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sumit New user 77 Posts |
Does anyone know where one could buy a good card table (relatively affordable). Looking for something that can be used at home to practice upon and possibly used for performance. Good size, does not need to be able to seat people - something that can stay up front and used to perform on. Fold-able legs or legs that come apart would be nice.
How do you others practice? Sumit |
Sword of the Soldier Elite user 437 Posts |
Michael Ammar, in a set of lecture notes, put together a step by step build it yourself table, that utilizes a picture frame, some legs, a close up mat, and some elbow grease to create a nice little gem.
I saw the table at that same lecture and it looked really nice and fit the description of what you are looking for. Plus it is really affordable to make. I would look into that if I were you. All the Best, Josh |
Nerdini Loyal user Little Rock, Arkansas 223 Posts |
Ammar sells the plans for his table as a downloadable PDF file at his site for $6.
It claims that it can be made for about $30, but I bet that cost estimate is old. Here is a link: http://www.ammarmagic.com/ammarmagic/ Check under the downloads section. Cheers
"I was in love with a beautiful blonde once. She drove me to drink; that's the one thing I'm indebted to her for"
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sumit New user 77 Posts |
Time is a constraint in making things and skill! Has anyone made this - how easy & practical is it to make one??
Sumit |
Sword of the Soldier Elite user 437 Posts |
I look into the plans for making one and it seemed really really straightforward. Again I didn't make it but I did see it, and it didn't look like it took much more skill that is necessary to read the directions.
It certainly will be easier to make than to learn the pass Best, Josh |
Nerdini Loyal user Little Rock, Arkansas 223 Posts |
While I haven't made Ammar's table---from looking at the picture at his site, I have made one that is very similar. The big difference is that my table does not utilize the screw in legs, but instead uses a folding butler's table legs as a base, This pretty much eliminates any need for carpentry skills, but it is going to cost more---probably between $60 and $75 for all the components.
I got my table construction info from the president of our local IBM ring. He performed the cups and balls on just such a table at one of our meetings. When I asked him where he got such an elegant close up table, he gave me the low down on how to make one myself. I actually am proficient at woodwork, but in its simplest form this table requires none what-so-ever----unless one just happens to want to make some particular modifications that I will mention. It's pretty simple really. I bought a 16 X 20 inch pre-made picture frame with backing and Plexiglas (instead of real glass) at a local Target (a US chain store a little like Wal-Mart only a bit nicer) The frame is probably not real wood, but more likely pressed wood composite--still it has a dark reddish brown mahogany look. It was $17 plus tax. Here is the frame listed at Target's web site, but I'm sure you can find others at varying prices: http://www.target.com/Home-Cairo-Wood-Po......e&page=1 Next, I purchased a standard large close up mat from the local magic shop for $15. The one I got measures 16.7 x 23 inches. I trimmed the mat a bit to fit the frame and used double sided tape to adhere it to the piece of Plexiglas that came with the frame. They sell a spray adhesive at craft stores that would be more permanent, but might it might make changing out the mat more difficult. I then fit it and the original heavy cardboard backing back into the frame. The ad at Target says the backing is wood--it is not! I will mention that here is the an area where one could make improvements if one so desired, but it would require bit of minor carpentry work. If one wants a bit stiffer working surface than the Plexiglas and the heavy card board backing afford, there is enough depth in the frame to add a thin sheet of plywood or Masonite. This would have to be cut and some extra frame hardware required to attach it. I did this, but then I had the necessary tools and materials on hand. Once again this is strictly optional, but I'm sure a local lumberyard would cut the piece for you for a small fee. Other than that the only thing left is the base. For that I went to a local restaurant supply and purchased a standard mahogany finish waiter's butler tray support. These are simply the scissors type table legs that restaurant workers use to set large trays of food on when they are serving tables. Mine cost $34 at a local supply house. These stands come in two fixed heights when unfolded---31 inches and 38 inches. There are also big rubber grommets at top cross bars which will keep your picture frame table from shifting around. Here is a link to a picture of the supports at the whole seller who imports them, but don't pay any attention to the MSRP quoted. You should be able to get them through you a local restaurant supply for less. http://www.amnow.com/fine-dining/trayStands.html My total costs were $66 plus tax for the basic components. Double backed tape or spray adhesive would add a few bucks more. Of course any mods requiring additional wood would add to the price also. Here are is some additional things to consider. The standard pre-made 16 by 20 Picture frame is going to give you a lip completely around your table. While this will prevent things such as balls from rolling off, it is going to make any lapping type moves impractical. To be able to add this ability, I plan on fabricating a top with a small section of the frame cut out at the back and also add a bracket for the attachment of a small servante or shelf. This this will require switching to a solid wood frame and also require some additional carpentry work for structural integrity. On the model I made, by adding the extra sheet of plywood to the back I did almost double weight of the top, but I felt this was Ok since it gave the picture frame top an extra bit of strength for longevity. Lastly, when the tray base is collapsed, the 31 incher takes up 36 inches of space in length. This might be impractical for air travel. Ammar's table might be better in this respect--since it appears that all one has to do on his version is to screw out 3 legs. Hope this info gives you some help or good ideas.
"I was in love with a beautiful blonde once. She drove me to drink; that's the one thing I'm indebted to her for"
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ebusojar Regular user 126 Posts |
My opinion about tables would be:
Do a little research and figure out which features you want your table to have, and make it yourself. First of all, the feeling of making your own prop is great, plus you know how it works better than any prop you can buy. Just a comment.
Evan Northrup
www.evannorthrup.com |
Natanel Special user 739 Posts |
^^ Nerdini, thanks for a great post. I am going to try and make one based on your recommendations,now.
People who work for Theory 11: Do you want a young guy without a stupid gelled haircut or eurotrash jeans for your videos? PM me.
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