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phill Veteran user Connecticut 365 Posts |
Chance you are right on about the baltic birch vs. oak.
If there is a cabinetmaker in your area you may be able to purchase cut-offs for the case. They may even give you the privilege of diving in a dumpster full of scrap. I would ask first though. If you tell them what it's for they may just give it to you— in turn, be prepared to thank them with one of your jaw-dropping quickie effects. I have been in the custom cabinetry field for over twenty years and found most shops to be friendly and open to this kind of thing.
Scripture, Sculptures & Surprises!
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Bigmac New user 72 Posts |
Using oak ply doesn't add any strength to the project as it is only a veneer over a softwood base. Secondly, oak is a lousy substrate for paint finishes as it is an open-grained wood. Almost all of the major illusion builders use birch ply as it has the strength benefits of plywood with a smooth paintable finish. Finally, if you use plywood make sure it is Baltic birch or cabinet grade birch. The birch you buy at Home Depot, etc. is full of voids and rather low quality.
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Chance Wolf Inner circle 2425 Posts |
Bigmac,
You are correct on all counts but one. Quote:"oak is a lousy substrate for paint finishes as it is an open-grained wood." This is a matter of taste. In many cases, I PREFER to see the grain. It adds a texture to the finish showing that the prop IS made from wood. Oak, as well as other woodtypes, can have beautiful grain patterns. In these times of plastic, various substrates and high gloss finishes, it is nice to get back to the warmth and textures of natural woods, painted or not. Generally I choose this option for smaller effects rather than a large illusion or a suitcase table. Just my opinion Chance Wolf
Creator of Wacky Wolf Productions & Fine Collectibles
A DECADE of building Magic and we're just getting started! http://www.wolfsmagic.com |
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Dragona Regular user New Jersey 159 Posts |
If you plan on making your own suitcase table, dimensions shouldn't matter that much. Just make sure that all sides are straight and flush. Get a set of hinges and a latch and voila, instant suitcase. It will probably be a good idea to make the stand seperate and collapsible, that way the whole thing is neat and compact.
I have the breath of dragons and the soul of a human.
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JamesinLA Inner circle Los Angeles 3400 Posts |
Thanks for all the great ideas, guys!
Chance, I can put a rabbit in plywood? Especially 3/8th inch ply? Perhaps the Baltic birch is so well made this would work well. Best, Jim
Oh, my friend we're older but no wiser, for in our hearts the dreams are still the same...
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Chance Wolf Inner circle 2425 Posts |
Jim,
Yup! You bet! Just use a sharp router bit and you will have NO PROBLEM or a carbide tip table saw blade if you choose to use a table saw. That is why Baltic is so nice. Many plys and all high quality and strong. Good Luck. Chance
Creator of Wacky Wolf Productions & Fine Collectibles
A DECADE of building Magic and we're just getting started! http://www.wolfsmagic.com |
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Dragona Regular user New Jersey 159 Posts |
My advice to you is get one sheet of ply of 4 square feet and cut it in half. The rest should be about 1x1/2 inch. Pine for the framing. It will strengthen the shape and cost a lot less money.
I have the breath of dragons and the soul of a human.
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Schaden Inner circle Purgatory 1253 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-04-17 21:12, redstreak wrote: Thanks for this link...it was really helpful and interesting. Lee |
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Bigmac New user 72 Posts |
Chance:
You paint oak??? I love the look of oak (half my house furniture is oak) but I wouldn't dream of putting paint on it (OK, maybe a pickled finish). Blame Johnny Gaughan for the automotive paint look of many props as he was the first I know of to use those finishes (I also learned about Bondo and Green Stuff from his shop). Everyone else was using regular lacquers up to that point. Growing up and touring an illusion show based in LA was a great education on illusion building with Gaughan, Owens, Mendoza, Kirkham, Eric Lewis, etc. all in this area. I've noticed that several of the builders (Chalet, etc.) are using manufactured sheet goods (I'm not sure exactly what) for their smaller props, especially for thin panels. There are also some interesting composite plastic materials out there that are very strong and lightweight for smaller props. |
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Dragona Regular user New Jersey 159 Posts |
I never paint hardwoods. Their look is too beautiful to cover up. A nice stain is all you need to have a wonderful looking woodcraft. Now softwoods like pine are a totally different story. I don't mind painting softwoods because they are a bit harder to make look really beautiful. It's just easier to paint them and be done with it.
I have the breath of dragons and the soul of a human.
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m.ruetz Veteran user Peoria Arizona, USA 378 Posts |
There is also something called Finland Ply which is quite expensive per sheet but extremely stong and high quality, A 1/4" sheet has 5 plys and 3/8" has 7 plys. The trouble often is finding a place that carries it. Home Depot doesn't have it you need to go to a specialty lumber yard and most of them won't have it either. It's also about $40 a sheet but for smaller projects the added costs is minimal.
MagicGizmo: Magic Articles, Classifieds, Videos, and more
http://magicgizmo.com |
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Tod Todson Inner circle USA 1296 Posts |
Chance,
For the "inner corner supports," I assume you would recommend quarter rounds? Thanks, Tod
Mystifier, Youth Speaker
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Gideon Sylvan Special user Deerfield, IL 541 Posts |
Does anyone have the actual plans for the suitcase table on how to build it from scratch?
You know you are a magician when you have boxes full of lecture notes you have never read, but still are excited about going out and buying more.
www.gideonsylvan.com |
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Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
The only plans I know of is sold by Magic Inc. out of Chicago. They are not 100% correct so do the math 1st. They only sell for a few $'s. Just contact them for the suitcase plans.
http://www.magicinc.net I see they do not list the plans on the internet, so you will have to email them. I think they were call the Townhouse Suitcase table plans. Johnny Palmer, I think. They do list an aluminum case plans also. No idea how this looks. |
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