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Christopher Moro Special user 793 Posts |
I'm looking to add a feature to the inside lid of an attache case. The case appears to be made of ABS, aluminum framing and really thin composite wood (see Bill Abbott's latest Pack Smart Case). Except for the ABS, it's very similar to those found at Harbor Freight (which many magicians use).
As-is, the lid is nothing but an open space. There is egg crate foam inside it, but that can be removed. What I want to do is make the lid into a compartment of it's own, to hold large, flat objects and keep it separate from the rest of the case area when opening the case. This is a common feature with Harbor Freight cases. See the link below which shows the way those cases achieve it. The organizing panel on the inside of the lid is held in place and keeps items behind it in position, inside the lid and separate from the rest of the case. But when you need to, you can quickly get behind it and retreive & return items. I don't necessarily need a full organizing panel like this, nor it's little pouches per se, but I would like to have the compartmentalized feature with easy access. I am not very handy, but I'm curious if anyone had methods they'd like to share. I want the attache to remain all black from the outside, but other than that, the look of the inside is less important because the audience shouldn't really be looking at that. https://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-x-6-......d_google 69318&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&gclid=CjwKCAjw0On8BRAgEiwAincsHM1qQ_zgHPdgnFsS8_tEXoR2OfkzFCAK6GNDB8A5QqzqD4VvA8JpYhoC7BgQAvD_BwE |
Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
Christopher, you could get a piece of Luan plywood (very thin wood) or even a stiff piece of cardboard. Not knowing what props you want to put in the lid, you can attached elastic straps to this insert to hold them in place. You might need to attach (glue) a strip of cardboard across the insert to keep the prop from sliding down. You could attach small pockets if you wanted. Attach the insert to the attache lid using velcro so you could remove it later if you wanted.
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Russo Inner circle So.California / Centl.Florida / retired Florida 1165 Posts |
I have a hanging sheet of pockets (18x24) in my closet - to carry cuff links - badges - small articles, etc., each pocket about 3x4 -probably larger pockets available. Could be cut to fit - and like Dave said fit with velcro -.. I think it was in the Jewelry dept or house hold or even tool section of Walmart. Any one of those dept. could have a pocket set of some sort - Helps ??
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Christopher Moro Special user 793 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 30, 2020, Dave Scribner wrote: Thanks, Dave! I'm trying to visualize this. How do you imagine the insert would hinge open for quick access to props during the show? To better illustrate my question and use, I'll upload some photos of the Harbor Freight case. Click here to view attached image. |
Christopher Moro Special user 793 Posts |
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Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
Christopher, maybe I didn't fully understand what you wanted. Seems like you want to have your props behind this insert. My suggestion would hold them in front of the insert easily accessible when you needed them. Looking at your photos and rereading your request, I'm not exactly sure what you need.
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Christopher Moro Special user 793 Posts |
Thanks, Dave! You're correct, I'm trying to keep them behind the insert like seen in the photo, but in my new case, there is no insert and I'm looking for a way to add one. Here's what the new one looks like (just a lid with foam, which I can remove). Thanks again.
Click here to view attached image. |
Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
OK, use the same insert I described above. You can get really strong cloth tape at improvement stores like Home Depot or crafts store. Lay the insert flat and put a strip of tape across the bottom. Raise the insert and put another strip of tape across the bottom. This will create a hinge. You can put a piece of velcro at the top of the insert and lid of the case to hold it closed. If you only want the insert to open part way, just fasten a piece of strong ribbon or string to the back of the insert and the lid. This should give you what you show in your photo's. You may want to attach a strip of ribbon or string across the lid to hold your props in place
Where the magic begins
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Christopher Moro Special user 793 Posts |
Dave, that’s a really nice idea for a solution. Thank you so much for contributing that.
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Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
I purchased a close up attaché case from England years ago. It is perfect for close-up magic.
It has fall down sides of aluminum sheets, taped to the inside top on tree sides. They fit on the sides and leave the back open for easy access to the props. The aluminum flaps recovered with thin black leatherette, never could find that fake leather sheeting, it was as thin as paper. Replace the back hinges with hinges that separate. Many electronic cases have this type of hinges that separate, with a hook around the hinge pin. I would reference them, but I have not used eBay in so long they closed my account. |
Paul Budd Elite user It's a shame he's only made 435 Posts |
Bill:
Any chance you might post a couple of photos of the case??
His face isn't really this long in-person!
___________________________________________ Once Upon A Magician blog |
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
Have no camera, lighting, or stands. The Café is not picture friendly, and I don't have a website that could be referenced with a link.
Anyway, I looked up attaché cases, and they no longer make the business brief cases that most men used back in years past, with square corners, and a file folder in the lid for papers. |
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