Hi All

I recently purchased a used Magic Carpet illusion. I admit I paid well over what it was worth in the condition it was in but I went on to spend a further £60 or so completely refurbishing it.

The problem: compared to the other models (MAK, I think), I really struggle to get the carpet to rotate. There's nothing involving ball bearings or anything similar underneath, just a lot of grease. What's missing? Is there an inexpensive solution I can use to make the carpet spin with ease?

Mark

Lazy susan, hardware store version.

Do make sure it's made of metal and get the largest diameter possible. If your lazy susan is too samll and your assistant is at all off-center the top board will not rotate smoothly.

Thanks to both of you. Have just checked those out on eBay.co.uk. What diameter would you recommend?

Mark

I recommend a minimum of 12" interior diameter (I'm an American, you'll have to do your own metric conversion;))

One we've used is pictured at this link. Note what they say about recessing-
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?sku=2273&cs=1

This link has some interesting ideas. Forget the pipe for a pedestal and you're pretty much there-
http://www.edb.utexas.edu/teachnet/qtvr/Turntable2.html

Once you're ready to mount the mechanism, pack the bearings with a very lightweight grease to prevent noise during rotation.

An Aust. Illusion co build for me a set with NO rotation.....in my PERSONAL & the Aust. illusionist view... rotation when the child is sitting on it will give away the secret.

Make a search on this topic....this has been discussed lengthly about having NO rotation

Hope this helps
dove-boy

Dove-boy, I do see your point as it shows there has to be a centre fixing for it to rotate but whether this would occur to the kids I'm doubtful. My main use for this effect is in kid-only shows so I shouldn't have any problems. Plus on my version the whole carpet moves over to the side also, I'm not sure if the MAK model does this. I know the gimmick is in a different place and the screen has to be placed differently from the MAK version.

Thanks Dave. I have had no experience with lazy susans so your help is much appreciated. Will head over to the worldwide auction site to try and track one down. By the way, inches is good. I can't be bothered with all the metric stuff!

Thanks

Mark