unigamer

Smoke doesn't "want to rise". It is usually in hot air and that causes it to rise. I have head that early hot air balloon pioneers thought that it was the smoke from a fire that would make their balloons rise but of course, it's the hot air! I don't have a reference for that little anecdote but you can read more about the subject here: http://www.explainthatstuff.com/how-hot-air-balloo...:)You'll need to find something to do with your trapped smoke!

Yes -- you're right! I'm still learning. I tried to keep the tool segments short so nobody tried to copy my technique.I am going to try some different end pads when I make my next batch.

Oh, those are gorgeous! Craft foam seems popular online, I think it might be a more American thing because it's not something I have come across in the UK but I am sure it exists here. I'll add craft foam as an option when I update this instructable.The only comment I can make about yours is that the pads are the same diameter as the ends. The ones I have seen usually have a few mm gap. However, I haven't tested to see if there is a difference so any feedback from you would be welcome!I haven't tried superglue yet because I am worried about the mess it will make but I have watched the technique being done one pens.Beautiful Kururins! :)

There is no special weighting or anything, I think the shape is the main factor. I would like to generate a cyclogon because I think that would aid understanding but I haven't spent the time to figure out how to do that yet.

Please post yours! It would be especially good if you could fill in the gaps I left. In my instructable I assumed the reader was reasonably competent with a lathe because I don't feel qualified enough to cover it thoroughly. I also see you have dyed yours, which I haven't tried yet so I would enjoy following your instructions on that.