Was working with my Fakini multiplying balls and noticed they were a bit dirty and the shell was sticking a bit. Any suggestions for cleaning them? Also to prevent the shell from being so "grabby". Would talcum powder work (or fanning powder)?

Thanks in advance
Stu

Just wash them in soap and water.

You can put powder on them if you want powder stuck on them. It will not help with the stickiness though. That is a feature everyone likes - to help with sleight of hand moves.

If you would have done some research on them before you purchased them, you would know about the cling feature of these balls. This has been discussed extensively here on the Café. You cannot remove it, but in 25 years, some say they start to not cling as much.

If you did not want this feature then you should have purchased wood balls or JL Balls, although the JL shells are crap.

Are you "breaking" the ball before creating the one ball to two production?

I once asked the same question to the great Frank Radtke himself and he replied me that the balls can not be brought to glossy but may be washed with a detergent (preferably DAWN) to still have that clinging feeling.

I hope it helps

Thanks for the heads up. I purchased these from Hank Lees about 15 years ago (long before this forum). I enjoy the stickiness of the balls, just the shell can be a bit tough at times. I still have my wooden and my vernet's as well. I will just keep working with the Fakini's and get used to them.

You can use Teflon tape on the inside of the shell to get rid of the vacuum issue.

Stick a small piece of felt inside the shell (suggested by Levent in his DVD, but I'm sure the idea has been around)

Thanks - those are both great ideas. Will give them a try.

Great idea. Thanks for sharing.

BJ

Yep, Levent's tip worked for me !!!

At the Dollar Store they have rubber bumper spots with self adhesive on them. I just used these, and this allows to build up the pads to find your desired height that works for your fingers.

I wash mine with cold water and gently tap dry with a towel.