The Genii Forum

I have had a c1970's card table for a few years now and i want to upgrade soon. I want something high quality with an antique look. What what would you go for? I dont mind spending a fair it.

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Here ya' go: http://dennymagic.com/store/rare-jeff-b ... table.html

Good advice: learn to work on whatever surface is in front of you.

erdnasephile wrote:Here ya' go: http://dennymagic.com/store/rare-jeff-b ... table.html

Thank you!

Richard Kaufman wrote:Good advice: learn to work on whatever surface is in front of you.

Yes, that sure is, in the hand faro's work best when you have a glass top to work on .

Subdivided Studios also makes a number of sweet high end tables: http://www.subdividedstudios.com/table_base.html

I have to admit though: for a formal show, I just use my Tabman Table or a Pearl Percussion Stand with one of Pattrick's custom close up pads: http://www.pattricksmagic.com/pattrick-s-magical-mats/

erdnasephile wrote:Subdivided Studios also makes a number of sweet high end tables: http://www.subdividedstudios.com/table_base.html

I have to admit though: for a formal show, I just use my Tabman Table or a Pearl Percussion Stand with one of Pattrick's custom close up pads: http://www.pattricksmagic.com/pattrick-s-magical-mats/

I was not expecting to pay that sort of money but what a thing of beauty!! ... that would look wonderful in my Library... Hmm

Richard Kaufman wrote:Good advice: learn to work on whatever surface is in front of you.

That is what I have always done! And even when there is no surface in front of me!

May I ask where you are performing professionally that you might use such a table?

May I recommend Mark Newton, of Mark Newton Woodcraft, who is based in Los Angeles.

Not only a maker of fine furniture, see his website below, but also the creator of a top quality walnut close-up pad which can be ordered with an optional stand.

I have one of these (with a black surface) and the craftsmanship is of the highest quality - in addition I can highly recommend Mark as being someone who takes great pride in offering first class customer service.

Close Up Pad
http://www.newtonwoodcraft.com/store/c1 ... tands.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHnaicI ... vu&index=2

Making the Close Up Pad -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrT4ENS7iN8

Mark Newton Woodcraft
http://www.newtonwoodcraft.com/

Order one today, you won't be disappointed.

Andrew

Wow! Those tables look great!

That's far and away the nicest close-up pad I've ever seen!

erdnasephile wrote:Here ya' go: http://dennymagic.com/store/rare-jeff-b ... table.html

It looks very heavy and in fact states in the description that it is made of heavy oak. And very expensive too. I can't see the practicality of it unless you are performing in one spot all the time as in a residency situation or some circumstance where the table is always there for your use in performing. It is not something you can move around with you to various bookings. I know Del Ray used to lug around a very heavy table which was wired electronically but by and large I don't really see the practicality of this.

AJM wrote:May I recommend Mark Newton, of Mark Newton Woodcraft, who is based in Los Angeles.

Not only a maker of fine furniture, see his website below, but also the creator of a top quality walnut close-up pad which can be ordered with an optional stand.

I have one of these (with a black surface) and the craftsmanship is of the highest quality - in addition I can highly recommend Mark as being someone who takes great pride in offering first class customer service.

Close Up Pad
http://www.newtonwoodcraft.com/store/c1 ... tands.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHnaicI ... vu&index=2

Making the Close Up Pad -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrT4ENS7iN8

Mark Newton Woodcraft
http://www.newtonwoodcraft.com/

Order one today, you won't be disappointed.

Andrew

Thank you for that AJM, They look wonderful.

performer wrote:

erdnasephile wrote:Here ya' go: http://dennymagic.com/store/rare-jeff-b ... table.html

It looks very heavy and in fact states in the description that it is made of heavy oak. And very expensive too. I can't see the practicality of it unless you are performing in one spot all the time as in a residency situation or some circumstance where the table is always there for your use in performing. It is not something you can move around with you to various bookings. I know Del Ray used to lug around a very heavy table which was wired electronically but by and large I don't really see the practicality of this.

I totally agree with you---I had just assumed (perhaps wrongly) that Christopher was an amateur who mostly wanted a high end table for home use.

Subdivided Studios makes great close-up tables. I have one from them, and one from Tabby Crabb.

erdnasephile wrote:

performer wrote:

erdnasephile wrote:Here ya' go: http://dennymagic.com/store/rare-jeff-b ... table.html

It looks very heavy and in fact states in the description that it is made of heavy oak. And very expensive too. I can't see the practicality of it unless you are performing in one spot all the time as in a residency situation or some circumstance where the table is always there for your use in performing. It is not something you can move around with you to various bookings. I know Del Ray used to lug around a very heavy table which was wired electronically but by and large I don't really see the practicality of this.

I totally agree with you---I had just assumed (perhaps wrongly) that Christopher was an amateur who mostly wanted a high end table for home use.

Oh yes. For home use it would be perfectly fine.

erdnasephile wrote:

performer wrote:

erdnasephile wrote:Here ya' go: http://dennymagic.com/store/rare-jeff-b ... table.html

It looks very heavy and in fact states in the description that it is made of heavy oak. And very expensive too. I can't see the practicality of it unless you are performing in one spot all the time as in a residency situation or some circumstance where the table is always there for your use in performing. It is not something you can move around with you to various bookings. I know Del Ray used to lug around a very heavy table which was wired electronically but by and large I don't really see the practicality of this.

I totally agree with you---I had just assumed (perhaps wrongly) that Christopher was an amateur who mostly wanted a high end table for home use.

Erdnasephile, your assumption was mostly correct. I like to call myself a paid amateur i was mainly looking for a table for home use and something that looked like an antique poker table but does not cost $5000. I still have not found exactly what im looking for.

there is a guy in texas who makes a nice jim zee style table. he's a real deal wood worker who occasionally makes stuff to order for a friend of his who is a magician. if you like i can try to connect you. email me through austinmagician.com if interested.

Going along with Richard's idea to use what is there, I remember that I once did a series of shows for the Cancer Fund and I was the opening act for Minnesota Fats the pool trick shot expert of the day. Anyway I did flourishes and ribbon spread turnovers and poker deals on the pool table where the crowd was gathered to see Fats do his pool shot show. Well, the surface on a good pool table is pretty perfect for card work too. I also remember that I always wear, in the winter, a DARK scarf because if needed I could put it down and work on it if the real table was too slick (or dirty). Finally, a complete newspaper, not unfolded, just the way you get it, makes an emergency surface if you have to live up to someone's hype. It is like the old joke about someone wanting you to show something to their friend and hand you a dog eared deck to work with. Last but not least I promise, the rug in someone's house or apartment is sometimes the best surface on the premises (for certain routines...Invisible Palm Aces or the like). Regards, Gregg