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Kevinr Inner circle 1854 Posts |
Anyone own Smokey Magic Chain Saw? Could you PM me?? I need some advice.
Here is what I bought: http://www.smmagic.com/illusions/chainsaw/index.htm I own the old Mak version Which I bought for $150. I bought this improved SM Magic for $800 as an upgrade. Keep in mine this "new version" is 5 TIMES The price. Which is very very expensive compared to the $150 Mak Verison but I thought the routine and video would be well worth the cost. So far I am really not impressed. No video came with it. Just a few paper instructions of the routine, a basic electric saw and an open box you put on the volunteer. I think the Mak box that goes over the volunteer is way more deceptive and I just can't understand what in the heck makes this one worth 5 times more than my old one?? I have been using my older version for many years and was thinking this might improve my act especially with a price tag that was so high! Any advice from owners of this product? |
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Wes Holly Special user Cincinnati, OH, USA 644 Posts |
Found this thread from 2009
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......&forum=7 It's on my back-burner wish list, as I am currently using the jigsaw version. Yours is the only post/review I found not to give a favorable impression. I would like to see the responses you get from your query. |
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Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
Call Dan, or contact him here (he is a Café member.) I have found him to be a great guy, and I was very satisfied with the two items I have purchased from him (the Pizza Oven and Mospundsow.) When I called him on the phone, he took the time to talk to me and was in no hurry to get off the phone; he made sure all my questions were answered.
I am not saying that this is, or is not, worth the 5X price tag, just that Dan WILL take the time to help. |
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Kevinr Inner circle 1854 Posts |
I know he make great products the Pizza oven is fantastic.
I would say he is a great guy and most of his products are great as well.. I own the older version and this now and can't see. Now that I own both I can't see why this so much more expensive.. Not saying its not worth it. Not saying Dan stuff isn't great just saying I personally don't see the higher price tags worth in this item compared to the older version. |
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Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
I wish I had an answer for you, as I know it can be disappointing to spend a lot on money on something and not have it meets expectations.
I am curious (and I am guessing others are too) as to why you purchased it. What WERE you expecting? Surely, you didn't think, "Oooo ... it's $900, I'm getting it 'cuz it it's expensive so it must be good!" Generally, before someone spends that kind of money they'll read ads, watch videos, etc. and come to the conclusion that the item is substantially better than others out there. What was it you saw that led you to believe it was really good that turned out wrong? |
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dbmagic123 Regular user Evansville Indiana 198 Posts |
Kevin.. I sent you a PM
I have always had great luck with this prop. It played very well for me. |
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
I see a lot of pros with this prop when I compare it to Mak's Visible Sawing Illusion. I have not seen Dan's prop in the flesh....er...in the Tuff Kote, so to speak, but a brief look told me it was really good. One thing I love is the compartment for the props! That alone was a big plus for me! I used to wear a lab coat that I modified to hold and hide some of the props I found inside the vic....uh....volunteer. The stock section seems to have a better fit potential. Also, no switching of the blades is a plus. The material used to finish the prop is Tuff, just like it's name! It is hard to damage and should look great forever. The optional table is a giant plus too!
As for the cost, that seems like an individual decision. I have not seen the SSM model in performance either, but if I could afford it I would definitely choose the SSM model over the Mak. Of course each person would have to weigh out their desires versus the extra cost and decide for themselves. Regan
Mister Mystery
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Kevinr Inner circle 1854 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-05-18 09:54, Starrpower wrote: I did contact the maker of it and let me tell you he is a fantastic guy an makes great stuff. Love most of his products. However, he is not there to just satisfy me. Somethings aren't for everyone and guess this isn't for me. I have been using the older Mak version for years and bought this thinking it was an upgrade. I tried looking online for video of this product but there are none out there other than a very little piece on the website to buy it. To me you get the same result at the end of the day. If you are not a magician and just someone watching your show with the old Mak version and this one. You saw someone in half. I think the Chain Saw by SM Magic is a tad more revealing for a close up living room birthday shows compared to the Mak version which I feel has the trickery more concealed with the stock. Once again Dan make fantastic stuff and something aren't for everyone. I was more looking for advice from other owners of this product. Maybe I am missing something before I let this thing get resold??? |
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Futureal Inner circle 1695 Posts |
You'd think you would have researched this BEFORE you bought it. Why is it five times the price?? Gold-plated carrying bag maybe.
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-05-18 11:44, Kevinr wrote: I just have to ask the question. Are you actually performing the jig saw illusion, and now wanting to perform the chain saw illusion, for a kids birthday party in a customer's living room? I ask because you talk about "close up living room birthday shows" and you also posted this thread in The Little Darlings (not in Grand Illusion). So, I assume the birthday shows you are talking about are for kids, and not for adults. - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Kevinr Inner circle 1854 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-05-21 10:01, Donald Dunphy wrote: Hi Donald that is correct I normally use this for older kids shows or I grab a parent and use it on them. Been using the old jig saw for years. This one on the other hand is a lot more money and way to revealing. |
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Kevinr Inner circle 1854 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-05-21 03:19, Futureal wrote: I did do research BEFORE I bought it and the very limited reviews I found appeared very good. No gold plated bag. I think the reason why it is so much more money is you pay for the typed out routine it comes with written on paper and the different saw which I wasn't all that impressed with. That said Dan Wolfe makes some of the magic effects and most of his stuff is really good. |
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
I got to see a real, 'live' Smokey Mountain Magic, "Chain Sawing In Half" illusion recently and all I can say is, "Wow"! I was totally impressed with the quality of the props. I think the method is pure genius! I didn't see an actual performance at a show, but I did see a demonstration and I was blown away. To me it is a definite upgrade over Mak's Visible Sawing. The chain saw looks huge and intimidating, and it is very deceptive. The stock is large too, so it makes for a pretty impressive illusion...especially when you add a table for the volunteer to lie on. I think it is certainly better suited for a stage or parlor setting than for a living room, but I never use larger props and illusions for my birthday shows anyway.
