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kihei kid
Inner circle
Dog House
1030 Posts
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Posted: Jun 5, 2004 8:07am
I am looking into buying a table and have surfed the web; some of them have been quite nice with lots of bells and whistles. I would greatly appreciate some input from table owners out there, I have only seen a handful, I’m sure there are many more out there.
Also does anyone know of some books with construction plans for building your own?
Thanks
Kid
In loving memory of Hughie Thomasson 1952-2007.
You brought something beautiful to this world, you touched my heart, my soul and my life. You will be greatly missed.
Until we meet again “my old friend”.
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broothal
Veteran user
Europe
369 Posts
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Posted: Jun 5, 2004 9:43am
I don't require much table space. All my close-up and table-hopping effects can be done without a table. For my stand-up act, it's mostly the same, but it's nice to have a small table regardless. So I bought one of those flat, expandable metal tables. They're not rock solid, but they do the job, and the unfolding looks like an effect in itself.
For my trade show set I require a solid table for 3-shell game and 3-card monte. So I've mounted a wooden plate on an old camera tripod.
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Jim Wilder
Staff
Birmingham, AL
951 Posts
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Posted: Jun 5, 2004 11:08am
Quote:
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On 2004-06-05 08:07, kihei kid wrote:
I am looking into buying a table and have surfed the web; some of them have been quite nice with lots of bells and whistles. I would greatly appreciate some input from table owners out there, I have only seen a handful, I’m sure there are many more out there.
Also does anyone know of some books with construction plans for building your own?
Thanks
Kid
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What kind of work (close-up, stage, street) do you do?
www.jwilder.com
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Bill Hegbli
Eternal Order
Bill and Bill in Fort Wayne Indiana
12874 Posts
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Posted: Jun 5, 2004 7:58pm
If you would have done a search on the Café, you would have found all your questions answered. From books, comparisons, to DIY.
They have fixed the search engine and it works now, try it!
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kihei kid
Inner circle
Dog House
1030 Posts
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Posted: Jun 6, 2004 5:39am
Jwilder, close-up.
Wmhegbli, Thank you. I did try the search engine and did not find anything to my liking, not sure if you know it or not but I have been a member of the Café for a day or two now.
Kid
In loving memory of Hughie Thomasson 1952-2007.
You brought something beautiful to this world, you touched my heart, my soul and my life. You will be greatly missed.
Until we meet again “my old friend”.
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Bill Hegbli
Eternal Order
Bill and Bill in Fort Wayne Indiana
12874 Posts
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Posted: Jun 6, 2004 11:01am
The only books/plans for tables are the 2 table books and 1 set of plans sold by Magic Inc. Chicago, Ill. There is a discription for Jack Hughes in his 1st hard to find book. Mickey Hades has a description in his Making Magic book.
That's it. The rest is up to you. I remade a Taylor suitcase table from scratch. It took weeks to complete, but I am very proud of my work.
I understand that you don't like many of the tables available and this is a very difficult problem for any performer.
Being you give no info on the type of act you want your table to conform to it is very difficult to advise you.
The best is to simply have an assistant to help and bring out each effect on a tray. She can hold the tray or place on a small table stand. Failing that, you will need to work with what is available.
I perfer Suitcase tables. Owen/Taylor. The one Stevens magic sells are very versatile. Many people say what they don't like, but is much harder to say what you like and the features needed.
So a more detailed question would help to help us to help you. Whenever I watch acts I always take note of the table used, most if not all are custom tables or bags. Ali Bongo once walked out with 2 shopping bags with handles glued together. It worked great for his act. He just hung it on a cut out finger that fit to the microphone stand. Very funny bit.
So the 1st thing you need is an act. Then build the table to suit the act. It is not uncommon to have a table for each type of act. Remember, every box or tube you use will need a surface to place it on. The late Neil Foster used 13 tables in his large manipulation act. He moved from table to table for each effect. Pavel used several box tables with his name spelled out with each letter of his name on the inside lid. Moving along each table for each effect.
Magic is the hardest equipment to lug, store, and place well in an act. The mystery continues.
I hope you got an idea or 2. If you feel to expand on your needs, please do. Sure, I recognize your handle, but I did not know if you seen the previous post on tables. You did not say you did. I do not do mental magic and am not a mind reader.
