos on A&C shows was fantastic and a great motivator. Thanks for all you do, you're the best!

[@wortheffort]

Make lots.

[@sailingthedream7011]

Very Impressive! As a new subscriber, that has never turned anything, you've sold me with this particular video. Thanks

[@elliottgilman3868]

lol You are amazing. Learning so much at 46 year of age. and my mid life crises is not a fast motorcycle, or a fast car, but in three weeks I am getting my first wood lathe.... Thank you Sir for the amazing gratitude towards you have for wood turning... I am on day 4 of your vids. it is like a bad drug, can not quit. Can not wait to put my first wood in and practice with these tops..... Thanks again

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@flowleopard893]

My working partner and I have decided to use every inch of info here. We are becoming the Top Guys in South Africa.

[@Wildmight]

I did some first top after watching your great tuto. You made me improved my skill and make wonderful immortal top

[@arturoverde3807]

Well thanks young fellow ,that was one of the fasted hours of my life ,I thought I was back at school again ,wonderful presentation ,stay safe . 👍. 🦖

[@wortheffort]

Thanks (but 50 ain't young anymore).

[@arturoverde3807]

wortheffort 50 is young! when someone else is 72 ,but as they say “”it’s only a number “ , the fools....🦖

[@marcuswhite3628]

50! No way!! Excellent job!!!

[@KweAK47]

Discovered your channel a few weeks ago and have been working my way here and there through your videos, you always have such a wealth of knowledge on the craft. Im new to wood turning and find your videos super helpful. I will say you seem like you'd be a real fun live demo to come upon at an art show!

[@captdramamine]

love the handle. The film style was fun to watch.

[@sam-and-angela]

“The last thing you want to do is take your top off” - WORDS OF WISDOM RIGHT THERE!!! 🤣😎

[@fionam3554]

My father used to tell me the same thing!

[@tedcarson2971]

I'm at a loss for words. Somehow THANK YOU doesn't seem to be quite enough .... but .... thanks for sharing techniques, tips and your obvious JOY in what you do. Take care "eh".

[@KipdoesStuff]

I have to commend you on a great video. It is the master class on presentation and salesmanship. Too many channels assume you know everything and show very little and explain nothing. You take the guess work out of it and show everything. All I need to do now is practice. I have been planning on doing art of farmers markets for years but have never done it. Maybe after the plague is done I can do it. P.S. I turned my first piece of maple earlier today and I love how it turns. So glad you suggest maple for this.

[@changefortanzania]

Thank you very much for your videos. I have watched several of them and see that they're all good. Rather than throw away the last scrap of wood in the chuck, Just put a slight recess in it and you have a stand for the top. It's also fun to see if you can get the top to spin while sitting on top of that piece. I just subscribed to your channel today. Denny

[@nanonatronaviation6007]

I havent watched the vid yet but judging from the coments, I'll have a blast watchiong it. I'm a 20 year old woodcarver/joiner who'S trying to build a living out of his crafts. I like to sell kalmibas wich I handcarve, tin whistles aaaand even more, spining tops (specially the funny ones like stand up tops, big ones, paterned or egg ones) and craft them infront of the crowd. sadly I'm still very introverted and shy when it comes to those but I hope to learn a lot from the vid ^^

[@DrumNDive93]

Yet another great video! You asked for other ways to teach kids while making the tops, and I always found it fascinating that when you have a spinning surface, you can draw a straight line with the marker and get a nice, even spiral. That could be presented very easily when you give them the marker to color the tops.

[@wortheffort]

Good idea

[@janetmcdonald1080]

Thanks from New Zealand. As a novice I have learnt heaps from your Videos, I appreciate the time and effort you take to make them.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@mamasimmerplays4702]

A very entertaining conversation - the blend of artisan craftsmanship and fairground showman tricks is quite fascinating. I will never do this sort of demonstration an I wouldn't even want to, but I do admire your skills and thoughtfulness.

