Hey everyone. I would like to make one of those tables where there is a hat at the top so basically you can drop any cards into it when you produce them. I already have a hat I would like to do this with. Any suggestions on how to make the base and the stand part and what to use to make it and how to attach it to the hat? thanks in advance.

durgy

The really neat versions usually use a cane or walking stick for the stand, out of the bottom of which magically appears three tripod feet. - Not sure how this could be achieved easily!

But if I were looking to make something like what you describe, my first thoughts would be a music stand - they are not very robust, but probably perfectly adequate for what you have in mind. Depending on whatever fitting (if any) there is at the top of the stand, it looks like you will end up fitting a wooden disc inside the hat to take the end of it. Possibly just a hole partially drilled in the wood to take the end of the stand might suffice.

I've used a cymbal stand for my side table for years. It cost me $30 and looks just like the table bases made by MAK.

Might also want to check out the plumbing section of your local Home Depot to find some hardware to fasten to the hat so it can screw on the base.

There is a very good reason for that. Check out Hamilton Music stands at your local music store.

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

To attach the hat you can use a couple really strong magnets that way you do not need to destroy the hat itself


Z

Here's an idea- for your table leg, make a simple cane from a dowel. Have a metal tube at the bottom, and a magnet in a knob at the top. Your base will simply be a metal square with another tube welded on- it should fit snugly around the tube at the bottom of the cane. You insert the cane into the tube for the table's leg. (Put it at an angle for artistic preference.) As suggested by zimsalabim, the hat will attach to the cane via magnet.

It's not strong, but it will hold cards, and you can assemble it right on stage.

If you're on a raised platform, you could actually inset the tube into the platform, and insert the cane into that, which hides the attachment point from the audience.

-Erik