talkmagic.co.uk

So i know alot of people say there is no point getting a card press, or even a card clip because cards like bikes are so cheap you should just practise with them and replace them as soon as they get grubby.

While I do agree with replacing your standard decks frequently there are certain decks of cards being released that are limited editions or even just older style decks like squeezers that are harder and harder to come by.

I buy my cards to use them, but i do enjoy having a modest collection so I would like to keep some of the decks usable for a longer time without replacing them, so a card press seems a good idea for these "special" decks while still replacing bikes.

Now the point of this long winded post comes when i say a card press costs £20 - £65 and this seems awful expensive for two bits of wood/plastic and a few nuts n bolts. Am i missing something or would a regular arts and crafts flower press do exactly the same job for less than a tenner?

http://www.fredaldous.co.uk/product_211420010.htm

Am I missing something here? Will this do the same job? Is it a rubbish idea to get one of these full stop?

Two suitably sized offcuts of MDF or well sanded Plywood, four bolts with washers and wingnuts - cost less than a fiver .

Thanks for that.

I was worried they had something extra to them, something the bare parts dont offer, but thats great news

You might need to use some kitchen paper or blotting paper to make sure the cards don't stick but that's about all. I made an A4 sized press earlier this year for a bride to press part of her bouquet and also a couple of playing card sized ones to press buttonholes - these last two were made to take a deck of poker sized cards so they'll be used once the flower pressing aspect is done!

Just get a couple of clamps (they sell them in the Poundshop or at Screwfix) and two small bits of ply or MDF.

The reason a card press is so stupidly expensive is because it is called a card press so they know magicians will buy them. Make your own as above just remember to use even pressure on all sides.