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Tod Todson Inner circle USA 1296 Posts |
After having used Lefler's standard table for some time, I saw Laflin's open top table on his Silk Sequence DVD. I'm intrigued!
1) What are folks thoughts on the open vs. standard tables? Or at least merge of the two? 2) Anyone have any links to some sutiable open top tables? Thanks, Tod
Mystifier, Youth Speaker
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TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
I use the lefler table and I connect one of my pouches to the back of it.
this makes the lefler table act alike a laflin when I need it to. my poacher's pouch fits right between the lefler "tabs" on top and fits like a glove. and I can also use the pouch by itself for informal strolling gigs, or even busking to hold the loads for cups and balls.
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
Tod Todson Inner circle USA 1296 Posts |
Hi Frank,
Laflin uses a much bigger surface than a pouch. Have you seen his table/DVD? Tod
Mystifier, Youth Speaker
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TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
Yeah, I've seen it. I just used what I had to do what was needed. That's what I came up with and I really like it. I didn't need a huge surface. Just a place to put a few things to they didn't blow around in outdoor shows, a place to ditch a few things when I go to get a wand, etc.
You can accomplish the same thing pretty cheap by getting a box that sits on the lefler table. I came up with a few ideas and then realized I just didn't need to use them.
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
Tod Todson Inner circle USA 1296 Posts |
Yeah, I thought of the same thing.
A mid-shalllow box from IKEA or such forth. Be nice if the Lefler lid slid out and and down though, if desired. -Tos
Mystifier, Youth Speaker
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Signor Blitz Elite user 419 Posts |
Open top all the way! suitcase table has way too many limitations.
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Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5444 Posts |
I guess it depends on what you are doing, the venue you're working, and what your needs are. Your act probably should dictate what table (if any) would work best.
I use flat top tables for some acts that require a working surface and wherein I don’t need to sequence steals (or am doing any steals at all). Props are coming from my pockets or from a small case table (flight case on legs, again open top). I can make my flat top table act as an open top for a performance by simply putting a box (set-up for the sequencing) or a hat (also set-up for sequencing) on it. Kid shows/family shows tend to come out of a suitcase table (AUTURO from the 50’s -yep it is and I am that old!). Even as old as my table is it looks better (and is better built) than what is being built today (sorry Joe). My problem With suitcase tables is not the limitations (I don't know what they are) but the weight! Fully loaded mine is a compressed disk waiting to happen. Laflin’s DVD/video on sequencing and stealing (“Stealing and Sequencing Silks” - $20.00) showing the use (I would go so far as to say proper use) of the open top table is a valuable teaching tool. Don’t think silks here. This DVD teaches you how to use an open top table for putting and taking anything (rabbits, doves, whatever!). I consider this DVD pure gold for an instruction tape. Laflin’s table is open top and has a solid top to one side. He has managed to combine the two well. It is homemade and not a commercial item. Abbott’s used to make something called a “Nite Club Table”. It is a sweet open top table with hinged doors that open left and right to make a working surface and when closed protect your props from being messed with back stage. Mine is over 40 years old (bought it after the ARTUR0 suitcase table). Building an open top table is not that big of a deal. If you don’t have any wood working skills or tools find a cabinet maker and have it built to specification. I will generally cost less than buying the same box from a magic maker/dealer. You can finish it any way you want. Have the cabinet maker put Formica on the sides and you will have an indestructible, easy to clean, and nice looking box.
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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Jef Eaton Special user 526 Posts |
I have worked in an opened top table for years and love it. The table itself stays outside on my stage all the time (I do Fairs), and I actually bring my show out everytime. For years I used office storage boxes covered in vinyl to hold the show. My entire show packs into this box and there is a place for everything. I use a strong cordboard tubing to hold the wands, gimmicks, etc. After the show I throw the top on (to keep prying eyes of the little ones who want to talk to me after the show from seeing anything)and take the box back to the trailer. I have 3 different shows I travel with, and 3 different boxes. I even cut my pop away wand down to fit crossways in the box.
kandumagic.com
<BR>jjeaton@aol.com <BR>Creator of what my Mom thinks are the funniest kid show props around! |
Tod Todson Inner circle USA 1296 Posts |
Thanks for your comments, Harry. I hadn't considered extending the open format to doves, etc.
Best, Tod
Mystifier, Youth Speaker
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Stevethomas Inner circle Southern U.S.A. 3728 Posts |
The open top table that you're talking about (I think) is a Chalet thing. The upright and wheeled base actually fit inside for transport. Nice table with the 2 sections of the top that slide to the sides and open to 2 different compartments inside. I was going to buy one at a New Orleans SAM convention a few years back, money in hand...but couldn't get George Kimery to pay any attention to me in his booth. He just kept talking and talking and talking to some friend, ignoring the 2 or 3 other people perusing his wares in the booth. Wish I'd gotten one, but...that was more money to spend on dealers who have customer service and events that were enjoyable.
Steve |
Tod Todson Inner circle USA 1296 Posts |
Chalet even mentions Laflin as the inspiration for his table. Here is the table, about 4/5's down the page:
http://www.chaletstephens.com/catalog.html Tod
Mystifier, Youth Speaker
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magicbyswh Inner circle North East Tennessee 1548 Posts |
I was able to get the Laflin table made by Chalet (used) at a convention last year for 125.00. It looks brand new and I got a steal on this. Since George is working by himself now he just does not put out the Chalet items much anymore.
Creator of Cereal Brainwave, Creator of the Tossed out Book
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The Great Smartini Inner circle 2280 Posts |
David Charvet makes his 10 second table in both the open back or open top version(s). His tables may not fit your style/theme because they're basically ATA cases that turn transform into a table. For my show I have had a set painter make a 3 sided wood facade to cover the table and now it matches my Wolfs Magic Wacky Side Table. The latter is a pretty expensive version of a combo table as the top of this table opens and has a small storage area. This is nice for smaller/flat effects while still providing a performance surface. The table can also be propped open with a magic wand for you to add things/take things out.
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The Great Smartini Inner circle 2280 Posts |
David Charvet makes his 10 second table in both the open back or open top version(s). His tables may not fit your style/theme because they're basically ATA cases that turn transform into a table. For my show I have had a set painter make a 3 sided wood facade to cover the table and now it matches my Wolfs Magic Wacky Side Table. The latter is a pretty expensive version of a combo table as the top of this table opens and has a small storage area. This is nice for smaller/flat effects while still providing a performance surface. The table can also be propped open with a magic wand for you to add things/take things out.
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