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Edison![]() New user Chicago 11 Posts ![]() |
When I stumbled across this deceptively simple production cabinet in 'My Best', attributed to Walter Gibson, I wondered why I hadn't seen one in use. EVER. It employs a classic principal familiar to most magicians. In fact, when I described it to one, he said; 'Oh, like a 4-door Funder box?' YES. Exactly.
I had to make one for myself, which was a bit tricky. The hinges required some rethinking and I devised my own method, which works great. I still have to apply stain and urethane, I want to show the oak grain. What I like about this particular cabinet is its smooth operation. It's attached to a lazy susan assembly at the base, and all 4 panels swivel loosely on rod hinges that flip at the corners and comprise the entirety of the cabinet. This enables the magician to show the box 'inside-out' and all around, prior to producing. Yes, it's angle-sensitive, but in the right setting and executed smoothly, it's quite a stunner. http://s10.photobucket.com/user/edisongi......0cabinet |
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11160 Posts ![]() |
It's known commonly as the Gibson Box. Norm Nielsen made a gorgeous "Okito" style version, and the Café's own George Ledo also made a beautiful version in natural woods.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
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Dr. O![]() Loyal user NC 281 Posts ![]() |
I have one of George's Gibson boxes obtained via Stevens Magic Emporium. Superb!!
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DavidMor![]() New user 13 Posts ![]() |
Edison, delighted to hear you built a Gibson Box. I am thinking of doing the same. How large is yours?
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Edison![]() New user Chicago 11 Posts ![]() |
Quote:
On Jul 12, 2017, DavidMor wrote: @DavidMor: Mine stands a little over 15" tall x 7 1/4" square, including the base. I had the ball bearing lazy susan mechanism for a while*, intending it for use on this project. I let the size of that, and the thickness of my oak stock determine the overall scale. If you're interested in building one I'd be glad to share my own solution for the hinge, which work very smoothly. I'd be interested in comparing mine to another model. Really, I'm so glad to learn this is not such an obscure or overlooked item. I would love to see photos of other Gibson boxes! *(it's GREAT living near an American Science and Surplus store! I found 8.5 x 11 jumbo card decks for $9 each) |
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Edison![]() New user Chicago 11 Posts ![]() |
.. Well having some key-words did help in googling other Gibson boxes.
Impressive craftsmanship! Click here to view attached image. |
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Edison![]() New user Chicago 11 Posts ![]() |
Beautiful work on these.
Interesting that neither of the other models have knobs on the doors, as in the original drawing found. I also didn't think them necessary, I found they detract from the simplicity of the design, which is pagoda-like. I did choose to omit a door on the top of my model. I like the way these look and ultimately may add one to mine. Click here to view attached image. |
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George Ledo![]() Magic Café Columnist SF Bay Area 2895 Posts ![]() |
Here's the one I made for Stevens Magic a few years ago, on Martin's Magic Collection web site:
https://www.martinsmagic.com/allmagic/st......ge-ledo/ It was a run of 12 pieces, all sold.
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" |
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Edison![]() New user Chicago 11 Posts ![]() |
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On Jul 13, 2017, George Ledo wrote: Thank you for posting that link, George. I really like the natural finish of your model! Looking at yours, again I'm rethinking adding a lid to mine. |
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ThunderSqueak![]() Regular user 126 Posts ![]() |
This is interesting, I have that book so after reading about it here I had to go look it up
![]() I like how yours turned out ![]() Cheers! |
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Dr. O![]() Loyal user NC 281 Posts ![]() |
I have one of the 12. Fine craftsmanship George. The natural wood finish make this look like a piece of fine furniture instead of a magic prop.
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George Ledo![]() Magic Café Columnist SF Bay Area 2895 Posts ![]() |
Thank you. I'm delighted you like it.
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" |
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Edison![]() New user Chicago 11 Posts ![]() |
Update:
I did end up fabricating a lid for my Gibson production cabinet. I tried to keep the pagoda feel, using a square oak pull. I knew I wanted a 2-tone effect, even though it's all red oak stock. I used a Sedona Red & Cherry stain. Glad I added the lid. Click here to view attached image. |
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Edison![]() New user Chicago 11 Posts ![]() |
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Edison![]() New user Chicago 11 Posts ![]() |
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Edison![]() New user Chicago 11 Posts ![]() |
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11160 Posts ![]() |
Nicely done!
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
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Edison![]() New user Chicago 11 Posts ![]() |
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On Jul 25, 2017, Michael Baker wrote: Thank you, Michael. I should say, I find your pieces astonishingly beautiful. I've looked elsewhere here, as well as the wares on your site. A classic aesthetic and subtle palette (Okito inspired?). A timeless look, yet uniquely yours. |
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1Show4U![]() New user 39 Posts ![]() |
Edison... well done on that box. Does it rotate off the pedestal? How did you get that piece of wood to arc like that for the concealed side?
M
It's Entertaining!
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Edison![]() New user Chicago 11 Posts ![]() |
Quote:
On Aug 24, 2017, 1Show4U wrote: Thanks M. The cabinet is permanently attached at the base via lazy-susan on ball bearings, so it rotates very smoothly. I opted out of any vertical column part to the pedestal, which is atypical to the original design. I didn't want it to be top-heavy, nor did I think the column necessary. For the load can I laminated some sheets of veneer together, bending it around a form for the curve. The rest is thin plywood. |
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