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algebraic Inner circle 1008 Posts |
Has anyone had an opportunity to see this performed? Has anyone had the opportunity to handle this?
This is found at http://www.hocus-pocus.com. It's a production box with four separate production chambers. It can be handed to a spectator to look over before the production. What are the strengths/weaknesses of this box? Do the chambers lock? Any angle problems? Compare/contrast to a Jap Box. Any help would be appreciated. |
GEMINI Regular user WA, USA 193 Posts |
It is made of steel (I believe!?). Will the weight be a problem in smooth handling of this little box?
Sam |
runawayjag Inner circle 1085 Posts |
Okay, I actually have one and can tell you the box is made of aluminum, not steel, and is not heavy, in fact, may weigh less that its similar predecessor the Merv Taylor Wonder Boxes.
Unlike the Merv Taylor item, however, all four sides conceal a silk or load. They lock and you msut know how to release them to produce the load, so it is relatively safe for examination. The unlocking procedure happens in the natural action of showing the box, if you know the work. No angle problems, other than they cannot look directly down into it as you produce the items. Handling is a little awkward, but with rehearsal should smooth out quickly. The most common thing I found was opening it when I didn't want to. Probably the only downside to the prop is the price. $700 is very expensive for a box that will just produce four 8" silks. The box is not as thin as the Merv Taylor set and MT's would produce a bigger load. Of course, it used two boxes and a very clever manipulation so the compartment could be more "open" than this Porper box, but still $700 is a lot of money. I do think, however, it would be GREAT for the Slydini Paper Balls To Hat Routine (using sponge balls instead,) and be a killer as you could go nowhere near the box, yet still have the balls appear inside after the vanishes. Also, both hands could be shown clearly empty after the vanishes. Now, I haven't worked that out, but I think it would be a really great use for this little box. Typical of Porper's stuff, it is very well made. Unless you're a Porper collector, I don't think you'd be happy with it, but that is just because of the price, not the prop. That's a lot of money. |
Larry Barnowsky Inner circle Cooperstown, NY where bats are made from 4770 Posts |
The typical wooden "Jap" hank box is a great utility devices. Being limited to an 8 inch silk per chamber seems to me a major disadvantge of Porper's Mystery Box. I have a number of hank boxes including ones by Abbott, Owen, and Kantor. They all easily accomodate an 18 inch silk. The old non-locking one I have from Kantor is very thin and very deceptive.
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Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
It's a lot smaller than the "jap" boxes of old. I LOVE the idea of using it for Slydini's amazing routine with the paper balls (sponge balls would be great tho) and maybe a different item, tissue paper would fit or silks???
The box has a lot of applications, exchanges, etc. and maybe even for the MENTALIST....!!!!!!!! If you think $700 is a lot you should see how many of these Joe made and threw away until it was developed. Keep your eyes peeled for the new IMPROVED Paul Fox Beer Trick.
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
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Thomas Wayne Inner circle Alaska 1977 Posts |
I've studied the Porper box closely, and I've seen the many expensive prototypes it went through before reaching the market. "8 inch silk" is information found in a website ad that is not correct. The box will easily take NINE-inch silks, probably take 12" silks with careful loading, and I suspect will take 18" diagonal cuts.
Runawayjag, for all his other faults ( ), has a brilliant idea with the "Sponge Balls Over the Head" suggestion. And he's also right about the sticker shock - it is an expensive little item. However, if you closely study the micro engineering and the superb finish work you'll know where the extra money went. My suggestion when I first saw the device, because of the open ends, was to produce two silks via the secret compartments - which would entail VERY open, away-from-body handling - then use a coat steal production for some large silk items, and finish with a two-compartment cascade of multi-colored sponge balls. Regards, Thomas Wayne
MOST magicians: "Here's a quarter, it's gone, you're an idiot, it's back, you're a jerk, show's over." Jerry Seinfeld
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runawayjag Inner circle 1085 Posts |
Hi Thomas,
I stand corrected. I just tried and properly folded and pleated to spring open, the box will, in fact, take a 12" silk. If folded correctly, the silk almost visibly appears over the top of the box when it is set down on the table. But, if anyone should try, be VERY careful that the folded parcel isn't too thick because you don't want to put undue pressure on the door when closing it. |
GEMINI Regular user WA, USA 193 Posts |
Runawayjag and Thomas, thanks for a very thorough review.
Sam |
Larry Barnowsky Inner circle Cooperstown, NY where bats are made from 4770 Posts |
For producing 9 inch silks I'll hold off until Joe comes out with the solid gold thumbtip (coated with flesh colored paint)
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A.J. Veteran user Michigan 314 Posts |
The workmanship on this item is unlike anything I've ever seen before...It's certain that Joe Porper spent a bundle of time, energy, effort, and material to produce this box. With the right routine, I truly think this could be a highlight effect.
Runaway Jag and Thomas Wayne have come up with some great ideas here. Given the price, you will also know that not everyone in your area will be doing this effect. Bottom line, I think it's great...plus, it should be a collector's item someday as I doubt Porper will make more than a small batch. A.J. |
Thomas Wayne Inner circle Alaska 1977 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-04-06 22:12, runawayjag wrote: Also - and this is very important - make sure NO part of the silk is overhanging the edge of the "trapdoor" when you close it; you could easily damage the mechanism by trying to force it shut when a portion of the silk is caught at an edge. Regards, Thomas Wayne
MOST magicians: "Here's a quarter, it's gone, you're an idiot, it's back, you're a jerk, show's over." Jerry Seinfeld
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