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John Long Inner circle New Jersey 2826 Posts |
I am trying to make a mini tip-over truck out of a cardboard box. I would like to walk on stage with just it, show it empty, then proceed to pull stuff out to do my show, then pack it all back into the box to end.
but, cardboard is not as easy to work with as I had hoped. The box is not square, its flimsy, and it is hard to cut the cardboard pieces to the precise measurements I would like, and I think there will be some critical gaps in the finished piece. Any suggestions on doing this? Or suggestions on a small(about 1.5 cf) commercial version? Thanks John
Breathtaking Magic;
Not Breath Taking |
mrunge Inner circle Charleston, SC 3716 Posts |
Mark Wilson (Cyclopedia of Magic) used to make a lot of his illusions from cardboard. You might find some guidance in his book.
I'd make sure to use a good razor blade (box cutter) and a metal straight edge (3 foot yardstick type). That way you will get a good, straight cut. Use an old piece of plywood as a top to cut on so as not to mess us something of value. Then use duct tape to hold the pieces together. Once painted, I think they would look great. Good luck with your project. Mark. |
Spellbinder Inner circle The Holy City of East Orange, NJ 6438 Posts |
Why cardboard? Is it important that it be recognized as a cardboard box?
Having asked that, I should also ask, why the tip-over principle? With a small box, there are other principles that would work just as well, if not better, depending on other performance variables. Here's an alternative, if you don't have your heart set on a cardboard tip-over box: a brown paper lunch bag. Pull it out of your pocket, folded and flat. Pop it open by whapping it, and it is unmistakably empty. Now begin producing stuff from it. If that scenario works for you, I'll PM you a method if you don't already know it (I know you are a well-read magician, so you may have already run across the method).
Professor Spellbinder
Professor Emeritus at the Turkey Buzzard Academy of Magik, Witchcraft and Wizardry http://www.magicnook.com Publisher of The Wizards' Journals |
marty.sasaki Inner circle 1117 Posts |
You might try foam-core or Gator board. Both are foam with paper on the outside. Foamcore is more flexible, while Gatorboard is stiffer. Both are light and easy to work with. I cut the foamcore with a razor knife, but often use a table saw to cut gatorboard (just for the accuracy). Tape holds it well together, but I've also used small bits of wood as bracing and re-inforcement in the corneers.
Find both at a well stocked art supply house.
Marty Sasaki
Arlington, Massachusetts, USA Standard disclaimer: I'm just a hobbyist who enjoys occasionally mystifying friends and family, so my opinions should be viewed with this in mind. |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Try using Hardboard. It looks like Masonite except that it is smooth on both sides and can tolerate sanding. It can even be painted to appear to be metal. Once finished, it stays square and holds hinges well. (Use piano hinges and rivets.) Mixing sheet metal with it can be well concealed with good paint.
Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
John Long Inner circle New Jersey 2826 Posts |
Bob
How hard is hardboard? Untill I have a table saw, I have to make my cuts with scissors & knives. John
Breathtaking Magic;
Not Breath Taking |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
John,
Cutting hardboard with scissors would make a real man of you! Don't try it. However, with a cheap sabre saw, it should be a breeze. Use a saw with very fine teeth. Even a hack saw may work. Bob |
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