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kihei kid
Inner circle
Dog House
1030 Posts
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Posted: Jun 6, 2004 3:57pm
Wmhegbli, Thanks again! Excellent post I’m on my way to try and find those books, I will say that I am a little shocked that there are only a couple of resources.
Sounds to me like this area of magic has room for some more creativity, seeing that a table can be such a valuable asset.
Can anyone else recommend some close-up tables as well or maybe you know of another resource that wmhegbli does not?
If you own one you like can you tell me what it is about it that you like so much or cannot do without?
Thanks all
Kid
In loving memory of Hughie Thomasson 1952-2007.
You brought something beautiful to this world, you touched my heart, my soul and my life. You will be greatly missed.
Until we meet again “my old friend”.
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Pete Biro
V.I.P.
17740 Posts
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Posted: Jun 6, 2004 5:45pm
Again, and I say this a lot... if you can, make your own table. Figure out your needs and design what works for you.
You can get a lot out of the Table Book, by looking at http://www.magicinc.net.
STAY TOONED... @ www.petebiro.com
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Frank Starsini
Eternal Order
Northern California
12224 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2004 3:27am
I made my own. I like it.
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate,
Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder.
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RBerteig
Regular user
Monrovia, California
146 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2004 5:01am
Given a personal preference for props that look like ordinary objects, I searched for appropriate small tables to use in a close-up setting for months before happening on a collection of inexpensive end/occasional/plant stand tables at a chain craft store (Michaels, if they are in your neck of the woods). They knock down flat, and assemble much like a pool cue. I found two shapes: one short with a tray-like top, and the other taller with a 12 inch circular top.
For those times when having something that looks unusual is more appropriate, I bought a 2 foot circle of plywood from Home Depot and cut a Yin (or was it a Yang?) from it, fitted a T-nut into its center of gravity, and screwed it onto the legs from one of the tables described above.
I covered the plywood with purple felt, added some fringe, and fitted a simple servant pocket to a pivot on the underside. The result large enough to spread a full deck, and works well for the close-up effects I normally do.
It wasn't hard to do given a willingness to wield a saber saw and drill, and probably only took about four hours to complete.
For those times when having something that looks unusual is more appropriate, I bought a 2 foot circle of plywood from Home Depot and cut a Yin (or was it a Yang?) from it, fitted a T-nut into its center of gravity, and screwed it onto the legs from one of the tables described above.
I covered the plywood with purple felt, added some fringe, and fitted a simple servante pocket to a pivot on the underside. The result large enough to spread a full deck, and works well for the close-up effects I normally do.
It wasn't hard to do given a willingness to wield a saber saw and drill, and probably only took about four hours to complete.
Ross Berteig
Wizards in my Parlor
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Bill Hegbli
Eternal Order
Bill and Bill in Fort Wayne Indiana
12874 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2004 6:24am
The Magic Inc. plans are for the 'ROLON - Tom Palmer's Great Table'. This is a Suitcase table. I have built it several times. The plans are not totally correct so be sure to check the measurements before doing any cutting of your wood. Otherwise you may wind up short on some pieces.
The plans were only $3 when I bought them 20 years ago. So they may be a little more now.
This was actually a commercial table that was sold on the magic market. I’ve seen one only once. It does look nice if constructed properly.
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kihei kid
Inner circle
Dog House
1030 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2004 7:39am
Thank you again everyone. Pete thank you for the link.
Kid
In loving memory of Hughie Thomasson 1952-2007.
You brought something beautiful to this world, you touched my heart, my soul and my life. You will be greatly missed.
Until we meet again “my old friend”.
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ithomson
Veteran user
Cambridgeshire, UK.
326 Posts
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Posted: Jun 10, 2004 5:45am
I'm looking at "Mr. Mikame's Demonstration Table". Does anyone have it or know of any reviews?
