If the grain is parallel to the axle (so end grain is exposed near the axle), it will create more responsiveness. The Legend Wing and TMBR wood-thread axles have end grain oriented like this. The friction of the end grain becomes the response system.
The long grain side is less responsive, which is why, for example, I use response holes near the axle.
Either way, it’s usually important to orient the halves of your yoyo so the grain pattern is a mirror reflection on both sides. This helps reduce wobble and vibe because the weight is more likely to be distributed evenly.
Finally finished this slim Mother T for @Woozie . My new favorite part of the process is using citrus oil after sanding as a solvent to remove any sawdust. It smells like an orange orchard!
Beautiful work @Eric_Newlin. You’re craftsmanship is impeccable. Taking the time to line up the grain with the inside caps and the rest of the yo-yo doesn’t go unnoticed my friend.
The dogs woke me up at 4am, so I finished this modified/imperial.
It’s screws apart, has resin caps, and walnut oil + carnauba wax finish. I made a set of birch axle sleeves for it. No Jive sleeves also fit.
It was a lot of work. I enjoyed making it, but it’s probably not something I would make to order going forward.
are those axles ( not the tk sleves) made form rounds you drilled? i’ve been toying with some 1/4 inch oak rounds for butterfly axle mods i just don’t have a drill press for the precision i need to make a sleeve… was also considering trying poplar because its very straight and smooth grain but its softer… haven’t found maple rounds at lowes…