[@ms.dialed2664]

Thank you very much for this video. I appreciate you sharing your experiences and the time you put into these videos. Being new to shows and demonstrating woodworking, this is really helpful.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@Sailabear11]

You are amazing! What a brilliant demonstration of artistry and business savvy. Thank you for sharing your talents. We appreciate it very much. I wish you the best life has to offer.

[@toonybrain]

Sailabear11 Agree. He’s sharp as a whip: observant, intuitive, savvy, clever, and talented.

[@robertlangley258]

You sir are an excellent teacher. Thank you for sharing your valuable expertise with us. GOD bless you and family.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@ianadams9887]

Having only just (about ten days ago) bought my first lathe I am finding these video tutorials invaluable for picking up ideas and techniques. Can't wait to watch more. Loving it.

[@SlowandExpensive]

All I ever need, to get a new tool, is a good excuse. This video works for me. Awesome! As soon as my little farmers market bosses see this I won't have a choice. Can't make tops without a lathe! Thanks!

[@wortheffort]

Sounds like a plan.

[@simplemindedted]

Great video! Whether those teachable moments are built into a presentation or come about through natural inquiry, those are some of the most powerful learning opportunities for young people.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@danrhoden]

Thank you, Thank you. Just to let you know I'm not a wood turner, but I love your style of teaching. You have the "GIFT". Someday I may take up wood turning and when and if that day comes I will come back to your great educational videos. I have purchased some of your Items and recommend them to my friends. Keep up the good work

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@flurng]

Howdy, Sean! I just discovered your KZbin page, and your AMAZING videos this week, and have since binge-watched a couple dozen of them! The practical knowledge and advice you share with each video is invaluable! I especially like those videos related to craft fair setups and generating product for such venues! While I understand the distinction you draw between "art" and "craft", I really feel you under-sell your work by calling it "craft", since to my mind, even your simplest projects are true works of art! I also enjoy the interplay and banter between you and your father, himself an amazingly talented woodworker! Thank you so much Sir, for sharing your incredible gift with others & I wish you all the best!!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@waltrissmeyer9577]

I.ve been turning for 80 years and always wondered about the ring master., Loved your program you did a great job Walt

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@jackierudd2010]

😊 thanks for this brilliant insperational tutorial. I've just started going to a learn to turn class and after watching your video I really want to have a go at making some of these tops, trouble is you've made them look so easy to make ! I was going to say " I'll keep my fingers crossed for a successful outcome " but I'm not sure that will be helpful on the day 😂 practice, practice, practice! !!!😊 thanks again 😊💖🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@arlendavis]

Love your presentations. I am 68 and did some wood-turning in High-school but am now planing on getting a lathe and doing it for a hobby. Technatool NOVA Galaxi DVR 1644 Lathe.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@JohnSmith-il4wi]

Thank you for this video (and your other ones). I made about 6 tops already, turned out great.

[@bbelen61]

Worth the effort? Yes! You make it look effortless. I love watching your videos.

[@wortheffort]

It's all a learned skill. Anyone can do it.

[@alexbrendan7181]

Awesome video, both the turning and the lessons! Been woodturning and studying violin-making for 20 years, and love it. Just fyi, violins are almost always made of spruce and maple (usually red maple, but it can be sugar maple). Guitars are sometimes made of mahogany though.

[@wortheffort]

Good to know.

[@georgev5620]

Another great video! Perhaps one of your best! I am 63 and about to retire. I just got into turning about a year ago, strictly as a hobby, but I see myself selling stuff just to support my hobby after I retire. I have already made about 3 dozen tops, including a few launchers, for my grandkids. I think I would enjoy doing demos like yours for kids at craft fairs. Question: if you are busy turning tops for $3 a pop, how do you sell your real stuff behind you? Do you always have a partner to take care of that? Thanks again! Big fan of yours!

[@wortheffort]

No, I mainly work alone. You'll develop the multitasking skill when dinner money is on the line.