Ian
-----------------------------------
Ian A Thomson AIMC
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magicgraham
New user
92 Posts
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Posted: Jun 14, 2004 5:31pm
I have two wonderful Neilson style roll on tables and they are great for stage shows where being practical for travel goes out the door. But recently I purchased two of the Davis Charvet/Mark Evans 10 second tables and they are *** wonderful and practical.
http://hometown.aol.com/dcstudios/magic.html
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Renaldi
Regular user
Toronto, Canada
110 Posts
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Posted: Jun 14, 2004 8:03pm
MagicGraham,
The tables look just great. Which of the 2 do you have and which way do they open? Can you also tell us something about their weight and sturdiness.
Thanks,
Renaldi
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triadsong
Regular user
Long Island, NY
170 Posts
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Posted: Jun 15, 2004 1:19pm
I felt that most of the tables I found through local dealers were not bad but they either did not fit with my act or just did not have a "look" that I felt comfortable with. I gave up on tables for a barstool and trays. We carry everything in a camp trunk and set that up a small distance away. It works for me and I wish you luck in finding what works for you.
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Rupert Bair
Inner circle
?
2056 Posts
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Posted: Jun 15, 2004 1:59pm
A piece of wood screwd to a sturdy music stand, they are the black ones very strong.
Matt
:: eyeWONDER Magicians Blog :: Click Here!
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magicgraham
New user
92 Posts
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Posted: Jun 15, 2004 5:04pm
Quote:
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On 2004-06-14 20:03, Renaldi wrote:
MagicGraham,
The tables look just great. Which of the 2 do you have and which way do they open? Can you also tell us something about their weight and sturdiness.
Thanks,
I have the larger of the two styles they weigh next to nothing empty you can either get them top open or back open I have one of each and are about to order one more they are made like road cases so very sturdy, just back from shows today with another magician and he was very impressed by them.
Renaldi
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A.G.
Special user
Vancouver Canada
936 Posts
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Posted: Jun 18, 2004 3:02pm
If you can use the top of your case as a table that screws into a flange and symbol stand you have got the best.i use this in tradeshows
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Alan Munro
Inner circle
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
5425 Posts
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Posted: Jul 3, 2004 7:40am
Why not use a briefcase sitting on a restaurant tray stand?
http://www.sneakymagician.com/
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MagicalPirate
Special user
Shamokin, PA
824 Posts
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Posted: Aug 2, 2004 2:58pm
I agree on building your own. The 2 Table books from Magic Inc. offer great plans and are easily constructed. By building it yourself you can custumize it to your needs, cover it to suit your purposes and save a bundle of money in the process.
Martin 
Martin Blakley, CSH, DASH, CMSA
http://www.thehypnoguy.com/HYPNORESOURCES
http://www.docgrayson.com/
How To Sell Anything Online
http://tub.bz/?r=1z
Copyright to my own words retained 100%.
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Rob Johnston
Inner circle
Utah
2060 Posts
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Posted: Aug 2, 2004 3:07pm
It is worth it if you make your own.
After buying it from a shop, plus shipping, you will be out a lot of cash.
"Genius is another word for magic, and the whole point of magic is that it is inexplicable." - Margot Fonteyn
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Regan
.JPG)
Inner circle
U.S.A.
5433 Posts
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Posted: Aug 5, 2004 12:41pm
If you decide to make yor own, be prepared for a lot of time and work. Plywood is tough to paint and/or cover with cloth if you want a professional looking job. Painting is a slow process because of the priming, drying...(flip it over) * priming, drying... sanding***priming, drying...(flip it over) * priming, drying...sanding,***priming, drying...(flip it over) * priming, drying...sanding***well, you get the picture. And you're not even started with the top coat paint yet! You will have to be patient and invest some money in the project too.
I am in the process of making some tables now. I did not like my Eureka's very well. They are made "cheaply" IMO. The cloth top is striped with ribbons in a grid pattern and it is glued on crooked. There's no easy fix since it would mess it up the cloth to remove and re-glue it. The base will not stay up in a locked position and it is wobbly. Anyway, I wanted to replace them, but I could not find anything that suited me. I found some with rollers that I liked but they are not very portable, and they're very expensive, so I decided to make some myself. I require tables that are portable and I wanted them to be sturdy and durable. I didn't want a long drape hanging down, because I believe it sometimes raises suspicion from the audience, and can give them a false, simplified explanation as to how some things are done. I also wanted tables that looked professional. I am using the best plywood available for the top and I found some nice, sturdy but lightweight mic stands for the bases. I am painting the tops black.
