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KirkG Inner circle 1391 Posts |
There used to be advertised a table than clamps to a restaurant table so you can work on a clean surface and not compete with their space. I am interested in trying one, but can't seem to find any available. If someone has one, I would love to play with it or see it to see if I can make one for myself or buy one that is just laying around.
Thank you. Kg |
shellgame-al Veteran user Arizona, USA 352 Posts |
You can take a look at this table. I only have one left and will not be making any more. This table works great.
http://www.3shells.com/close-up-tables.html
Manufacture of 3 Shell Game Sets & 3 Disk Monte Sets
3shells.com and magicswindles.com |
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
I haven't done any "table hopping" in YEARS. However, I think that this would cause "traffic problems"!!! Waiters carry heavy trays loaded with food. This table, IMO, would impede the flow of "traffic", plus, it would be something to carry from table to table, and, "installing" it would take time. If the waiter arrives with dinner, and, you are in the middle of a cups & balls routine, you would be in the way!!!
I did "eye candy" tricks, with props from my pockets. Quick, visual tricks that needed no reset and "happened" in my hands, or their hands, were very useful. (ring & string, sponge balls, knot bits with silks, rope, etc., were my "regulars".) Years ago in night clubs, a "cigarette" girl would have a tray with a "sling" that went around her neck. It also fastened to a belt or sash around her waist, for stability. I remember Jay Marshall "experimenting" with one, so he could do cups & balls in hospitality suites. IMHO, "table top props" are OK in a parlor type show, or busking, but not in a restaurant. Maybe someone who currently works tables, will offer an opinion!
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
While it may save you from taking up table space you move into usable restaurant storage and this can be an issue. Mainly because when you think about it you need not only the space for the gizmo, but then enough for you to step back from.
It becomes quite unusable pretty quickly. Also restaurants where most guys work at with family environments have shaker aisles. Even a larger problem. I would recommend doing effects up near your face. Heck that is what you want then to remember anyhow.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
KirkG Inner circle 1391 Posts |
Danny Doyle What is a shaker aisle? I am unfamiliar with that term.
With respect to the other comments regarding suitability of use, thank you for sharing. While I am aware of those points and have considered them, there are other circumstances where this would be appropriate and I would like to be prepared for any eventuality. In fact, one of the main jobs for this table is to show that I "don't even need it" and "isn't that a good thing?" |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
That was my phone attacking. It is smaller. (It took 3 times writing that to get it done. Is smaller that strange a word?)
Show that you don't need what? If table space is such a concern do in the hands effects. And seriously do them near your face. Having people looking down while you stand they don't get to know who you are. It is also strange to talk, then look at the table, talk, look at the tale and so on. Doing in the hands effects has them looking up the whole time right at you. It gives you more control of an audience. Obviously no one answer here.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
shellgame-al Veteran user Arizona, USA 352 Posts |
Where I found this hook-on-table to work very well for me was when I was working at a nice bar and going out to the dining tables on their request when it was the right time for then.
I would be behind the bar mostly and the hook-on-table could be moved to any area of the bar with ease by hooking it onto the counter service rail out of the customer's area. This is a fully adjustable table. Which only takes a few seconds to do. Once it is set to hook-on to the service rail at the bar or any table top in the dining area no adjustments are needed. It just hooks on and off. The customers have their own space and so do I. Most were business type people that were staying in the hotel or local business people that were there for entertaining their customers for drinks and dining. This type entertainment was not based around waiting time. This type place could let them present their business along with some added fun or they could just come in for fun. These are the type people that are going to tip big to impress their guests and are not power drinkers. They are there to have a good time. Most of these business type people that are taking their customers out will have expense accounts to tip well. You are helping them to entertain their guests and they don't want to look cheap in front of their guests, so they will tip very well, but they are looking for more than just eye candy type tricks. Yes, I think working a family restaurant with eye candy tricks a table is not needed at all.
Manufacture of 3 Shell Game Sets & 3 Disk Monte Sets
3shells.com and magicswindles.com |
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Neither the OP nor shellgameal explained that the restaurant was a "high end" place. I based my comments on a family type restaurant. Thus, the "table" you're talking about, could possibly be appropriate for shellgameal's situation.
