I have two copies of the Spinning Plate on Rope now and fortunately each one is different (I knew there was a variation but couldn't recall what it was).

The first version has only a small divit in the plate for the metal point which emerges from the rope. It is difficult to get the plate spinning on the rope with this model.

The second version has an indented area about the size of a quarter in the center of the plate, with the divit in the center of that. This makes it MUCH easier to get the plate spinning on the rope.

For those who possible care!

.... I have two as well Richard, unfortunately they both have only the small divot. I am guessing this was probably the first version.