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Christian Wilde New user 90 Posts |
Hi there
I've been tinkering with a little project, where I wanted to build a pop up performance table into an old suitcase. I wanted it to be able to contain props for a 20-30 minutes (kids) show. I found an old beat up suitcase in a flea market and thought up a design, where the table folds into the lid of the suitcase. The legs fits into slits in the bottom and the sides are held in place by the sides of the case and the table legs. I decided to make the legs the entire thing stands on look like big magic wands. It is surprisingly sturdy, even though the magic wand legs are a bit uneven-looking. It assembles in about 30 seconds. I consider it a prototype, so I'm going to make another one later. Let me know what you think See more pics here https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1036......9.10.png https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1036......1.51.png https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1036......2.50.png https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1036......3.15.png https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1036......4.47.png Christian Click here to view attached image. |
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
I think it's very cool. I love to see old stuff re-purposed.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
StevieDee Regular user Salt Lake City area 154 Posts |
As a self-proclaimed magic table freak, I love your design, especially the magic wand legs. How clever!
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george1953 Inner circle Mallorca (Spain) 5943 Posts |
Very nice, more importantly its practical.
By failing to prepare, we are preparing to fail.
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Christian Wilde New user 90 Posts |
Thanks for the kind words. I'm going to perform with it for a while and then tweak it if need be. In the next iteration, I'm trying to imagine a smart way to hide the magic wand legs inside the case. Now they are hanging outside with elastic band. It's not as elegant as I would like it to be. I'm also considering making a smaller one for more close up oriented shows. By the way, feel free to use the design
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Can you make the legs so they screw together like pool cues?
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
Christian Wilde New user 90 Posts |
That's not a bad idea. I'll look into that
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Peter McMillan Elite user St. George, Utah 497 Posts |
Everything you need for busking or parlor gigs. Very well done!
Spiritus Dictum Artifacts ~ Tools of the Craft for Serious Workers http://petemcmillan.wixsite.com/sd-artifacts/artifacts
~ www.SantaPeteUtah.com |
Levi Bennett Inner circle 1778 Posts |
I love it.
Performing magic unprofessionally since 2008!
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Christian Wilde New user 90 Posts |
Thanks for the kind words. I used it for the first time the other day at a charity show at a retirement home. It set up I 30 seconds and worked very well for the show. I think I'll look into adding a servante. And maybe I should take up busking. The suitcase would certainly be appropriate for that sort of performance
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ErwinHopman New user The Netherlands 4 Posts |
Very nice suitcase-portable-table indeed. What is the height of the table?
The idea of Michael about the legs that screw together (the same methode used with some magic wands) is great. Especially with round legs (difficult to fold round legs...). Another idea; When you make the tabletop black with a subtle square pattern (larger squares); you can cut out one of those squares (1/3 from the rear edge and l/4 or so from the side edge of the table) and make a small bag underneath it with black cloth (think of the possibilities such a (secret) bag could provide). Just an idea... maybe not very well suited for close-up conditions of busking... Keep up the good work! |
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 19, 2014, Christian Wilde wrote: Christian! Except for two tours in which I used a Merv Taylor Suitcase Table, I've "worked out of" several different sized salesman's fiber sample cases. I've used several different table bases (separate from the case, to save weight). I've used a musician's cymbal stand, several kinds of "waiter tray stands", a Billy McComb Table, a "tray that attached to a borrowed chair, and even a table borrowed from the school (although, I soon dropped that.) I am always "looking for a better way"! (Like the late Will Rogers,I'm pleased, but never totally satisfied! --and most likely, never will be!) We all work differently! Your table will, no doubt, fit your needs, and, I'm "happy" for you! Odds are though, that you'll eventually adapt, modify, and construct another "version"!!! Now, a different "thing": Your last two sentences! "...And maybe I should take up busking. The suitcase would certainly be appropriate for that sort of performance." I suspect you were just kidding. I don't know what your performing experience is, or what your talent is. But,if you weren't kidding, I hope you will thoroughly study and learn what is required to do a busking show (successfully) before you "jump" into that area of show business! (It takes much more than a prop table to be commercially successful as a busker!) Break a leg!
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Christian Wilde New user 90 Posts |
I agree that a checker pattern could allow for a well bulld into the tabletop. I'll look into that in the next iteration of the design. Right now my typical show is a parlour-like setting, where the audience is quite close. About the height it's around 47 inches ( 120 cm). It could easily be lower. The legs could be shortened without much effort.
Oh and about the busking comment. It was ( as you suspected) a joke. I'm living in Denmark and here busking is looked upon with great suspision. You can stand in the street with a guitar and do your thing and you can juggle, swallow swords and ride your uni cycle. But I 've never come across a streetperforming magician here. So that's not a thing I'll dive into anytime soon. |
DanielWeppler New user Toronto 21 Posts |
That looks really cool! I also agree with those above, the want legs are wonderful.
-Daniel
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Christian Wilde New user 90 Posts |
Thanks a lot A brief moment of inspiration I guess
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Mik-Kado New user Antwerp, Belgium 31 Posts |
I don't post much here on the forum...but I read and learn a lot of good and practical stuff here!!!
But by taking a look @ this design, I couldn't hold myself to react! As many others here in the room, I agree this is a very nice design that will inspire more people. For my kids-shows I use this kind of suitcases already for some years, be it only to carry my stuff for those performances. I have several suitcases to store and carry the stuff, but still searching and experimenting about storage my goods per show, per suitcase... But you know...sometimes you only need 1 piece from the stuff to use in another show, than I take it out, put it into the other case....but the week after probably I have to take it there back to put again into it's original case... I love this idea very much, because I like those old-style travel suitcases. It keeps the stuff safe stored, and as an extra, it looks good in some set-ups, even if they are just stacked on the background to 'create' a little bit of stage-filler. But once more (and in Dutch): "super-mega-formi-dastisch" design for an unique table!!!
Live your most beautiful life.
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Rodney New user Texas 40 Posts |
I love this table.
Rodney |
Christian Wilde New user 90 Posts |
Oh you guys. Thanks
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