Friends, I’m interested in making my own props, both to exercise my own creative woodworking skills and save a little coin. I’m having difficulty in finding any plans or references that would give clear concepts. I don’t want to ’steal’ anyone’s designs, but I’d be interested in anyone’s source of info.



I’ve seen websites, for example James Riser’s stuff, but that doesn’t have sufficient info to actually execute a design, as the method or mechanisms are not clearly understood (maybe I’m thick). I understand the concept behind the Ball and Vase, and I hope to practice my lathe skills on projects like that.



I’m most interested in things like Die Box, the silk to Whatever boxes, etc. I don’t have a big interest in the livestock arena’s, but I have some limited info about those classics.



Thanks, hope I can contribute to this forum, and others.



Wynn

I have been building magic tricks since I was a kid, and quite seriously for at least 25 years. I have worked with fabric, plastic, metals, wood....glass. I have done almost everything once. I do leave the fancy metal work..lota's and that type of thing to the magic factories. I do not build from plans. I build from regular books that give details. Such books as those by Jack Hughes, Eric Lewis, Wally Reid and a number of others have what you want. Essentially you get the idea, and detailed drawings, but typically you have to determine exact sizes and fits. With some experience you can get it right. And, even after the years I have done it, sometimes my first item gets a major reworking before I am happy with it. If you have specific questions you can email me. I have built at least one of everything you mentioned here.



quack

The Make-up of Magic by Micky Hades has just been re-released and has a lot of good advice for would be designers which includes Camouflage, Motivation, Transformation, and Misdirection in developing stage props.



He discuss' color, design, hidden compartments, and has a few plans for tables.



Denny and Lees has the book.



A Four Star paper bound 8-1/2 x 11 72 page book. A great book on the art of making stage props, painting, and even has an easy to build illusion. I don't think it is expensive.





_________________

Dennis Dowhy (800) 927-6671

www.Magic-Magic.com

[email]DennisDowhy@magic-magic.com[/email]

I've found Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic to be very helpful in this area. From his book, I've made a Square/Circle box, a Take-Apart Dove Vanish box, a magic table, and even a lota bowl (plastic, not metal, out of a flower vase and a tupperware cup). These are smaller things for a parlor show, but he also has a few larger illusions in the book.

There's a book called "The Magic Book" that has quite a few ideas, and plans for making quite a few tricks, including some of the classics like egg bag, change bag, and stuff like that.