talkmagic.co.uk

I bought an ID (bicycle back) and I have to say I'm a bit disappointed with it. Can anyone recommend a good ID or is it always better to make your own?

Well sir, if you were to perform a search on this here site, you may find many helpful posts linked to your question.

Alec

What is the problem with it?

Alec, I did perform a search and couldn't find any posts relating to an actual "brand" of ID. Thanks for the advice though.

Lawrence, I have found that it doesn't spread without separating. I can fan the deck if I apply a good bit of pressure but I have seen others able to spread the deck. I thought it was my handling at first but there definitely isn't enough friction.

Fair enough.

Sometimes the manufacturers havnt sprayed enough special stuff and so it isn't as good as you would like. Send it back and ask for a replacement.

Some people actually make their own ID's with a Matt varnish spray. It's obviously tricky getting the right amount on. Too little and no stick, too much and the spread looks too dodgy.

Don't be put off by a certain brand due to one dodgy pack.

Hope that helps mate.

Alec

In answer to your question then I'd say it's always better to make your own; but then I would, because I do.

One suggestion I would make would be to handle the cards with less pressure than usual

Although a self-worker the deck does take some getting used to

It does take a bit to get used to. The way I found works best for me is if I put a lot of pressure on the bottom of the deck with my thumb. Seems to hold the cards together better for me. HTH

Thanks for the replies.
I'll just keep practising with it. I can fan the deck when I apply pressure to the bottom but I can't spread the deck without all being revealed. Starting to annoy me!!

I put a huge amount of pressure on the whole deck, which holds it together well...

Tjex

I had a magic makers one which I thought was great, until I bought one from DARYL, which blew it away.

Humbrol polyurethane spray varnish makes excellent IDs.

Tjex1 wrote:I put a huge amount of pressure on the whole deck, which holds it together well...

Tjex

Having said that now, I have the opposite problem. They won't come apart and require a huge wrench. Or maybe it was because of sweaty hands, because I had never seemed to have that problem before...

MrTetley wrote:Alec, I did perform a search and couldn't find any posts relating to an actual "brand" of ID. Thanks for the advice though.

Lawrence, I have found that it doesn't spread without separating. I can fan the deck if I apply a good bit of pressure but I have seen others able to spread the deck. I thought it was my handling at first but there definitely isn't enough friction.

One particular phrase in the above stands out, "I have seen others able to spread the deck." This does not mean they don't have the same issues as you. It may mean that they have figured out the right amount of pressure, it may mean they have practiced more. It may mean that they have a better deck than you.

I've used store bought ID with bicycle backs for years, They work great and for me the price is not so bad that I can't or won't afford the luxury in buying the deck rather than the hassle of making one. I do modify the deck by re-aranging four of the cards, because I don't like math and the method I use is math free, but that does not affect the handling of the deck. The manufacturer is Haines House of Cards. Those are the ones I am familiar with.

Add pressure for the initial fanning (this avoids spreading the face down cards)

then to reveal the face down card slide it gently (LESS pressure)

Then press harder to fan the rest of the deck