Cowboy Yoyo

This is a fun item that is great to take to a party as a white elephant gift.
It is great fun to play with as well.
Since I don't chew, I had to get the containers the folks at my local rodeo.
You can see a video about how it works by clicking on the photo in step 12

You will need two chewing tobacco containers, preferably empty.
A length of heavy cord, four wooden beads about half and inch or bigger in diameter, two screws about 1/2 to 5/8 inch long and a 1/4 inch dowel 7 or 8 inches long. You can cut it off later.
I forgot to put it in the photo, but you will also need a chunk of wood 3/4 inch thick and just a bit larger then the cans.

Place the can on the chunk of wood and trace around it.

I used a band saw, but you can use whatever you like.
Cut out the circle of wood.
It will look like a miniature hockey puck.

Sand down the wood until it is just large enough to fit inside the can.

You need to find the center of the wood.
I know there are a gazillion ways to find the center of a circle,
but the easiest way I have found is to trace the wooden circle and cut it out.
then just fold into quarter and open it up and there it is.

After you have established the center of the wood. Drill a hole the next size smaller then the dowel.
Place a very small amount of wood glue on the end of the dowel and drive it into the wood with a hammer.
This has to be snug because this will take a lot of g-force.

Place the wood inside the can then drill two small holes through the bottom of the can and put a screw in each hole.

Using your template and an awl or center punch mark the center of the lid then drill a hole just a bit larger then the dowel.
Then put the lid over the dowel and slide it down onto the can.

I use a pair of pliers and drill out the hole of 3 of the beads so the hole is just a bit larger then the dowel.
The fourth bead make the hole the same size as the dowel.

Using your circle template again, mark a spot on the edge of the can on opposite sides.
Then mark another spot perpendicular to the line on the side of the can.
Then using a drill bit the next size or two larger then the dowel drill holes in the can that are opposite each other.
Then drill a smaller hole 3/32 or 1/8 inch in the side of the can.
Use a sharp knife to clean out the hole inside the can.

Place the three beads with the larger holes over the dowel. Be sure they are loose and the dowel turns freely.
Place the can over the dowel and then mark the center area then remove the can and drill a very small hole in the dowel at that point.
Replace the can.
Put a small amount of wood glue inside the bead with the smaller hole in it and put in over the end of the dowel and slide it down so it is just above the can but not touching it. The lower can and dowel must turn freely in the upper can.
Let it set for a few minutes for the glue to set then cut off the end of the dowel and sand it down so it is smooth.
I used some 50 pound test monofilament line as a threading tool and threaded the cord through the side hole in the can and then through the dowel.
Tie a knot in the cord and pull it up tight against the dowel.
Go out 12 to 15 inches on the cord and tie another bead at that point and trim off the excess cord.
Holding the upper can twist the bottom can so the cord is wrapped completely around the dowel.  
Place the lid of the upper can on the can.

 

The yoyo works by holding the upper can and pulling the string out to the end and then letting centrifugal force rewrap the string around the dowel. By continuing to pull on the string the bottom can will spin.