Search found 1086 matches

by Jim Riser
August 6th, 2018, 9:12 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Worthwhile Kickstarter Campaign for Great Chop Cup Set Done with Dice Cups and Dice
Replies: 96
Views: 34037

Re: Worthwhile Kickstarter Campaign for Great Chop Cup Set Done with Dice Cups and Dice

Bob, There are several advantages to using a dice cup and dice. In some circles working with dice is considered much more MANLY than playing with little sweater covered spheres. One would not want to appear to be a wimp when performing. Virtually everyone from kids to adults are familiar with dice w...
by Jim Riser
August 1st, 2018, 5:23 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Worthwhile Kickstarter Campaign for Great Chop Cup Set Done with Dice Cups and Dice
Replies: 96
Views: 34037

Re: Worthwhile Kickstarter Campaign for Great Chop Cup Set Done with Dice Cups and Dice

I just ran across this thread last night and found it interesting for a number of reasons. The idea of a dice chop cup is certainly not new. The method of manufacture is not new. The various dice offered are not new. What can be done with the various dice is not new. So what is new ... apparently on...
by Jim Riser
July 16th, 2018, 3:13 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: New DIY PDF - adding a thumb brake to an ID badge reel
Replies: 0
Views: 1435

New DIY PDF - adding a thumb brake to an ID badge reel

Folks have been asking for an affordable thumb brake style reel. How does less than 50 cents per reel sound? Using a reel bought at the Dollar Store @ 3 reels per $1, it is now possible to add a thumb brake using very minimal tools/skill. On Wednesday this week (7/18/18) I will be releasing my lates...
by Jim Riser
April 3rd, 2018, 10:58 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: A totally new style of card punch - The Bullet
Replies: 2
Views: 3199

Re: A totally new style of card punch - The Bullet

All gone until the next run.
by Jim Riser
March 30th, 2018, 3:45 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: A totally new style of card punch - The Bullet
Replies: 2
Views: 3199

Re: A totally new style of card punch - The Bullet

Update. Preorders have been shipped. There are now only two available.
by Jim Riser
March 27th, 2018, 3:00 am
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: A totally new style of card punch - The Bullet
Replies: 2
Views: 3199

A totally new style of card punch - The Bullet

After decades of designing and making card punches, my latest version of a card punch is "The Bullet". This new departure card punch is designed to be worn not carried. The fine point can be quickly replaced, infinitely, and easily adjusted to match the user's skill level. I just completed...
by Jim Riser
February 6th, 2018, 5:14 am
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: The Future of Magic Collectibles?
Replies: 13
Views: 6525

Re: The Future of Magic Collectibles?

To me one of the critical considerations when building a collection of anything is storage. Do you have adequate climate controlled storage? It is important that the collected items are safely stored so that they do not deteriorate due to moisture, cold, heat, or excessive dryness. Display would be ...
by Jim Riser
November 10th, 2017, 3:23 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: McIlhany Magical Mysteries Auction #2
Replies: 3
Views: 1932

Re: McIlhany Magical Mysteries Auction #2

Link does not work.

Try:
https//www.magicauctioneer.com/uploads/1/0/7/7/107784289/mcilhany auction_2_ catalog.pdf

Love the talking skull. It is the sort of item I like to examine to see how the builder solved the programming problems.
Jim
by Jim Riser
September 11th, 2017, 3:05 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: 'I never saw a U-Haul following a hearse."
Replies: 61
Views: 22451

Re: 'I never saw a U-Haul following a hearse."

I do not collect as a goal. It just seems to happen. My magic items merely accumulate. At first I acquired magic as tools in my performances. Books were bought for information as they still are. The only book regrets I have are the Albo books. When they were available, I was putting a couple guys th...
by Jim Riser
August 8th, 2017, 1:09 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Reminder: "Fool Us!" starts new season tonight! 7_13
Replies: 13
Views: 4901

Re: Reminder: "Fool Us!" starts new season tonight! 7_13

snip... I hate to say it, but Hannigan continues to prove herself the weak link. Awkward, unfunny--everything just seems forced. She just looks like she doesn't want to be there. I have to disagree here. I feel that Alyson Hannigan is a perfect hostess. I enjoy her contribution to the show and woul...
by Jim Riser
July 19th, 2017, 11:53 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Busby Auction Catalog link
Replies: 25
Views: 8173

Re: Busby Auction Catalog link

[quote="erdnasephile"]Thanks for those links, Bill--the pictures are very helpful (Darn! I would have gone for that Tabman table if not for the bumped corner!) If I wanted the Tabby table, I would bevel all four corners and apply purfling strips to cover and protect the bevels. It would, o...
by Jim Riser
July 18th, 2017, 2:42 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Busby Auction Catalog link
Replies: 25
Views: 8173

