After trying various wood and metal wands, I've decided that I'd really like a solid plastic (catalin) wand about 12-13" long. Plenty of magic stores sell plastic wands, but they're usually hollow and require careful handling.

A solid plastic wand would be sturdy enough for long-time use, heavy enough for a wand spin, wouldn't warp or be damaged by moisture, and would be able to bang on cups and other props without damaging them. It could also be thrown into my prop case without worrying about scratching, chipping, etc.

Anybody know of a source for this? If not, how about a source for a small amount of solid plastic 3/8" rod, and I'll just make it myself! SETH

Check the phone book, you probably have a plastic vendor in your area that stocks what you are looking for. Or search the net for the same.

Bill

Try Wal-Mart,

Look for the PLASTIC COAT HANGERS. They are cheap enough you can get a few.
Then you can cut the bottom portion of the hanger and have a nice solid plastic rod.

Hope this helps

kOnO

Another type of wand that works, if you can find the material, is fiberglass. I have a wand that I've had for about 27 years that is still holding up - has lazer foil on it and is hollow. A few drunks have tried to snap the wand at gigs, and all have failed. It still looks great!

Hi Seth:

Dazzling Magic sells a clear, acrylic wand; I'm not sure if this is what you're after, but it might be worth checking out. It sounds like it would meet all the needs you listed. Their website is http://www.dazzlingmagic.com

I hope this helps you.

Ron

Some of these look solid, but actually are hollow.

If you want a nice plastic wand, go to a supplier like A-1 Plastics. There is a large plastics company in nearly every major city. You might have to purchase more than you actually need. But keep it in reserve. You never know when you can use it.

Polyacrylic is good. Lexan is great, but expensive.

LUCITE! Try lucite....a shop around here used to sell them in lucite, in about 6 diferent colors, but they can't get them anymore. Look around. I had one but lost it. It was heavy, clear and looked good.

Jonathan

Jonathan:

Polyacrylic is lucite. It's the generic term for it.

Thanks, everyone, for all of your suggestions.

BTW, the Dazzling Magic website that Ron mentioned looks very promising, not only for a wand, but other well-made props, too. I haven't actually seen or handled any of their stuff, but it looks like it's made with care and built for the long haul. Thanks for the tip. SETH