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jskalon Special user Shorewood, IL. 869 Posts |
I have had the Joe Lefler largr case for about 10 years and absolutely love it. It looks as new as the day I got it.
I do have a question about the hinges that support the top when the case is open. You really can't put a lot of pressure it or it colappses. The hinges really don't support the top. What hapoens is that while I am setting up or tearing down, a parent will come up to talk to me, lean on the case and a little. The topp collapses. I was doing a show the other day. I had Peanut Butter and Jelly on the case. Sone came by and before I could stop them, they leaned in the case. It collapsed and the jelly jars broke. Anyway, has anyone had this priblem and how did you fix it. Sorry for the long post. Jack
Jack Skalon
"That's my story and I'm stickin' to it" |
Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Hi Jack -
The problem is that the sides of the top section are flexing and bowing out to the side, and slipping off of the clips they are resting on. I started to have that problem, too, with my previous Lefler table after using it for many years. I also started to have problems with the screws pulling out of the wood, on the piano hinge. But then again, that table had been used in at least 1000 shows. I know that the current Lefler tables (now made by Showtime Magic Products) are very strong. They use a quality plywood (likely marine grade), and they use glue and nails on the joints, I think, before they cover the table with fabric. It's possible that they might have used a slightly thicker plywood for the sides than they used to, so the joints will be more secure (so those side panels won't flex outwards). I've had my new table for 2-1/2 years now. I can lean on my table without it collapsing, and I'm a big guy. You might have to replace your table, which is probably news that you didn't want to hear. The other option is to re-glue and re-nail that top section and make sure that those side panels don't flex at all. One other idea is to make an "L" shaped piece of metal, and fasten it to the current support hinges. The side of the "L" would hook around the wood panel to keep the wood panel from slipping off of the support hinge. - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Tony Thomas Inner circle North Carolina 1248 Posts |
One simple work around is to insert a golf tee, or caliper pin, into the holes of the flip pit metal brackets that the table top rests on. The pins, or tees, will keep the tabletop tightly on the brackets. This will solve the collapsing problem. The hardware on those cases often need to be replaced with time as well. I wouldn't replace it just yet! Good luck.
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Stevethomas Inner circle Southern U.S.A. 3728 Posts |
I had that problem with my original larger Lefler table. I live in the Southern U.S. where humidity is a definite problem. The sides of the upper section would flare out and the hinges that hold it up weren't long enough. I took a black nylon strap (the kind used to secure your suitcase closed) and adjusted it to the right length to squeeze the bottom of the upper section closer together. I stored the table in the open condition when it was not in use, with the strap attached. That's one idea. If you're daring, you can drill a tiny hole in each of the 2 bottom corners of the upper section and attach a short bungee elastic cord (the kind with the thin metal hooks on each end) to it, as well. It served to squeeze the sides inward.
I haven't tried any of the newer runs of the Lefler tables to speak of the rigidity of the 2 side panels. I now use an Ultimate Gig Case and there's no problem with that. It's a different operation totally. Steve |
pattrick Loyal user maumee, ohio 226 Posts |
Measure the distance from the top shelf to the bottom of the top ( that sounded weird) and cut a medium diameter dowel rod or small square stock piece of wood and insert on each side after you open your case. Fits in case and eliminates the learners, at least until you shoo them away.
I too have experienced this problem.
check out www.pattricksmagic.com for the best in close up pads and tables.
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