Re: Busby Auction Catalog link

Bill Mullins wrote: Paging Jim Riser. If you look at lots 41 and 42, you can see the original tooling and dies for spinning the Paul Fox style cups. The dies include the beads. After you roll the metal of the cup down onto the beads, how the heck do you get the cup off the die? It looks as if the be...
by Jim Riser
July 14th, 2017, 4:09 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Busby Auction Catalog link
Replies: 25
Views: 8173

Re: Busby Auction Catalog link

Paging Jim Riser. If you look at lots 41 and 42, you can see the original tooling and dies for spinning the Paul Fox style cups. The dies include the beads. After you roll the metal of the cup down onto the beads, how the heck do you get the cup off the die? It looks as if the bead on the die would...
by Jim Riser
July 8th, 2017, 10:27 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Color Changing Knives
Replies: 10
Views: 4251

Re: Color Changing Knives

Hi Doug, I think that most of us seek out knives with certain characteristics which make for good handling. I ran across these knives at a trade show around 10-12 years ago and bought a supply as the Merrill knives had been discontinued and I wanted to produce a nice replacement. After marketing the...
by Jim Riser
July 7th, 2017, 7:08 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Color Changing Knives
Replies: 10
Views: 4251

Re: Color Changing Knives

For those who have emailed me about color combinations....what is available may be seen here:
http://jamesriser.com/Magic/JamesRiserMagic.html
Jim
by Jim Riser
July 3rd, 2017, 6:17 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Color Changing Knives
Replies: 10
Views: 4251

Re: Color Changing Knives

It's always a problem when there's blood ... 40+ years ago I was in the audience in the close-up room at The Magic Castle. The performer had just finished a nice color changing knife routine and placed the two knives down on the table. No sooner than they were on the table, the lady on the right qu...
by Jim Riser
July 3rd, 2017, 2:01 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Color Changing Knives
Replies: 10
Views: 4251

Re: Color Changing Knives

To answer a question, yes, these are the unsharpened knives as they come from the maker. With these dull blades, spectators do not get blood on your apparatus or close-up pad.
Jim
by Jim Riser
July 3rd, 2017, 12:33 am
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Color Changing Knives
Replies: 10
Views: 4251

Color Changing Knives

For sale - 3 sets of color changing knives (3 knives per set). $60 per set + $7 USA shipping. See both sides of the knives at: http://jamesriser.com/RedGreen.jpg http://jamesriser.com/PurpleYellow.jpg http://jamesriser.com/BlueYellow.jpg Payable by PayPal to jriser@jamesriser.com Jim Riser 5635 East...
by Jim Riser
June 13th, 2017, 1:15 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Penny punch
Replies: 46
Views: 18034

Re: Penny punch

That reminds me, I never received mine - maybe those are the ones on eBay! Andrew Andrew; Yours shipped out April 29 to West Lothian. They were mailed in a standard small letter envelope. Everyone else in Europe has received theirs. If you do not get it in the next couple weeks, email me. It might ...
by Jim Riser
May 22nd, 2017, 12:20 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Some thoughts on the Hooked Coin
Replies: 22
Views: 13682

Re: Some thoughts on the Hooked Coin

OK, here is the third vanish I used to do with my hooked half. The coin is placed on the second joint of the left hand middle two fingers - pin up and at 6 o'clock. The breast pocket handkerchief is removed and given a quick shake to open it out. The left hand is covered with the pocket square. As s...
by Jim Riser
May 21st, 2017, 1:26 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Some thoughts on the Hooked Coin
Replies: 22
Views: 13682

Re: Some thoughts on the Hooked Coin

Third word in above post should be received - tablet auto correct strikes again!

I have one more variation on the hooked coin vanish that I will post later when I have time.
Jim
by Jim Riser
May 21st, 2017, 12:31 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Some thoughts on the Hooked Coin
Replies: 22
Views: 13682

Re: Some thoughts on the Hooked Coin

I have receive several emails from old magic friends who remember when I was actively doing magic rather than making it. Yes, I did a variation with the hooked coin where I hooked it on the back side of my necktie. No loop on the coin with this version. The Hooked Half Dollar was shown on the palm o...
by Jim Riser
May 19th, 2017, 8:42 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Some thoughts on the Hooked Coin
Replies: 22
Views: 13682

Re: Some thoughts on the Hooked Coin

John;
The pm has vanished. Perhaps I never hit submit??? I'll chalk it up to old age. Now try your email :lol:
Jim
by Jim Riser
May 18th, 2017, 7:57 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Some thoughts on the Hooked Coin
Replies: 22
Views: 13682

Re: Some thoughts on the Hooked Coin

John,
Check your pm box.
Jim
by Jim Riser
May 18th, 2017, 1:07 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Some thoughts on the Hooked Coin
Replies: 22
Views: 13682

