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Zachary Loyal user 275 Posts |
I have a full size wooden chop that I got from collector's workshop, but I really want a mini chop for my close-up act. Considering these less than strict criteria, I would like some suggestions...
1. Patina - I think I want a darker patina, more brown than gold and I know little to nothing about metals 2. Quality of Gimmick - Obvious, I know, but a well tuned gimmick that requires little to no tuning of the ball is an ideal. One last thing, if you owned the cup that you suggest, would you be so kind as to let me know what size ball you use. Thank you all so much.
Twitter:@Zachary_Heath
Instagram: @zachheathmagic |
Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
My "worker" for a mini chop is a Little Don Alan in brass. It has patinized to a nice brownish grey. My second choice would be the same cup in copper.
I use the balls that came with it -- ca. 5/8" actual diameter.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
Zachary Loyal user 275 Posts |
Thanks Bill,
I regard your opinion on cups as one of, if not THE, most seasoned here on the Café, I know you've surely answered the question a thousand times, so perhaps you could lead me to a good thread if you're fingers are weary from advising on the topic, but does the finish matter when you're ultimately going to let it patinize. I've got my eyes on the brass mini don with the mirror finish and was wondering if that finish will be a problem or if it is of no consequence. Also, I've looked through a few methods on how to get a good patina, but is there one that you would recommend above the rest? Thanks again Bill, your advice is always greatly appreciated. You truly are the sevant of all things cup and ball.
Twitter:@Zachary_Heath
Instagram: @zachheathmagic |
Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
Hello Zachary:
If you want a really nice-looking patina, I would recommend that you get the copper Little Don Alan (AKA Baby Don). Copper really has a prettier patina when it changes colors. It will eventually reach a nice coffee brown. Sometimes the patina on brass isn't as "kind" to us. The best way to patinize the cup is to use it. The acids and oils in your hands will do the job gradually. Just wash the cup with soapy water to get rid of any oils and/or grease on it, and let your normal handling do the work. The main reason I use the brass one is that it was personalized for me by Mike Brazill and Jake Zimmerman. Actually, I suspect that Jake did the engraving on the inside of the cup. So, I'm kind of fond of it. This is the cup that I take to the the local hospital every month when I entertain the kid's at Texas Children's Hospital. I'll probably do the routine about a dozen times in a two hour period, maybe more. I use a piece of automobile headliner as a close-up mat, because it is so cheap that I can dispose of it after working the rooms.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
Zachary Loyal user 275 Posts |
Granted they have a regular mini don in copper on rnt2... Price aside, do you think I should go for the regular mini don vs. la petite? This is splitting hairs on preference I know, but I feel I could trust you with my money better than myself when it comes to a cup purchase. What makes an ideal final load for a regular mini don. A ball bearing perhaps? You need to start charging for this kind of advice, otherwise someone like myself might senselessly abuse your good nature.
Twitter:@Zachary_Heath
Instagram: @zachheathmagic |
BCS Inner circle 1083 Posts |
Zachary… I have each of the Don Alan Chop Cups that you are inquiring about, IMHO out of the two I would recommend the Don Alan Mini (as Bill said AKA Baby Don); for its small size I find it more versatile then the Don Alan Petite. By this I mean the Petite works well for 1 or 2 spectators, but the Mini plays well at a dinner table with more guests.
I use a golf ball with the Mini and a ball bearing with the Petite (at one time they were shipped with a highly polished ball bearing) for final loads. I let the Copper Mini get that cool patina we all like and I keep the brass versions polished. Another reason I like the Mini is because it shows off the lines of the Cup better… it looks more like a full size Don Alan Cup was hit with a shrink ray, while the Petite is so small it hard to see the curvature of the Cup. Good luck with however you go!!! Bruce |
Zachary Loyal user 275 Posts |
That was my sentiment exactly, I like the curves of the mini better and felt that it would play better for more than a couple people. You sold me on it Bruce, you owe me a hundred bucks. . Thanks for the opinion.
Twitter:@Zachary_Heath
Instagram: @zachheathmagic |
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