I wondering how those doors & panels automatically open & close like in DCs effects like deathsaw,barkley house.The mechanism seem invisible. Does anyone have insight?

I'm sure that David uses whatever high tech options are available, because cost is no object. You might be able to accomplish the same sort of effect with a relatively inexpensive high-torque DC motor and some spring hinges. Install the hinges so the door is normally open. Use the motor and a small cable to hold the doors shut and to let them open and close with the flick of a single-pole, double-throw switch.

Meanwhile, I'll be looking for a high-tech solution.

Amos McCormick

.... however, I suspect that the panels on the death saw are manually operated from inside with levers or pulleys!

Sctually... david relies on simple mechanics as often as he can in his illusions.. cable controls or simple mechanical switches are much more reliable than "high tech" anything... and he tends to go with stuff that CAN'T Break down.

I imagine that this is mostly because old fashioned mechanical stuff travels and is more reliable than anythign electronic that shakes apart during travel.

My "high-tech" comment was made tongue-in-cheek. However, the first illusion I thought about when I read the original post was Heaven on the Seventh Floor, in which the doors open and close without "obvious" human intervention.

Does DC use DC motors?

AC/DC can use either...

Seeing him do death saw live when he makes the two halves come together magically you can actually see how its done everyone can so I don't think this is meant to be magical. There are ropes going off the stage from each half.