It is more expensive than Mak's model, and each individual would have to decide whether or not it is suited for their performing situations and worth the extra cost. I would definitely choose it over Mak's model if I could afford it. Regan
Mister Mystery
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Chance Wolf Inner circle 2425 Posts |
Kevin,
You are making a HUGE mistake as many others do in the Café regading value comparison of IMPORTED products VS. Custom Made in America products. The MAK products are imported. Nuff said there. There is no way an american product made at the exact same specs could even come close to the MAK prices. Now, add to the fact that Dan Wolfe builds QUALITY props, uses VERY high quality materials, far more design, parts and fabrication labor ( I can easily tell just from the pics)... If you adjusted the costs of USA products and time...the Smokey version should be 10 times as much. Consider it a deal at 5 times the price...or stick with what you got. We cannot compete against 50 cents and hour...and that's their overtime pay! Kevin, I am not attacking you. Just stating facts that folks just overlook and it gets insanely frustrating. NONE of us American Manufacturers are getting "Rich". We are just getting by like anyone else. We don't sell nearly as many items as folks think. The R&D time is not free. It has to be absorbed in the end cost. Man, there are SO MANY factors I cannot list. The best I can do is my standing open offer... If you don't understand the prices for QUALITY AMERICAN MAGIC...then spend a few days in my shop. The doors and BOOKS are open. You may change your mind real fast. For those who have visited my shop, they understood very quickly. Hope this helps Chance
Creator of Wacky Wolf Productions & Fine Collectibles
A DECADE of building Magic and we're just getting started! http://www.wolfsmagic.com |
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WayneNZ Inner circle New Zealand 1013 Posts |
Just because its a custom made American prop doesn't mean its a quuality prop.
Ive had both good , and shocking. But Chance You make a fair point. |
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Chance Wolf Inner circle 2425 Posts |
Yes, some American made props can suck bad. My point was only based on Quality American magic.
There are actually some quality imported props as well. Mak has some VERY well made props as well. My point is specifically at the labor material comparisons.
Creator of Wacky Wolf Productions & Fine Collectibles
A DECADE of building Magic and we're just getting started! http://www.wolfsmagic.com |
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KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
No doubt Chance, that is capitalism. No doubt your products are some of the best quality products made. I am truely sorry you have not become wealthy from your work, it is truely top notch, and if the world was fair, you would.
On a side note, do you still believe "Success and Wealth are symptomatic of your Passion."? Personally, I think that is what wealthy people say to themselves to make themselves feel better. I personally am moderatly successful, moderatly wealthy, and very, very lucky. In my experience, passion is passion, wealth is wealth. Someetimes they meet, sometimes not. |
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Chance Wolf Inner circle 2425 Posts |
KC
Actually, I still do believe my little saying. However, my wealth is not neccesarily financial. It is more in happiness, great family etc. I came up with that saying, at least I think I did, trying to make people understand that you do not chase the MONEY...focus on excellence and the money and success will follow...depending on what life deals you and how prepared you are for the "breaks". I have reached times of wealth and it was probably some of the worst times as the job required every minute of the day to keep that level of income. PUSH PUSH PUSH!! I burned out pretty fast. So, I am still a VERY WEALTHY man in the ways that are most important. I love my family and waking up every day to go to my cool shop...and build toys!! Thanks for the observations and kind words. Chance
Creator of Wacky Wolf Productions & Fine Collectibles
A DECADE of building Magic and we're just getting started! http://www.wolfsmagic.com |
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Mike Maturen Inner circle Michigan's Beautiful Sunrise Side 2726 Posts |
Chance...you are absolutely correct! Wealth is subjective...depending on your definition. I know MANY financially wealthy people who are miserable...and many relatively poor people who are incredibly happy...it all depends on what you value most.
Mike Maturen
World of Wonder Entertainment The Magic and Mayhem of Mike Maturen 989-335-1661 mikematuren@gmail.com AUTHOR OF "A NEW DAWN--Weekly Wisdom From Everyday Life" member: International Magician's Society |
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
Is that chainsaw actually dangerous, or just a "toy"? I ask, because the "Visible Sawing in Half" that I foolishly purchased many years ago from Davenports, includes a jig-saw with a modified bowsaw blade, or something similar. The truth is, that this device is genuinely dangerous, and it would be quite possible to chop off a finger, or to do serious harm to the performer or the spectator, if handled improperly, dropped, etc. Of course, most of the time, these kind of props are fine, but (for instance) at one performance of VSIH, the blade snapped off and flew across the stage (luckily, backwards). That was the last time I ever used it.
Today, I would NEVER consider using ANY prop which potentially could cause genuine injury, especially in a kidshow. Potty. |
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