Only a "select few" magicians work "that" sort of restaurant! Bert Allerton did, Matt Schulien did, and, a few others. Danny's comments are "right on"!
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
I work only those restaurants and not one would want that.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
shellgame-al Veteran user Arizona, USA 352 Posts |
From my very first post, I only said you might take a look at this table.
No way I was pushing a product I don't even make anymore! I never said it was for every situation. It worked very well for my situation, mainly at the bar. Where it could be moved to any place on the bar easy and quick with all the tricks to be used with it. It was my portable working stage. If you ever worked behind a bar you will know you have sinks and other things that extend out, which can make it harder to work. With the table attached to the service rail, it made it much easier to perform without any leaning over sinks and easy to get or ditch things. I have my space and the customers have all of their space. Also, everything being used is out of their reach. Most the customers at the bar were having some cocktails before they went in for dining. What worked well with this, I got to know who was who at the bar before they went in for dining or from my co- workers before I went to any table. Many would request if I could come to their table while dining for some added entertainment. I would tell them to just tell the waiter when it would be a good time to come over. Most the time I didn't need to ask them, they would ask me or the waiter would suggest it if they thought there was an interest. ( I had good co-workers that were pretty good at spotting this.) Time management is very important. At the bar, all the tricks were strong and quick where you could still make sure everyone had a drink. At the tables, it was more personal type entertainment to get the bigger tips. The most important part I believe is your co-workers! They can make or break you. If they work with you as a team you will not fail. I always shared some of my tips with my co-workers so they knew I needed them and they were the ones that helped make it all work. I always made sure they knew that they were an important part of the act. Example of co-workers Bar-back & relieve bartender: He or she was one that helped with anything I needed or for any of the customer's needs at the bar in a timely matter. This co-worker did not perform any magic behind the bar. They were there to back me up and making sure the bar was functioning smoothly, where nobody went unattended at any time. Waiter & Waitress: They would feed me all the information I needed to know about the guests, on who was the one that was paying for everything and they would let me know when it was the right time for me to go to the tables. I never went to any table to perform till I had the right timing from the guest with their request and approval. I didn't want to interrupt their business time and wanted to make sure I had their full attention. Also, by them making the request, you would always get a good tip. Do many magicians have this type situation? Probably not.
Manufacture of 3 Shell Game Sets & 3 Disk Monte Sets
3shells.com and magicswindles.com |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
It is a typical bar magic situation. Which is cool.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
KirkG Inner circle 1391 Posts |
That is a very nice table Al. I like it in general, but it seems a touch bulky. Too bad you are so far away, I would like to see it.
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KirkG Inner circle 1391 Posts |
So any luck turning up one of these clamp on tables?
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Riley Special user Swansea UK 955 Posts |
I've used one of these for a few years now. It's made by Colin Rose of "Five of Hearts Magic " UK. Very useful.
http://www.fiveofheartsmagic.com/images/source/hopper13.jpg |
Amazing Magic Co Inner circle 1712 Posts |
Very nice work Shellman! I wish you had a video on how easy it was to clamp on and off.
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KirkG Inner circle 1391 Posts |
Finally got one of these and made a table top to go on it. Seems to work great. I like the idea that I have a good sized clean space or stage to perform some additional routines.
Click here to view attached image. |
Amazing Magic Co Inner circle 1712 Posts |
Where is that table from Kirk?
Thanks, Dan. |
KirkG Inner circle 1391 Posts |
Dan, I made the table top myself and the bracket is from Scott Guinn. He no longer makes them and is willing to sell the rights to anyone who wants to make them.
I was able to find a bracket used and made the top to put on it. |
slyhand Inner circle Good ole Virginia 1908 Posts |
I was lucky enough to get one of those from Scott years ago. I have found it very useful in certain situations. My surface is only about the size of a small laptop though.
I am getting so tired of slitting the throats of people who say that I am a violent psychopath.
Alec |
davidpaul$ Inner circle Georgetown, South Carolina 3086 Posts |
I have one, never used, Table Hopper's Friend from Scott if anyones interested. Shoot me a PM.
Guilt will betray you before technique betrays you!
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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Table hoppers & party strollers » » Does anyone use the table that clamps onto the restaurant table? (3 Likes) |
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