talkmagic.co.uk

I've just got the plans to build a Mini Cube Zag and the instructions say that I'm to use 6mm beech plywood......is this necessary or can I use 6mm MDF?
Does anyone have any experience in building this illusion and any advice you can offer?

Many thanks

MDF is heavier than Ply so you might need to ask at the wood suppliers and see what the best materials are. It would also help if you posted a some details about yourself in the Introductions section.

Thanks for your help and yes that's a good idea!....very new to this an will jump on that!

Adsheppy
Try to buy David Hemingway's 1990 small booklet - llusion Builder's Notebook'.

In its 5 pages you will find a lot of practical common sense and practical advice on Illusion Building.
Irt ranges from: Approach, The Tools & you need & Fastenings, Quality, to Decor,Sizing Up,

May save you pounds in any future constructions.

Allen Tipton

Allen
Many thanks for your reply. That sounds like a book worth owning!
I'll look for that right away!

Adam

mdf. When it gets chipped, big lumps fall off, and when it gets wet, it turns into mush. Never, ever use it to build Ilusions.
plus.. The dust that is produced when you cut it, is a known carcinogen.

many top builders, use Aluminium sheeting to build . its light, thin, and will not split.

MDF is a wonderful material for building sets but not recommended for building magic. In fact, you'll find that most professional grade magic leans heavily on fine woods (as in cabinet quality) and in some instances, "space age" materials such as certain carbon fiber and even Kevlar... Bill Smith is well known for such variations while John Gaughan offers the more traditional "carpentry artist" angle.

Before you build or attempt to build any large scaled piece it is advisable that you study as much preliminary material as possible, penned by experienced designers & builders. The Paul Osborne workshop plan series is an excellent "course of study". While it's not easy to do, getting in on the good side of a builder or illusion performer that will trust you with his equipment; allowing you to study the craftsmanship, etc. It's the best of all ways to learn about this stuff; no two builders do things the same way and all of them have little "tricks" they toss into their units that make them more deceptive, portable, durable, etc.

The moral of the story is -- STUDY! Take some cabinet building and welding courses if possible. I can assure you, taking these few side trips prior to making that first cut in building your prop, will more than pay for itself.