I would have probably come out better to have bought some, considering the time and work involved, if there were some suitable ones available. I just couldn't find any that worked for me. I hope they turn out well. I may sell a couple of them if turn out to be top quality.
Regan
I forgot to mention this, but the microphone stand needs some pretty major modifications also. It has to be cut down unless you want a really tall table. Not easy to do with the one I'm using either. It's a lot of work but I can't wait to see my finished product.
Regan
Mister Mystery
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kihei kid
Inner circle
Dog House
1030 Posts
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Posted: Aug 8, 2004 5:53am
Thanks again everyone.
In loving memory of Hughie Thomasson 1952-2007.
You brought something beautiful to this world, you touched my heart, my soul and my life. You will be greatly missed.
Until we meet again “my old friend”.
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Regan
Inner circle
U.S.A.
5433 Posts
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Posted: Aug 13, 2004 10:50pm
I just finished my tables yesterday and I am really pleased with them. They turned out great and should be a wonderful improvement to my stage show. I have a series of shows coming up next week so I'll put them to the true test when I transport some of them and use them on stage.
Regan
Mister Mystery
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Michael Taggert
Special user
Fredericksburg Virginia
649 Posts
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Posted: Aug 14, 2004 9:26am
For some strange reason I have made several tables of simple design that the guys in this area like quit well. They break down into three pieces that esily stored in the average trunk and can be sized to fit. Im a short guy so even a eureka table at its lowest setting is almost too high for me. a table on a mic stand puts the props a face hight to me. so dimensions of table should be suited to you.
I now after years have a collection of various tables and trays that I use on stage.
anther hint is that 3M company makes a great spray adhesive that makes putting felt down over plywood a breeze.
Minnesota fabric sells great fringe as does Rose Brand theatrical suppliers. Rose will send you swatches for free if you call and ask.
remember prime, dry, sand, curse under your breath, prime, dry, sand, its worth the effort.
Believe you then that I do strange things
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Regan
Inner circle
U.S.A.
5433 Posts
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Posted: Aug 14, 2004 10:44am
I agree blutrol. My finish turned out nice. It took a lot of effort and patience but it was worth it. My Eureka's would only remain at the lowest setting so I had gotten used to using a low table. The mic stands were too high for me also. I had to get them modified and I am really pleased. The top doesn't wobble like my Eureka's did. I can also spin the tops if I want and they are smooth and sturdy. The paint I used matches the color of the black mic stands almost exactly. I made a few extra tops and I'm going to cover some of them in cloth and fringe. I may make 1 or 2 black art tops. I have used the 3M Fabric spray glue and it is great. I just used that glue when I lined the inside of a trunk with padding to transport my table tops in.
I may check out the fabric sources you mentioned. Do they have a website? Do you know of a good place to get "Triple" velvet. I have heard that you could get it with an adhesive backing. I was wondering if anyone had used it before and if it worked well. I'll bet the self adhesive stuff would be easier to work if it would stick right and hold to the surface strongly enough.
Regan
Mister Mystery
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Foxbiz
Regular user
Atlanta
184 Posts
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Posted: Aug 17, 2004 3:02pm
For Tops... Home Depot has a 8mm (or approx 3/8"... where did my metric lessons go?) ply wood that is very stable (flater than 1/4") and lighter than 1/2" material. It has a very nice finish too.
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davidmagic
Veteran user
Lubbock, TX, USA
333 Posts
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Posted: Aug 23, 2004 5:56pm
M. Ammar has a great idea of making a table top out of a wooden picture frame and cutting a closeup pad to fit in it. While he uses three legs that screw into plywood glued on to the frame, I use a radio shack microphone stand (much lighter than the peavey brand). What I am looking for, is a microphone flange that is much wider than the standard 2 1/2 inch. Anyone know of one out there?
David
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Brian Proctor
Inner circle
Oregon
2212 Posts
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Posted: Aug 26, 2004 3:09am
Where can I get sheets of Plexi-glass? I found the stand I want at Ronjo.com
But Instead of the normal wooden table top with felt. I want to cut a piece of thick Plexi-glass out and use that as the table top. It would be perfect for the card through glass table top, or coin through table.
www.BrianProctorMagic.com
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