To keep the straightedge from sliding, simply tape it to the cardboard with masking tape or, preferably, painter's tape. Since it's just a mock-up, you're not really worried about whether the tape tears off a bit of the surface.

You could also put a thin layer of rubber cement on the back of the straightedge and let it dry. This would provide a non-slip coating, and it is easily removable.

Amos McCormick

Osborne now has the Harbin Table plans in a set of three table plans, with a rolon table and a thayer table.
http://hamiltonholtinc.site.yahoo.net/worgreatmagt.html is the link for the tables

If you are looking for a longer strait edge why not get some square tube pipe (which can be as long as a full sheet of wood)and make up a small wooden block with a trimmer blade attatched at the depth of your cardboard (easy to make an adjustable one)and a handle so you can run it along the side of the pipe. Shop fitting suppliers have pipe that does not have rounded corners if you don't like the block idea. A tiny rectangle of double sided tape at each end will stop it moving on cardboard. If you want a long strait edge that will last a lifetime you can make one out of hard wood ( mine is Austrailian jarra ) about 3 inches by 4 inches and the weight alone will hold it in place. Especially if your put the cardboard on the floor and kneel on the wooden strait edge at the time ;-). James

Anybody know where I can get the plans to windshear? (Walking through a fan) or where to purchase one from (at a cheap price!)

Stephen Able

Stephen, I think Jim Steinmeyer is the creator of this one, and I think Bill Smith is the authorized builder. I do know it's big and expensive!

Check it out here- http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......;forum=7

There are a few new plans Paul Osborne has just put out.
Flying Carpet http://hamiltonholtinc.stores.yahoo.net/flyingcarpet.html
Underwater Crate Escape http://hamiltonholtinc.stores.yahoo.net/uncrates.html
Water Torture Cell http://hamiltonholtinc.stores.yahoo.net/wattorcel.html
Milk Can Escape http://hamiltonholtinc.stores.yahoo.net/milkcanescape.html
A strange Dissapearance http://hamiltonholtinc.stores.yahoo.net/strandis.html

Stephen Able,

Andrew Mayne has this effect in his SOLO X book. Its cheap to make and not bad of an illusion. I plan on building it and add my own flare.

-Seeker

Tim Clothier's new book offers an excellent wealth of information concerning building cardboard mock-ups!

-Bryan Gilles

Just browsing the osborne site again and he has released some new plans (several of which are on my next purchase list).

Fire Cage
The knife board
Morrit Cage
Seeing Through a Woman
Startling Vanish of a Girl in Mid-air (I think this is the longest name for an illusion I have heard)

I have picked up a couple of the newer plans, I think they are even better quality than those of the 70's-80's with reliable updates.

What is the morrit cage?

Joe,

From Osborne's site http://www.osborneillusionsystems.com/ (click "Plans", scroll down to "Morrit Cage" and click there)...

"A handsome cage rests within a large opened cabinet. There is a close fitting curtain all around the cage which raises or lowers by means of a cord at the side, leaving all parts of the outer cabinet fully exposed to view at all times. Nevertheless, ..."

Regards,
Gene

Re the Morrit Cage...read up in Hiding The Elephant. A good read.

Scott

Thanks for the Link !!



David

Where can I find the best plans to build DeKolta Chair and matching Deceptive Base. Or do I just use the Osborne Chair Plans and put in on a base? The Osborne plans say it needs a trap door.

You don't necessarily need a trap door. A good base is actually more deceptive and fortunately still a very well guarded Illusion secret. There is a Copperfield special where he performs it exactly like that. I think it's called 'After the Show' or similar. This way the audience can look right under the table when it happens. Important though is to match the props with the settings. For example if you have a nice Maplewood De'Kolta Chair you want kind of a matching Table-Base with it like you would furnish your home.

Osborne just meant that you need a way out like a trap door or a DB with a trapdoor or Spandex. I prefer trap door over Spandex because it tends to wear out fairly quick depending on how many times you will perform it. Hope that helps.

I have a question about having someone else build the illusion with plans I purchase. I am probably going to buy the black book, just makes sense. I am also interested in designing and building my own illusions. But for now I just don't have the proper tools to do a professional job.

If I hire a cabinet maker or go to a cabinet making shop, what precautions should I take, if any, to ensure I'm not compromising the rights to the illusion? Does it matter that someone else learns the "secrets" to the plans?

I'm wondering if a contract of "silence" is used in these cases, or if you have most of the work done, but not assembled so as to keep the secret from being revealed.

Hello,

is it better to buy Haunted Illusion Book for the Easy build Guillotine or better to order the plan for the Easy build Guillotine ?

I mean .. if the plan is same as in the book or not and what is added to the plan ( $ 25 ).

Thank you

I would buy the book, The cost difference is marginal, and the other plans could inspire you to create and even better effect.
Charlie

The plans are the same plans.. the difference is the size. Paul's single plans are done on 24 x 36 paper.. in true blueprint fashion..

Paul and I have been friends for going on over 20 years.. and I converse regularly with his wife..

The one thing that I find sorely lacking on paul's plans are specifics.. Tips and tricks and things you need to specially pay attention to while building certain props. Also some hardware is very hard to find... Giving the original source would be nice.

Not neccessarily an actual store.. but what it was originally used for. Illusion hardwar hardly ever is actually custom made on the classic props..but often comes from unusal places like boat shops or restaraunt supplies or odd other niches.

Knowing what the hardware was originally used for would be a HUGE timesaver.

However.. since Paul isn't a carpenter.. he probably doesn't know... His background is in desgin and graphics..and he's REALLY good at that. Perhaps he needs a website that takes illusion woodworking tips from builders..