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Maxyedid Special user Panama 857 Posts 
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Hi!
With your permission I would like to dedicate this thread to the subject of DIY close up pads. A while back I found that some magicians are selling close up pads made from neoprene. The idea appealed to me. I also like the idea of doing my own close up pads. The problem is that there are a lot of offers in regards to neoprene and it's difficult to know which one would be the proper. Maybe I should request a box of samples, or something like that. I've found that there is a type of neoprene that comes with a nylon cover: https://www.amazon.com/Royal-Nylon-Doubl......97ETCMYB So in conclusion: 1) if you have any knowledge on neoprene that can be helpful, if you can please share it 2) also any help on how to cut the borders so it will look like a pad I will let you know as well my advancements in the research and how it goes thanks!
NEW BOOK! "Semi-Automatic Miracles" - INSTANT Best-Seller at Lybrary.com
https://www.lybrary.com/semiautomatic-card-miracles-p-925333.html chaos handlings, out of hands effects, and more |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21318 Posts
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Why neoprene?
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
imgic Inner circle Moved back to Midwest to see 1350 Posts
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Check with local fabric store. I've seen neoprene at Joann fabrics as well as Hancock fabrics. You can see and feel the different types and colors. They can also help with cutting and finishing techniques. I was thinking of putting neoprene on my busking suitcase, but haven't gotten around to it. Will be interested to see how you fair,
Also, Michael's right in that you should post in the Workshop...lots of brilliant minds there...
"Imagination is more important than knowledge."
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Maxyedid Special user Panama 857 Posts
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Thanks to everyone
as I wrote I found out that some important magicians are using neoprene and I liked the idea at least to give it a try
NEW BOOK! "Semi-Automatic Miracles" - INSTANT Best-Seller at Lybrary.com
https://www.lybrary.com/semiautomatic-card-miracles-p-925333.html chaos handlings, out of hands effects, and more |
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts
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Quote:
On Jun 27, 2016, Dannydoyle wrote: Neoprene is what the Mullica pads were made from. It was my preferred close-up pad.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21318 Posts
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Personally I prefer pool table felt.
They also make something now called "speed cloth" that is for poker tables and is waterproof.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
Mary Mowder Inner circle Sacramento / Elk Grove, CA 3669 Posts
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The neophrene is great. Trevor Duffy makes a great "Magic Mat".
Unless you're after wanting a specific shape or something you should just buy one from him, it will look more professional. It needs to be stored flat and without things poking it but it can be hand washed and does not separate on the edges. I rarely use a mat at all but if I'm doing a tabled show for any reason, this Magic Mat looks and works great. But to help you on your path if you choose to proceed, I think it is the material they use to make wet suits. -Mary Mowder |
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William Dee New user 99 Posts
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Neoprene is a great thought for close up pads. I've often wondered fastening two pieces together so that the "one way" nature could be used to keep it dry.
In other words making it so that if you set it down unknowingly into something wet it would not soak it up. |
Keith Raygor Special user Naples, FL 968 Posts
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Neoprene is less subject to disasters from spilled drinks or food, which makes it suitable for strolling situations in restaurants and corporate events. It is the same material used in wetsuits for divers. It also provides the 'cushioney' feel that is helpful to coin and card workers.
Pool table felt, velveteen, table-layout material (nylon or similar) and speed cloth (polyester) can be used, but you still would want to apply it to a piece of neoprene or other suitable close-up mat material to match the needs of a closeup magician, which are different than the need to have a poker card or billiard ball travel 8 feet across without troublesome resistance. I replaced the "felt" (it's called felt, but it’s not made out of it) on many different blackjack tables in a commercial casino years ago and the application of the felt is a completely different technique than that required for close-up mats - stapling vs. glueing. Though manufacturers like to refer to speed cloth as waterproof, it really is water resistant. If a drink is spilled, you have added time to clean it up before it does damage. You can order neoprene rolls in various measurements of width, length and thicknesses, and I did just that about 10 years ago. I used ULINE because their reputation is top, and they sponsor Daryl Hall's "Live From Daryl's House". After trying my hand at creating my own mats, I finally gave the roll away to another magician because I found that my needs were already being met by a professional in our field. His prices are very fair and his quality is the best I've found in over 40 years of using every different brand (Gemini, Ronjo, Apollo, etc.) of mats I discovered on my quest. I’ve even folded his larger mats in my case without any issues, though rolling them is a much better option. Great for travelling! After a lot of experimentation, I found that it was much more reasonable to purchase his than to create my own. I never did solve the problem of consistent rounded corners, but I applaud your pursuit, Maxyedid. I still use a larger mat for formal closeup shows, or if I choose to perform a chop cup or matrix-type effect at the tables. But I no longer carry it while strolling. The gentleman (and he is!) that I buy my mats from is here. I post this not to promote his mats, just to show you where my same quest ended: http://www.pattricksmagic.com/pattrick-s-magical-mats/ Here’s a Café link to more about them, if you end up choosing that route: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......orum=109 |
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts
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Quote:
On Jun 29, 2016, Keith Raygor wrote: Lots of great info here, Keith. Thank you! I prefer to actually touch the mat (both top and bottom) before buying, due to a number of issues that I feel make an inferior mat. Johnson Products made a mat years ago that was nice in a number of ways, but it had just enough of a nap that things could catch. It was possible to catch fibers between a coin and shell, making it quite problematic. The neoprene Mullica pads had a slick nylon working surface and the rubber underside gripped the table top perfectly. So many magicians tout the virtues of headliner material, but IMO this is the worst of the lot. The top surface is easily damaged and the foam rubber underside simply does not grip the table surface. It is also too light and floats all over the place. Mousepads are close, but rarely a good size and way too stiff for my liking. I have covered table tops with billiard felt with my preferred padding underneath, but neoprene has always been my preferred mat when looking for portability and durability. It can be rolled, if not kept that way for long tern storage, without creasing. It also cleans quickly. They do wear out, but I've always gotten years worth of use from each of them that I've had. I was wise enough to buy several of them when they were available. My last one is nearing the end of its life, though. Years ago, I met someone who owned a company that made wetsuits. He immediately recognized my mat as neoprene and I later when to his shop and bought some by the yard. My intent was to make a very large mat 20"x30" for use in a specific routine for a magic convention. The problem was that the working surface was backed with a non-gripping rubber, but they also had sheets of the perfect undersurface. I was able to bond these together to make a couple of really nice pads. I will admit they were not the easiest things to cut, especially trying to get a nice finished, rounder corner. Mine were good enough for me, though (I tend to be picky, too). The next problem was that the bonding adhesive eventually reacted with the rubber and broke down, leaving a gooey mess between the layers which by then began to peel apart. So, after using them successfully for a couple years, I just threw them away. By then, I had lost my contact for the material. I would not mind finding the perfect neoprene to make my own pads, but with other priority magic projects, have not yet taken the time to explore the options.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
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Keith Raygor Special user Naples, FL 968 Posts
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I used the Johnson mats for quite a while. I really liked them.
The bonding adhesive was my issue, also. I couldn't find anything that worked well for the long-term. I tried all different types of glue and contact cement, even adhesive sprays. |
Posted: Jun 27, 2016 08:37 pm 