How To Make a CD Spinning Top

Intro : CD Spinning Top

I have a lot of old cds burned with useless files or obsolets OS. The first I though is to throw them to the trash. But they are so brilliant, so colorful and circular; they have pi number in all their diameter!(Did I say I love pi?). And, at the end of the day I don´t know what to do with them. And that's why I have tons(not really) of cds in my bedroom.

But this situation must end right now. May I can make a cd curtain (wait for it) or this project. Actually, I think I should start with something simple but funny. That's how I though in this: a spinning top.

Have a good time with your colleagues playing spinning top battles or have fun lonely when you are full of work and that's the last you want to do.

Keep reading to have your full recycled CD spinning top.

First Step : The Stuff

To make this project like a pro you only need:

Materials:
- CD
- CD container
- Paper, cardboard or something to do a pattern
Tools:
- Knife or Cutter
- Scissors
- Power drill

Step 2 : Draw the pattern

All the spinning tops are make up with a rounded axle and a disc. Usually the axle is rounded but in this case will be a bit diferent. In order to make a fast and easy project, the axle must be made of two arrows wich cross each other. To built those cross you first have to draw a pattern into the material you have chosen (paper, cardboard, etc). This pattern must have the shape of a arrow and more than 1,5 cm of with. If not, the slots we will make later won't match with the arrow measures.

Step 3 : Make the arrows

When the pattern has been finnished, it's time to use it into the CD container. Using a pen mark the shape of the pattern over the transparent plastic of the top. Then, engrave the line with a cutter as many times as you need. This step is the harder and you must to be patient and constant so as to success. Take care to not hurt yourself or brake the arrows.

Step 4 : Cut the slots

With a scissors cut a stripe in the middle of the arrow that match with the thick of the arrow. The sum of the cuts in both arrows must be the same as the height of one arrow. This means it can´t be cut all the arrow and the other arrow must complete the cut in the other side. If you are getting mad, look at the pictures and stop freak out.

Now it's the turn of the CD. Put the CD over something like a tape roll to cut the slots in the center of the disc. Use a power drill beacuse the scissors will only make splinters and break the CD. Remember that it must be two perpendicular slots.

Last Step : Put all together

Insert one cross into the other. Afterwards, introduce the axle in the CD slot. Press with some strength and make sure the arrow triangles are parallel to the floor. If not, use the scissors to define the corners.

And thats all!

I hope you enjoy this instructable and have fun with it!

source : instrcutables.com