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haywire Special user Philadelphia 760 Posts |
I have built several large illusions, now I am ready for a project I shyed away from at first because I feel it involves a lot of skill... Building an illusion base.
I have seen great very deceptive ones, and I have seen bases I wondered how the builder didn't think it was very obvious... Anyone have any tips for building the first type instead of the later? I'm finishing up some smaller things and soon, I will be attempting this... As always, any help, suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Steven |
ClintonMagus Inner circle Southwestern Southeast 3997 Posts |
Look for the Rand Woodbury "Base Book". It's about $35.00 at most magic book dealers, and it contains a wealth of base designing and building information.
Amos McCormick
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Cliffg37 Inner circle Long Beach, CA 2491 Posts |
I'll second the Rand suggestion... and add that his base is quite easy to build, the way he covers it can be tough, using black leather. Other coverings, including painting it can be cheaper. His use of aluminium strips along the side may look superflous, but they really aid in the deceptive size appearence.
Magic is like Science,
Both are fun if you do it right! |
rtgreen Inner circle Portland, Oregon 1322 Posts |
Also, the first Osborne book has what he call a "beginner's Base" and it doesn't use any compound miter cuts.
Thanks, Richard |
leapinglizards Inner circle 1263 Posts |
Also, use metal or fiber glass, as opposed to wood. Doing this allows for less waisted thickness.
Leaping Lizards!!! Who knew it was possible.
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George Ledo Magic Café Columnist SF Bay Area 3042 Posts |
Don't think of what you want to build as a "base." Think in terms of "This is a big box and I need to get it from here to there." In terms of the illusion "box," the base is just a way to attach four legs and casters to the thing.
That may sound deep (or off the deep end), but it's not. You don't want the audience to subconsciously think you're using a gimmicked "base," or even that you put the box on a generic "base." You want the audience to totally ignore the base, and the way to do that is to tie it so tightly (design wise) to the box on top that it looks natural.
That's our departed buddy Burt, aka The Great Burtini, doing his famous Cups and Mice routine
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leapinglizards Inner circle 1263 Posts |
Agreed George!
I would add... The base doesn't have to be the slick black and chrome things that have become the default now adays. They look GREAT in Copperfield's show with his modern look, but lately I've seen a few shows where they brought out this "Ancient chinese prop" on a slick beveled base. Also, Do think it terms of your audience view. If your audience will always be face forward and above you, consider using a base that can only be viewed from that angle and you can make it look MUCH more deceptive. Cheers!
Leaping Lizards!!! Who knew it was possible.
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ClintonMagus Inner circle Southwestern Southeast 3997 Posts |
Good point on the audience view. If they are above, the bevel should probably be on the bottom. If the audience is below, just the opposite. Also, almost any finish can be used as long as it de-emphasizes the stuff you don't want anyone to notice.
Amos McCormick
Things are more like they are today than they've ever been before...
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Deke Rivers Loyal user 216 Posts |
I think that we need to get away from thinking that "beveled bases" are the only deceptive choice. I have noticed that one of our greatest thinkers, Jim Steinmeyer, rarely uses beveled bases in is designs, and neither did Alan Wakeling.
Use those two sources for clever, deceptive designs that use straight cut bases that are exremely deceptive. Many can be seen in Steinmeyer's "Magic of Alan Wakeling," "Modern Art," and "Device and Illusion." |
ClintonMagus Inner circle Southwestern Southeast 3997 Posts |
500 Posts! Do I get a prize?!?!
The bevel base is definitely not the only choice, but it is just a very deceptive design when done correctly. All things being equal, however, it is much more difficult to build than a "straight-side" base. One of the most deceptive bases I have ever seen incorporates the top of the straight-side base into the bottom of the box above, with the top of the base painted like the box. This makes it appear as though there is almost no thickness to the base. Amos McCormick
Things are more like they are today than they've ever been before...
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haywire Special user Philadelphia 760 Posts |
Thanks for all the advice guys!
My concern is cutting those mitered angles and stuff as well as choosing colors and materials that will add to the deception... I have never seen one up very close I wish I knew someone who had a good one for me to copy from after close and careful inspection but I don't... Steven |
NFox Inner circle I Do Mentalism Now?! 1101 Posts |
I would recommend getting Rand Woodbury's Illusionworks Volume 1 tape/DVD. In it he walks you through the construction of a base and a set of deceptive steps. It's definitely worth the investment. I believe you can get it through Paul Osborne's website.
Nick Fox |
ClintonMagus Inner circle Southwestern Southeast 3997 Posts |
Many of Paul Osborne's illusion plans include a base. There is a wide variety to choose from. It's not the ideal way to do this, but you can get some idea of what is available by going to http://www.osborneillusionsystems.com, selecting "Plans", and scrolling down until you see something that suits your fancy. They are line drawings, but they are better than nothing.
Also look at websites such as http://www.magicauction.com for photos of built bases. Once you locate something you like, I'm sure someone here can assist you in getting information together to build it. Amos McCormick
Things are more like they are today than they've ever been before...
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haywire Special user Philadelphia 760 Posts |
Part of my questions are actually due to Paul Osbourne's plans..
I purchased plans for "The smoke chamber" Of course the entire trick really is reliant on the base, and I don't feel he details the construction of the base for that illusion very well, or at all really. One drawing and like 2 measurements won't really give you a clear understanding of the angles for the mitered cuts and such, I was actually very let down by the 25.00$ I spent on those plans. Anyone can tell its a plexiglass chamber on a base, I feel he should have broken down the parts that make up the base or SOMETHING more helpful then here's a nice drawing of the 15 parts assembled, good luck! I knew it was a plexiglass chamber on a base already, I needed to know how to build the base, and I don't feel his plans made building that at all clear, for once I feel I wasted money on one of his products. I should say I purchased several of his other products and was very pleased, so I really should not be crying in this one case... I've look at some asrah plans and that helped a great deal... Steven |
ClintonMagus Inner circle Southwestern Southeast 3997 Posts |
You might call Alan Zagorsky at Owen Magic and tell him what you are doing. They sell plans to many of their illusions, and might have something with a base like you are looking for. Their phone number is (626) 969-4519 or http://www.owenmagic.com.
Amos McCormick
Things are more like they are today than they've ever been before...
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haywire Special user Philadelphia 760 Posts |
I am almost finished the table portion of the base... I decided to build the base in 2 sections so that 1) The height of the table portion could be adjustable either as a very low platform, or a few feet high like a regular household table.
and 2) make it easier to transport/store. This piece has proven to be very challenging, I am 6ft 4 and its not easy getting the load chamber that big and still making the base look as thin as possible. I will be stuffed in there pretty tight, but I fit just barely. pictures will be posted when I'm done the legs! Steven |
Joe Mansfield Loyal user 227 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-05-23 20:43, NFox wrote: I 2nd this. I have built a base using the steps outlined in the video. If your final prop is not going to be spun around, you may consider a wedge type base. These are very deceptive as the front is extremely thin. I think they are covered in Woodbury's 2nd book. |
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