Jan 05, 2026 09:40:00

How to make a spinner made from a can that keeps spinning

Evan Widrowski , who makes various things, regardless of software or hardware, has published a recipe for a rotating accessory he came up with at Christmas a few years ago, saying, 'I can't find anything similar on the internet.'

Can Spinners
https://evan.widloski.com/posts/spinners/

The movement of the empty can spinner that Widrowski made looks like this. Although it is not as powerful as a hand spinner, it spins around.

Step 1: Creating the axis
First, he made the rotating shaft. Since it's not a rotating part, he didn't use an empty can, but instead used a steel wire he had on hand and sharpened it with a grinder. Mr. Widlowski sharpened it quite sharply, but it's dangerous to go this far, so I think it would be better to make it a little more rounded.

Step 2: Cutting out the material
Next, cut out the material for the rotating part from the sides and bottom of the can. The sides are easy to cut open and bend, but be careful not to get hurt. You can make the decorations in any shape you like.

Step 3: Create a central depression
A recess is made in the center of the bottom to receive the rotating shaft. Widlowski says he uses something hard and rounded, like a ballpoint pen or pliers.

Step 4: Cutting out and shaping the blade
The blades for the rotating parts are shaped. Small precision scissors are recommended to avoid distorting the aluminum.

Step 5: Fixing and balancing
Place the blade on the shaft and balance it. At first, it may be uneven or fall off the shaft, so adjust it by gradually grinding the blade from the outside until it rotates smoothly.

Step 6: Attach the stem to the lampshade
Wrap the stem around the top of the lamp post or clamp it into the nut on the lampshade.

Because heat from the bulb rises to the top of the lamp, even LED bulbs that generate less heat will have their rotating parts start to turn after a few minutes.

The mechanism of rotating using the heat from lighting is also used in Bon lanterns used during the Obon festival.

Obon Lantern with Rotating Cylinder by Akino, Kyoto Buddhist Altar Hayashi - YouTube


When Widrowski made the spinner out of thin aluminum, pinholes formed due to wear, but the can bottom did not develop any holes.

One example of a piece created by Widlowski and his family, featuring five rotating blades.

Widlowski calls this toy a 'can spinner,' but when asked by ChatGPT, he suggested 'twirluminum.'