If you're making the small tops (under 3") then you can buy the Spintastics metal tips. You can get them from other places than II but you'll have to figure that one out for yourself since this is II's board ; )
If you want to turn larger tops then you're pretty much going to have to make the tips yourself, the Spintastics tips are too small (IMO). Of course a metal lathe would be the tool of choice but you can turn a tip on your wood lathe too but you'll have to find a tool to do it and the metal stock. I start with 3/4" cold rolled round stock and "turn" it using a piece of a metal cutting circular saw blade I cut out for this purpose. They say your wood tools will work too but I'm not gonna try it. This is the way I do it. I do not claim this to be a safe or easy way to do it. I do not recommend you try this yourself. If you try this yourself then you assume all the risks involved. Do not blame me if you somehow hurt yourself doing this.

Later,

Rob

> Hello all. I'm a lath hobbist and I have developed an
> interest in tops. I'm looking for a source to buy the Metal
> Top Tips that are fitted into the bottom of the tops. I've
> checked yoyoguy.com and found some but I think the price is
> ridiculous (maybe I'm wrong). Also I'm looking for an
> alternate ways of accomplishing the same thing. Would like
> to hear from other other lath hobbists on this subject.

12.34.246.4 --