[@jdub9659]

I've been watching / lurking for awhile, but this is the one that made me subscribe. Thanks for all you're teaching. (And since this is months after posting, no need to Reply; just accept the thanks appreciation and move on). Time to go to the shop!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@BuildStuffwithAJ]

Great video! One day I hope to be good enough to work in front of a crowd like that! I just got into wood turning a few months ago and its alot of fun! Thanks for the great video!

[@wortheffort]

Learned skill, anybody can do it.

[@robertschaeffer5861]

sure got the top dose of spin art...

[@garren25]

Thank you for another very well made and thought out video. I always learn something from you and i can't say that about many KZbin creators.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@johnnyspropshop]

Sean , personally as a Clown I can appreciate the patter and show material you shared, good stuff. I'd capitalize on the top man and have some super sized tops, it's 10 times bigger and costs 10 times more. I'd make one obnoxiously large even if it never sold, would be an attention getter. Thanks for sharing.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@shanemaitland8010]

Can't believe I'm just now finding you. Amazing video and you taught me a lot. You now have one more rookie woodturner as a fan.

[@danstark3341]

I am super new, just set up my lathe last week. I really like how close you put the camera, to show exactly how the tool cuts. Even pointing it out with the tip of the pencil.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@ryanbusch4015]

just made my first top today. its got a little weeble wabble, but i will work on that. great videos! turning is so enjoyable, and your videos are the best Ive found for technique.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@gordroberts53]

This is absolutely the most informative and entertaining video I've watched on any topic. Normally, I won't start a video longer than 20 minutes but your channel name had me intrigued. Absolutely worththetime! Thanks so much for sharing, like, sub, share and clicked the bell.

[@wortheffort]

thanks

[@EK-qe7gy]

Such a generous, skilled, and interesting youtuber!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@sharadsutar9692]

Amazing, ,sir,your style,fasion of teaching is wonderful. We,ubderstand esily. By heart you are teaching . ----from India.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@biglar155]

I love your awareness of showmanship. I'd love to see you live at a fair.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks, it's called being a carney.

[@fluffbungle6533]

really like these vids. i am fairly new to turning and run a market stall selling art and crafts so this is bang on. my tops tend to be very different as i usually turn a short top from the end of a different product. they tend to be stubby with the short but fairly wide knob, nowhere near as attractive but they spin well with almost no effort so little kids and the elderly/disabled can still get them going easily. never thought of using pens to add colour though, definitely going to use that idea.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@dennishughes3250]

Had to go to bed @ 18m - will catch the rest tomorrow! Strangely compelling!

[@mikep3813]

"The last thing you're gonna wanna do is take your top off". Said the same thing to my daughter before she left for spring break

[@mikenco]

My fave video of yours so far! You're a great teacher too!

[@whos8069]

watching you ,I learned a lot ....thank you

[@terrybowden6792]

Incredibly enjoyable & informative!

[@TheGypsyNurse_]

You are an amazing teacher

[@blackwater4707]

It is amazing how much thought you have put into such a short presentation. Good stuff.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@policyman4698]

Absolutely beautiful educating presentation. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us 👍👏🏻

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@OtherThanIntendedPurpose]

for about 12 years, I was working as a full service maille smith, and sold a lot of my stuff at both ren faires, and local craft/art shows. because of my health, I had to stop about 15 years ago. but every once in a while I still get someone walking up to me and asking if I'm that "ring stuff guy" I tell them I used to be, but I ran out of rings ;P

[@barstad-9591]

The shapie is genius! Thanks, Shawn. And you are such a great teacher and showman. I want to buy a top right now! Do you ever turn anything besides tops at the shows, so the people with the money can see the skill it requires to turn something like a small bowl? What!?! You suggest using the ‘evil’ table saw!!’ 🤪😉👍

[@wortheffort]

Thanks. Yes, it's evil. Evil, Evil, evil... or I have a really cheap contractor version that's just a bit scary.

[@MrPod15]

Knowledge is wasted if its not shared, like the top, spin that advice! Much enjoyed this.

