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Doctor Xombie Regular user FL (formerly Planet X) 109 Posts |
Greetings all,
So I'm thinking about putting together a magician's table (not sure of a better term) and was wondering if anyone had ideas for what are good things to keep in mind when building one or piecing one together from other found tables/cabinets/shelves. Pictures would be extremely helpful. I'm interested in one for use with general magic although I'd like it to be tall enough that I could do some coin magic standing up and not have to stoop over while performing. Thanx in advance for any advice. |
gimpy2 Special user 960 Posts |
The table I have used the most over the last 40 years is a very simple one. It was made by Delben and came with the deluxe wrist chopper set. Its just a snare drum stand with a pipe that screws into a small table top. you can adjust it to whatever height you need. You could also have more than one top for different types or even styles of shows. Packs flat and sets up quick.
Gimpy
www.gimpysmagic.com |
Doug Trouten Elite user Minnesota 471 Posts |
Eric Van Duzer's "The Magician's Table Book" might be a place for you to start. It's available from Amazon's Kindle store for $10. The description says, "The Magician's table can be one of the most important elements of the show. This book offers complete designs for 14 different tables and dozens of secrets that make magic smooth and easy to perform. From the Balloon to Dove table to a suitcase table ready for the rigors of a traveling magician, this book provides up to date techniques and technology that will enhance the look and appeal of your show."
It's still magic even if you know how it's done.
Terry Pratchett |
friend2cptsolo Elite user Spent all this time on the Cafe' and all I have to show for it is 445 Posts |
A basic table that has been out there for a very long time, is basically a picture frame with a wood backing a cushion top/material and 3 legs....
http://www.ammarmagic.com/ammar-performa......ons.html anyway this is a great table sure you can make something more custom to Exactly what you may need but this is a good start |
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
Magic Inc. Sells Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 of the Magic table books. Good idea in them for all kinds of act. They also sell a single table plan booklet for a Roll-on Table.
If you search this section a member posted his suitcase table here and gave the plans to the members for fee, I believe it is still downloadable from his website. Take a look in the "Where to Put It All" topic for conversion ideas others have done. |
George Ledo Magic Café Columnist SF Bay Area 3042 Posts |
Whatever table you decide to use or make, keep in mind that your audience is going to see it as part of your act, and that they're going to associate that table with your overall professionalism as a performer. In other words, look at the table from the viewpoint of a member of the general public, not from the viewpoint of a magician.
That's our departed buddy Burt, aka The Great Burtini, doing his famous Cups and Mice routine
www.georgefledo.net Latest column: "Sorry about the photos in my posts here" |
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 8, 2016, George Ledo wrote: Only the front of the table, though.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
TheRaven Special user 597 Posts |
Recently I've seen a simple homemade table using the stand part of this leaf bag ($13).
http://www.lowes.com/pd/Garden-Treasures....../3557004 Pick up a tray like this anywhere (it must be square) and use it inverted as the table top (it must be inverted and have square edges to prevent the top of the frame from spreading). https://www.walmart.com/ip/Square-Servin......&veh=sem |
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
When I was 14, I got a music stand and my grandfather helped me insert a 1/8" close nipple in the top of the stand's upright. I got a piece of tempered masonite, and. we bolted to its center, an a 1/4" floor flange. We inserted a flush bushing so the 1/8" nipple could be used to attach the top to the music stand.
I learned quickly that this "Victorian" type of magic table might have worked OK in the Victorian era, but, it was totally impractical in the 20th Century. I started working out of a small suitcase that "sat" on a waiter's tray stand. BINGO! I did try a "suitcase table" for a brief time, when I was older. Darn near ruined my back! The table weighed 40 lbs, and the props weighed 20. My chiropractor thought it was just fine!
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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MichaelDouglas Special user Portland, Oregon 766 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 1, 2016, TheRaven wrote: Thanks Raven. I picked up one of these leaf bag holders last night and will be getting the tray today. This will lighten my travel load compared to the table that I have been using. |
Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 1, 2016, TheRaven wrote: This idea is often credited to Barry Mitchell, and he calls it a "Dang Table". He's shared the idea with many other performers in his lectures, on his DVDs, on his website and facebook group, etc. At first, he was selling them, and then later on was just teaching others how to make their own. Another idea for the table top is to use a square top from a folding storage cube that you buy at a store like Ikea. - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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TheRaven Special user 597 Posts |
Thanks for that Donald. I wasn't sure who should get credit for that. Glad to know.
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Sideshow Rod New user Portugal 52 Posts |
There are good tables at Alakazam Shop. I think they are Leo Smesters tables. Look good, pack easy.
There is also The Wood Wizard. Both are in the UK. |
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