|
|
RJE Inner circle 1848 Posts |
I've had a Zig Zag for about 3 years now, but haven't used it a lot. I like the illusion, it can be done just about anywhere, and say what you like, it is a classic. I have some problem though with the centre box sticking when I am pushing it in and out. Any suggestions on how to make it slide easier??? The illusion is made out of birch ply and it is wood sliding on wood.
|
Grandillusionsmagic Loyal user 270 Posts |
I had that problem with another item and I rubbed a candle in both surfaces and it worked great!!, I now do it once or twice a year depending on how much it is used. just be careful not to put to much on, it is better to have it still stick a little and have to add more than it would be to have to much and have it glob up. if the wax doesn't fix it up, you can put the wax on, then spray it lightly with a lubricant like WD 40 a silicone spray works better and lasts longer but if all you have is WD 40 then that will work. (I keep a bottle of lubricant and a candle in with the tools I have with my illusions, I have a tools for each illusion and keep it with that illusion that way you always have the right size wrench and whatever else you need for that illusion with it, then I have a "master Toolbox" that I take with me to each show, it has a hammer, screwdrivers, screws, extra cotter pins, nuts, bolts, and other tools you might need and I also have touchup paint black, white, and a few other colors. I use spray paint but have a few butter tub lids, and small brushes if I need to do some detailed touchup.
with the toolbox (bag or box depending on #of items in it) with each illusion I can put the illusion together, and lube it up if needed (wheals or sliding parts) then with the master toolbox I can do repairs. (I also a "Master" setup for lights, extra lamps/bulbs and gels/colors, and few tools that work with the lights and clamps) by keeping it setup like this I can take the illusions, lights... to a show and have what I need and not get there and find out oh, that tool is at home. I can also put an illusion together and my assistant can do one and we aren't trying to use the same tools and if one needs repair we pull out the master and can do minor repairs (it is all we have done, if it needs major repair we don't take it) this also helps us keep track of the tools because if you pull it out you are the only one using it and you can put it back when you are done. I know this is more than you asked for but I hope it helps because you never know what you might need, but with this you have it!!!! Jason Byers Jason@Boisemagic.com http://www.Boisemagic.com |
RJE Inner circle 1848 Posts |
Thanks Jason,
The information and tips are appreciated. I like the idea of the candle wax and WD40. I was always afraid to put just an oil (WD40 or whatever) on it since I thought this might be soaked up and cause the wood to swell or it would collect dirt and dust and just bind worse. But, to put the wax on first and then the lubricant, that's brilliant! My Zig Zag will be getting a lot more use in the future. Rob |
ricker Special user Tampa, FL 914 Posts |
Soap works for me
|
RJE Inner circle 1848 Posts |
In the shower or on the prop??? Kidding.
Do you take a bar and just rub it along the surfaces? |
Grandillusionsmagic Loyal user 270 Posts |
Try the wax alone first because it won't have as big a mess and if you do have to spray, spray from the inside so you don't get a shiny streak on the outside. Then wipe the extra off the inside so it doesn't get all over your assistant. But like I said, see if the wax alone fixes it. It normaly does.
Posted: Dec 9, 2004 8:58pm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote: --------------------------------------------- On 2004-12-09 20:47, ricker wrote: Soap works for me --------------------------------------------- be carefull, some soaps can cause damage to wood and paint if it is plain soap you will probably fine, just be careful |
RJE Inner circle 1848 Posts |
Thanks guys, this is really going to help.
I just set up the Zig Zag and soaped the runners. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I have 4 shows this weekend and I will be using it in each one. It's strange that I didn't think of using soap before. Years ago (mid 1980's) I used to soap my cards to make them fan better. Funny, you forget sometimes what works and what doesn't. Jason and Ricker, thanks for the tips. Rob |
ricker Special user Tampa, FL 914 Posts |
My pleasure
|
Grandillusionsmagic Loyal user 270 Posts |
Glad I could help
|
Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
I've never had the problem. Mine has metal "U"-shaped sliding guides on the edges of the sliding box, as well as the top and bottom box edges. Works great! If you can adapt you box in this way, you'll never need a lubricant (soap) again.
|
RJE Inner circle 1848 Posts |
Thought about doing that Starrpower, it is a good idea to adapt metal runners, but it is going to be soooo much easier just rubbing a bar of soap or a candle over the surfaces every once in a while. I think I'm just lazy that way.
|
Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
A dry bar of soap is a great lube for all sorts of things, including the carrier in an Owen bow sawing.
BTW, clean the surfaces from time to time.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
RJE Inner circle 1848 Posts |
Four shows in three cities this weekend. The dry bar of soap worked like a charm. Thanks for the help guys! Rob
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Grand illusion » » Suggestions on how to make the Zig Zag slide better wanted (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.03 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |