Tabman Cafe Table Kit $175

[Tabman]

I've been having a great time working through the drawings in my notebook which I made over the last 20 years of making magic. This is a kit and the price starts at $175. Here's a picture of the finished table:



The table is light (10 pounds) and strong. I know you'll like it.

For more information please go to:

Tabman Tables Website

Thanks again to Richard for letting us post items for sale.

-=tabman

[sleightly]

I think this is one of the most brilliant ideas in magic in a long time... Having a kit so the DIY'er (do-it-yourself-er) can make the prop look the way they want *and* save money too?!?

I can't tell you how many times I have been interested in a magic prop but could never bring myself to buy (or even use) it because it was decorated in a garish, ridiculous manner. I hope other manufacturers pick up on this, I can think of many props I *would* buy if I could finish them (I don't have the energy or time to strip and re-finish them...).

A quick question...

What type of wood is it made out of? I assume plywood on the top (birch? pine?)... but what about the legs?

Thanks for sharing this with us!

ajp

[Glenn Farrington]

Great idea! Table looks great as well!

[Tabman]

Thanks Andrew and Glenn for the positive comments about the new Tabman Table.

Andrew, the unit pictured is made of fir which is a strong yet lightweight wood. I use "A" wood which is dry, straight and defect free. The table as pictured weighs less than ten pounds.

The top is Finnish (lots of plys) Birch ply, quarter inch thick but it's braced underneath sort of like the top on an acoustic guitar might be braced for strength and weight. It works great. Check out this picture of the table with a 47 pound concrete block on it.



Of course, I can make the table from any kind of wood available though I prefer not to use Oak since it's available at every Lowe's and Home Depot. I like to keep my work a little less like what you can see there. Home Depot does carry Tulip Poplar which is a nice wood however it warps like crazy.

All joinery is routed for fit. The table top is cove routed into the frame for strength. The legs are snap dowelled to the top frame and the shelf is also snap dowelled to the legs for strength and stability so the table can be moved as one piece after it's set up which only takes a minute. The top has a quarter inch lip around it and the shelf has a one inch lip.

I really like this table. I wanted to make one like this for a long time and to make it affordable for all the guys busking, doing street magic and trade shows too. They really look great with a casino green mali cloth top. Just outstanding.

Thanks again for everything!!!

-=tabman
Tabman Tables Website

[Bill Wells]

Tabby -

That is one great looking table and the small shelf is an excellent addition. Selling it as a kit is a real innovation. I know the time and thought that you put into the size of the top and the height by surveying folks. I can't believe you can sell them for that price.

Could you show a photo of it in folded position? I assume everything is hinged and the whole affair just folds up for carrying to another spot and sitting back up. Are you going to sell it with a canvas (or some other material) carrying bag as an extra accessory? Another popular modificiation might be pool table felt for the top as an extra, since it may be difficult for everyone to find a source.

Bill

Congratulations on a super job.

[Tabman]

Thank you Bill Wells. Coming from one of my favorite folks it means a lot. To answer your questions: Yes, I am offering the kit with green casino cloth (Mali cloth) and blackjack table padding for a little extra and also a very nice black canvas carrying case for $85. It's the same black canvas that we used for our original busker's pouches, The No Slouch Pouch, that Harry Anderson wore on one of his TV specials back in the 90s.

I know it's priced low but I wanted to make this available to everyone. That's why the kit aspect of it. When I price my time out by the hour the three or four hours I might spend hand sanding, staining and varnishing this beauty, would run the cost up. This way if somebody wants to finish it out themselves they can do it. There's a lot of pleasure derived from making your own props. I experience it every time I make something for myself or someone else. It just seemed like the right thing to do.

It's a great table. I am very happy to put my brand, Tabman USA on it. I will have a picture of the table in folded position tomorrow.

Thanks again,

-=tabman

[Tabman]

Bill, I didn't have a chance to snap a pic of the underside of the Cafe Table in traveling position yet. I will try to get to it tomorrow. Thanks again for the comments.
-=tabman

[Pete Biro]

Lookin' good TC... :cool:

[Bill Wells]

Thanks Tabby -

I know how busy you are. I can wait another 10 or 15 minutes!!!

Bill

Pete needs three or four of these to put his cup collection on.

[sleightly]

Hey Tabman:

Looking forward to seeing your table in person...

Another question:

When you say "snap dowelled," is this like a ball and socket kind of thing?

It looks real classy!

ajp

[Chris Bailey]

It looks like a TV Dinner Tray. It must be nice, am I the only one that thinks $175 seems a lot for that? (cringing in expectation of backlashing)

[Tabman]

Originally posted by Andrew J. Pinard:
Hey Tabman: When you say "snap dowelled," is this like a ball and socket kind of thing? It looks real classy!

Andrew, "snap dowelled" is sort of a term I invented when trying to describe how it goes together. It is sort of like a ball and socket but more like pin and socket. Since the wood in the legs (3/4" x 1 1/2" stock) is a little flexible it make is possible to "snap" the pins into the holes to put it together and take it apart.

Chris, its actually pretty inexpensive for what you get and how much materials cost and time putting it together. It does resemble a tv tray but its a lot bigger, stronger and heavier. I doubt mere words will convince you but I do invite you to stop by the shop and check one out anytime you are in the area. The coffee is always on at tabman's shop. Come on by.

Thanks again for the comments and the support.

-=tabman

[Garry Hayes]

I will vouch for the "Kit" table by the Tabmaster - It is a great idea and the quality is still there. I have seen it up close. I suppose you could pay an extra $200.00 - $300.00 for the finished product, then you would cheat yourself of the joy of finishing it yourself. I do not drink that "white litnin" coffee but have spent some nice afternoons there magishing. Plainly - Tab is a genius on his craftsmanship. Keep your eyes open - might be some new things coming your way from ole Tabby. Garry Hayes

[Tabman]

Thanks Garry. Without friends, life would not be nearly so nice. And Bill, speaking of friends, here is that picture I promised of the underside of the Cafe Table. I'll have to shoot one in traveling position as you requested soon. You will notice tucked in with that photo is a photo of a handfull of "Snap Dowels" named because I got the idea from the lowly "Red Snapper".

Here's that pic of the underside. It's the underside of a basic kit made of fir. I'm almost done making a fir one with a Green Mali top and shelf and another of black cherry with black suede. I will post some pics of those next week for you.



-=tabman
http://tabmantables.com