[@allynwasser4566]

If you leave the top handle pointed, the top is fun to turn upside down. Another good video!

[@wortheffort]

Covered that in the last section.

[@dkheaton]

Another awesome video. guess I need to go out and make some tops now. Thanks for sharing, I always learn something from you. I appreciate that.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@FollowMagicBrad]

Very Cool! You are a Wood Turning Busker! -- I like it.

[@DIYJase]

Great video, many thanks for the detailed explanation and all the additional information on how to present what you do. I have no plans to visit shows making things, but perhaps one day I might. One day with enough practice maybe I will be half as good as you! I have so far only made two bowls. I am very grateful for you taking the time it was well worth the effort. Regards Jase

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@RJ-cl8ue]

Thanks Shawn love your videos. What I like is that you teach us how to do it not just doing it. Your the tops in my book HaHa! Question though, would you recommend putting a clear coat on the tops.

[@charlesxix]

If you keep making these tops you will get good and fast. 😁 Brilliant as always.

[@wortheffort]

Ya, must get faster. Pass the caffeine.

[@TheStanford01]

Another excellent video - many thanks

[@chrisdaniel132]

you really are an entertainer ..love you style. Awesome for being such a wood nerd. LOL

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@chrismorris8474]

You are an awesome teacher. Great job!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@DaveStarr100.3]

Seriously love this channel. 💓🍺🍺 Thx for the wonderful information every single day. Awesome stuff.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@22greenlaser]

Enjoy your videos! I was a high school physics teacher and love your concise explanations! 2 questions: 1- do you use a spray finish on the colored tops? 2-do you ever place a brass brad on tip to keep the tip from wearing down on tops you keep? I made a great top out of red heartwood when I first began turning and put a nice pen polish on it.

[@wortheffort]

no to both, neither is needed and would only drive up labor, material expense with no real benefit.

[@22greenlaser]

I understand your responses. Thanks! I was just wondering how the water soluble sharpie marker holds up….when or if the top accidentally gets wet.

[@cagno]

Great video. I am going to make my first top for my granddaughter. One correction though in the name of education. The additive color model is RGB and the subtractive color model is CMYK. I was amazed that you you even brought it up. Keep the great videos coming.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks. Isn't "yellow and blue make green" additive? Whereas to get color with light you have to take filter certain frequencies (sky's blue because...)?

[@cagno]

wortheffort : I know it seems wierd but the way light is absorbed in the light spectrum the traditional colors we see in print or painting, the colors we see are the ones not absorbed. That is why they call it subtractive. RGB uses light intesities that are added to create the full gamut of colors used by monitors and screens. It is actually backwards from what most people think. This is over simplified but I hope it makes sense. In case you are wondering I teach commercial art at a tech school.

[@omarceneiromagico]

Thanks for the video. Very Very good material.

[@alexmcneilly]

Sean, thanks. This was very pertinent. I'm planning on making some tops for local craft shows. That, and your Dad's mushroom video were really good. Time for me to Patreon-up for these kind of videos.Thanks again, Alex of ScotFinn Crafts

[@wortheffort]

Get out there and make some kids at heart happy.

[@MrCevans2]

Great video as always, thank you! I do the exact same thing however, I figured out that rather than putting a price tag on the tops, I put a tip jar on the table and give the tops away for free. It is truly amazing how many Granddaddy's will pay 20 bucks for entertaining their grandchild with a free top.

[@wortheffort]

Esh... in my area I'd think a kid would just take the whole bowl.

[@MrCevans2]

Glen Spivey I make them one at a time as the kids come yp

[@tpobrienjr]

Thanks for sharing a bit of your vast knowledge. Once again a well-made video.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@scottfarnham2717]

Great video as always! Thanks for sharing!

[@silvioinacio7929]

Congratulations for the work, very good and beautiful ... I'm from Brazil, I intend to make one for testing. Congratulations, Silvio Jr...nota 10

[@wortheffort]

Thanks