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Woodfield Special user 756 Posts |
I've noticed cracks and splits in my Appearing 8 Foot Straw. I store it open when not in use and I've only used about 20 to 30 times.
Anybody finding the same problem? Woodfield P.S. Sorry if this topic has been discussed before. |
Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
My ten foot poles last about 50-100 performances. Some are better than others, but I generally need to replace them about once or twice a year....
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The Baldini Inner circle I some how pounded in 2445 Posts |
If the cracks are at the bottom or top, trim with sharp scissors to keep from getting worse, if in the center use clear packing tape also to keep from spreading, the local post office has the best tape, it's thicker and flexible.
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Woodfield Special user 756 Posts |
Thanks for the advice!
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charliecheckers Inner circle 1969 Posts |
I have tried several different manufactures and have not found any that really last a long time. Like Potty, I replace mine 1 or 2 times/year. I also repair them as Dave suggested. I do have a Straw I purchased from Show Biz that seems like it would last longer, but it does not look like the McDonalds staws in color scheme, so I only use it in my Xmas shows as a North Pole.
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Same here. Appearing straws, poles, wands, etc are not very durable. As Dave suggested you can trim off the cracked portion if it's on the ends and get some more mileage out of them.
Mister Mystery
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-04-08 08:59, Regan wrote: Definitely, and I also repair using clear Duct tape, this more than doubles their life. I have started using reinforced Duct tape (with nylon thread), which is the best repair I've managed. The prop is quite awesome, and I'll never drop it from my shows. But it is one of those props which you can actually factor in to the overall cost of every show. I guesstimate about 20p (or in the States 20c) per show. Don't throw away your old, cracked ones, though - you can trim them up, and use them as appearing magic wands, or some other item. You'll get a lot of mileage out of this prop, if you think about it. |
Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Potty,
I've never tried the clear duct tape. In fact, I'm not sure I have ever seen clear duct tape! I will have to check that out!
Mister Mystery
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
I actually apply clear duct tape to the ends of my appearing poles, before I even use them. This helps to prevent the cracking from the get-go.
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
A mildly interesting historical note>>> When I was a kid, a "cigarette to wand" was available. If I remember the material was CELLULOID. It didn't last too long either.
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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themagiciansapprentice Inner circle Essex, UK 1381 Posts |
Here's link to clear duct tape http://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Transparent......uct+tape
Have wand will travel! Performing children's magic in the UK for Winter 2014 and Spring 2015.
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-04-09 09:08, Potty the Pirate wrote: Potty, That sounds like a great tip for the tip!
Mister Mystery
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thomhaha Regular user northfield IL 162 Posts |
All this time I thought I had done something wrong with my 10-foot pole! Thanks for the affirmation - and suggestions to revitalize!
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The Baldini Inner circle I some how pounded in 2445 Posts |
The local post office has the best value for clear tape and it is very thick and flexible.
And for the handy person, the hardware store sells florescent light covers. 4 and 8 foot length, you slice it open from top to bottom, those who own the effect know what I mean. Use a thick magic marker to color the inside, it does not need to cover every inch, just a lot of scribble, if you use black, then buy white tape, you now have an 8 foot wand. BUT>>>WARNING> be very careful with slicing, if you slip you may cut yourself with the knife or sharp edge of the plastic, were gloves doing this. |
Julie Carpenter Regular user Watford 139 Posts |
When I do cabaret I use an appearing ladder. Ive trimmed it so many times, ive almost lost a step now.
I do find duck tape - or anything with material in it does help |
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