A bigger top, a different way to spin, and an incredibly satisfying amount of momentum.

John's Gyro Tops are much larger than his classic spinning tops, giving you a substantial top that feels wonderful in the hand and, once it's moving, can spin for an impressively long time.

Their larger size also makes them a brilliant option for people who struggle with fine motor skills. Rather than relying on the precise movements needed to spin a smaller top, a Gyro Top can be set spinning using your whole hand, a string, or a string and spinning stick.

And once you get one going, they're rather difficult to stop playing with.

Three Ways to Spin

The Gyro is designed to be played with in several different ways.

Give the long handle a good whole-hand spin, wrap the string around the stem and pull it away, or use the string together with the spinning stick for a really satisfying launch.

Then Turn It Upside Down

Like many of John's tops, the Gyro has another trick.

It spins both ways up.

Once you've mastered spinning it on its point, turn it upside down and give it a go the other way. Get it right and the broad body appears to hover fantastically above the surface as it spins.

With a good launch, these tops can spin for ages, making them wonderfully mesmerising to watch as well as satisfying to master.

Each Gyro Top

• Individually hand turned by John in Cornwall

• Made from beech or oak

• Much larger than our Classic Spinning Tops

• Can be spun using the whole hand

• Comes with a string and spinning stick

• Particularly good for people who struggle with fine motor skills

• Long, satisfying spin times

• Spins both ways up

• Creates a fantastic hovering effect when spun upside down

• Individually decorated by hand

• Some feature traditional chatterwork decoration

• Every Gyro Top is completely unique

• Natural variations in timber, grain, colouring and decoration are part of its character

What Is Chatterwork?

Some of the Gyro Tops in this collection feature chatterwork, a traditional woodturning decoration created while the top is spinning on the lathe.

A flexible tool is allowed to vibrate – or "chatter" – against the turning wood, cutting a repeating textured pattern into its surface. Small changes in speed, pressure and the position of the tool alter the resulting marks, so the pattern develops organically as John works.

John can then add colour to highlight the pattern, creating the wonderfully intricate rings and ripples you can see on some of the tops in this listing.

Because the pattern is created through the movement of the tool against each individual piece of timber, no two come out quite the same.

If you'd like one please head to the Etsy page to see what is currently available.