Re: Some thoughts on the Hooked Coin

Bill, I do not think this method is cost effective :D Jim You hooked it into your hand? Wow. This reminds me of the trick by Al Jaffee in The Mad Book of Magic . You hollow out the inside of a coin, put a drop of nitroglycerin in it, and seal it back up. When it's laying on a table, you slap it. The...
by Jim Riser
May 18th, 2017, 1:01 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Some thoughts on the Hooked Coin
Replies: 22
Views: 13682

Re: Some thoughts on the Hooked Coin

John, I file a small "V" notch and precision weld the pin into position. No solder is used. The steel needle and coin metal form a new alloy under an argon gas shield. The downside to this great technique is the $8,000 price of the welder! Jim Thanks for this information, Jim. Johnson Prod...
by Jim Riser
May 18th, 2017, 12:55 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Some thoughts on the Hooked Coin
Replies: 22
Views: 13682

Re: Some thoughts on the Hooked Coin

Bill, I had a hooked key too way back when I was a kid. I attached a loop of thread from a nylon hose to it. The thread loop went over my right thumb. Pin on key was down as I openly placed the key onto left hand. The fingers were closed over the key. The key was withdrawn. Right hand placed on spec...
by Jim Riser
May 4th, 2017, 8:58 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Penny punch
Replies: 46
Views: 18034

Re: Penny punch

Brett;
Great use for a Penny Punch! I like the original thinking, well done. BTW - the blister works on well on other things besides cards - like paper money. Experiment...
Jim
by Jim Riser
May 2nd, 2017, 6:46 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Penny punch
Replies: 46
Views: 18034

Re: Penny punch

Update: All of the penny punches have now been mailed. Those who beat the deadline, enjoy your new tool against the unsuspecting spectators. Thanks for your participation and feedback during this experiment.
Jim
by Jim Riser
April 30th, 2017, 4:56 am
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Penny punch
Replies: 46
Views: 18034

Re: Penny punch

Brad Jeffers wrote:So what did you learn?
What did your experiment in "typical magician's behavior" prove?
Did you win your wager?


Results are for internal use only. Yes, I easily won my wager.
by Jim Riser
April 30th, 2017, 3:02 am
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Penny punch
Replies: 46
Views: 18034

Re: Penny punch

This Penny Punch marketing experiment has now concluded. No more requests will be accepted. Thank you for your participation.
by Jim Riser
April 29th, 2017, 1:15 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Penny punch
Replies: 46
Views: 18034

Re: Penny punch

Thanks! Just so I understand, the nylon washer goes on one side of the leather, and the punch goes on the other side, correct? (Sounds like I might need to find a thick washer) Yes. Hardware stores like ACE have a variety of nylon washers that would work. You could easily do a "reverse blister...
by Jim Riser
April 28th, 2017, 8:50 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Penny punch
Replies: 46
Views: 18034

Re: Penny punch

Thanks! Just so I understand, the nylon washer goes on one side of the leather, and the punch goes on the other side, correct? (Sounds like I might need to find a thick washer) Yes. Hardware stores like ACE have a variety of nylon washers that would work. You could easily do a "reverse blister...
by Jim Riser
April 28th, 2017, 8:47 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Penny punch
Replies: 46
Views: 18034

Re: Penny punch

For leather you will achieve much better results with a tool called "dimple pliers". These are typically used for jewelry work, but also used with leather work. Dimple pliers will not reach down into the tight corner of a wallet pocket of a good Himber wallet. If you want to rip the seams...
by Jim Riser
April 28th, 2017, 2:39 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Penny punch
Replies: 46
Views: 18034

Re: Penny punch

Two ordered---the envelope marking applications and the portability sold me--plus, I want to support this worthy experiment. Mr. Riser: I've been looking for a way to mark the sides of a leather Himber wallet so they can be told apart by feel. Can these punches do that? If you slip the Penny Punch ...
by Jim Riser
April 28th, 2017, 12:55 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Penny punch
Replies: 46
Views: 18034

Re: Penny punch

Mr. Riser, after reading your last post here I am thinking that I have misperceived the purpose of the penny punch. I was under the impression that the device was to be used "on the fly" so to speak, or in other words used in performance to surreptitiously mark a card, possibly from a bor...
by Jim Riser
April 28th, 2017, 1:34 am
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Penny punch
Replies: 46
Views: 18034

Re: Penny punch

Got the two I'd ordered today and am glad I did order two. Not just for the great price and the expectation that I'll lose one, but they nest nicely, so by putting one on top of the card and the other beneath, you can get a nice card bump by squeezing the two pennies together with the card sandwich...
by Jim Riser
April 25th, 2017, 9:34 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Penny punch
Replies: 46
Views: 18034

Re: Penny punch

The first two rounds of the Penny Punches are currently arriving at their destinations. Feedback on them has all been positive to date. Please feel free to let me know how this card punch works for you and if you have come up with any novel uses. Remember - This should be quite handy for mentalist e...

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