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stempleton Inner circle 1443 Posts |
We all are familiar with John's Wacky Washing Machine... however, John stopped making these available long ago. I attempted to have one made by a local magician, but even though the look was just what I wanted the mechanics were not reliable and eventually failed altogether before I even put it into a show. So I have looked at this model:
https://practical-magic.com/products/mag......a9&_ss=r It is rather plain, does not have the lighting or buzzer, and comes at a premium price for what I see it is. I love PM's service to the States, and Gary is great at communication. Does anyone have first hand knowledge/use of this product? I'm not interested in DIY projects on this one, although I do have some ideas for dressing this one up. At its size it does not look like the method is JB's method, but perhaps I'm wrong. Would love to receive some advice/info from those with first hand knowledge. Thanks. |
Russo Inner circle So.California / Centl.Florida / retired Florida 1165 Posts |
I've done a "washing Machine" effect using the "Soft Soap" effect - would that help ?????
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stempleton Inner circle 1443 Posts |
Soft Soap is definitely a good routine that I use, but I am looking for info on the particular prop in my original post.
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Russo Inner circle So.California / Centl.Florida / retired Florida 1165 Posts |
Just for fun in the 'soft soap' routine - I get a volunteer - put a Wizards hat on her - one of the first dirty silks has lace around it -and the duplicate lace one is under the hat - after pulling 2 'clean' silks out - can't find (?) lace one, until I remove the hat. "oh, You have it!!"
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stempleton Inner circle 1443 Posts |
Since no one seems to own this, I decided to order, and received today. I've played with it a few times and here are my initial reactions:
The thing is pricy, especially with the shipping to the US. Gary even contacted to pay additional shipping above and beyond the listed website's "flat rate international shipping" (still trying to figure the "flat rate" thing.) This was definitely an extravagance. I had previously had one built based on John Breed's book, but it failed miserably in the mechanics aspect. The first thing is it is very plain looking. Only black and white markings, and basic shapes. I immediately added an illustration to the "door" section to simulate bubbles, a blinking light as well as a real appliance knob/dial, and am considering doing some paint work around the front and side borders to brighten things up, and will add a miniature bubble machine to the back. I also had some socks that I purchased individually to replace what was sent (the "miniature socks" were not small enough IMO and the red/striped sock is okay, but the one I had on hand was better made and longer.) On the positive side, the thing works very smoothly. It is made of the standard "whatever that material is" that you've seen on magical props; not wood, not exactly plastic, but in between. The mechanics work great. I am especially impressed with the deceptive design that seems to make the innards impossible to contain, and yet it does (if you understand the workings you'll know what I mean.) I did not own JB's version when it was available, but from the videos seen it looks like ,even though John's was more colorful and fun looking, this (especially the door) might be a bit sturdier. You can see the out of the box version from PM here, although it is not in English: https://youtu.be/8ixYvkJ9Z0Y |
Dan Ford Special user Illinois 753 Posts |
Too bad you have to almost remake it, but I have been there many times with props I have bought. Lights and working knobs would have been nice for the price you paid. You have the basic prop, just go to town adding your own designs to it.
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stempleton Inner circle 1443 Posts |
Here's some cosmetic touch up made to make it pop more for the children. Also will be using a small bubble maker on the back of the prop that can be operated when needed.
Click here to view attached image. |
Dan Ford Special user Illinois 753 Posts |
Put some 3 dimensional buttons on the painted ones, and I think you have got it.
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stempleton Inner circle 1443 Posts |
I'm looking for them now.
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Firestorm60 New user U.K. 44 Posts |
I have just purchased the New Style Magic Washing machine from future magic in Germany which looks well made but lacks the extras and so I am likely to hunt around and add real switches and lights or an instrument panel to the ones drawn on and try and find a small bubble machine and wondered if you had any luck
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Russo Inner circle So.California / Centl.Florida / retired Florida 1165 Posts |
Anytime one adds anything. reworks a 'prop' - it is indivdually yours - not just something off the shelf- Good Work. RR
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stempleton Inner circle 1443 Posts |
Quote:
On Apr 28, 2020, Firestorm60 wrote: I had purchased the online "tiny bubble machine" from overseas, and broke it during a handmade version. My last order came back a few months ago and after trying it out for the first time last week I found it inoperable. It really is cheaply made, but the advantage is it blows the bubbles upward. I don't think I'll try ordering again. In fact I ordered a typical bubble machine for about 30 bucks. Although it blows horizontally, I have given up on using an elbow to channel the bubbles upward because they pop on the sides of the tube. At this point I'm not really thinking it matters; the children will see the bubbles from behind the prop on the table and will not care. As for a light, I purchased some fake ice cubes that are self-contained. You can press a small button on the bottom, which is mounted to the side of front ledge of my washing machine and it changes to 7 different lights, the 8th going through all the colors. I also put some bubble decals on the sides since the photo I posted earlier, and having not found some larger buttons I just put some Avery colored dots over the black printed buttons to add some color. The knob has a magnet on the back and a metal washer is attached to the side of the cabinet so I can "turn" the knob. |
Dan Ford Special user Illinois 753 Posts |
Great idea on attaching the washer with the magnetic button stempleton!!
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dtrickys New user 98 Posts |
Quote:
On Mar 28, 2020, stempleton wrote: wow that's amazing !!! I love it. |
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