Schoolcraft Precision

For me sometimes the key to making new gaffs is very simple. It’s just finding the time to make the gimmicks while keeping up with the current workload. Well eu h a simple thing is not easy. But I have definitely come to realize it’s definitely something I just have to do. Projects like this blog, the iPhone version of my site, a new online shopping experience and more would not even be possible if I didn’t follow my new rule of just “finding your time”. Even more important is just making the time if you don’t find it. Until next time, take care everyone, and we will talk again soon!

A current trend in coingaffs seems to be steel inserts and shims. Why not. With the bonding process we use, and the availability of super strong neo-magnets absolute miracles are much easier for the working coin magician. Steel cores and shims are a great choice to add to most common gaffs that already exist. Copper/Silver, Shells, Copper/Silver/Brass, Flippers (ours come standard with a steel core), and even Sun/Moon inserts. Steel mainly adds to the ease of ditching and retrieving the gimmicks. The ability to bring gaffs into play and ditch when done easily is an awesome tool. Play with shimming your shells, and request the shimming of gimmicks that already require bonding. It wouldn’t hurt to have the option when you need it even if you currently do not have a use for the shim, since it’s easy to insert during the construction of the gaff. Until next time, take care and really think about your magic!

Well I have the first batch of CS Crown gaffs in production. Further details will be available as the gaffs near completion. Keep in mind these are limited quantity gaffs, that will be sold on a first come, first served basis. The exact gimmick, and quantity will be released in the days to come. Once again thanks for visiting my blog.

Well the first shipment of Crowns has arrived.  I will be organizing and putting them into various gaffed sets in the upcoming weeks.  I am expecting quite a few more shipments soon, but this is the first big one to finally arrive.  There is quite a variety of the crowns, so I am unsure what we will be producing first, if you guys have specific requests let us know.  We have 3 custom minted coins that will be here sometime this summer, along with that exciting news we will be producing at least two more DVD’s, which will be sold with the necessary gaffed coins.   Keep checking back, as the progress is moving forward, and we will have more site updates very soon!!

For those of you that weren’t already aware my blog is now iPhone friendly! It now has a “web-app” feel when viewed on an iPhone or even an iPod Touch. If you add it to your homescreen there is even a cool custom icon for the button. The iPhone version of the main site is actually under construction and has some really cool features for all you Apple junkies like me. I should have new shop updates in the days to come, in the mean time thanks for visiting!

For those that weren’t already aware of the truly sad news, the following is information from Dale Salwak:

I am saddened to report that Carol Roy, who for fifty years shared the stage with her beloved husband, Marvyn, passed away on the afternoon of May 2nd after several years of declining health at their home in La Quinta, California — their “Island in the Sun.” Carol lived a full life, enriched by thousands of friends the world over as she indeed enriched theirs. Paris, the Lido, the Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas, Radio City Music Hall, Ed Sullivan, the Magic Castle – they did it all, together, becoming an inspiration to an ever-growing magical family. Marvyn’s dedication in his book, “Mr. Electric: Unplugged,” says it all: “For Carol – Together we rode the wind and touched the stars.”

Marvyn is very appreciative for the outpouring of love and support that he has been receiving from around the world. They will hold a private service this Thursday for family only. A more public memorial service is being planned for late June at the Magic Castle. Additional details to follow as the plans are finalized.

In lieu of flowers, Marvyn is asking that donation in honor of Carol be made to one of two charities.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation

http://www.NOF.org

1232 22nd St. NW

Washington, DC 20037

-or-

Magic Children’s Foundation

7252 Yolanda Ave.

Reseda, Ca 91335

If you would like to send a card or letter to Marvyn, you can do so at the following address:

Marvyn Roy

C/O Dale Hindman

The Magic Castle / Academy of Magical Arts

7001 Franklin Avenue

Hollywood, CA 90028-8600

There are quite a few solutions to the “Soft Coin Dilemma”.  First would be the least expensive, and in my opinion the best solution.  Search out the coins.  It’s that simple.  That’s the easiest and best way for you to get the coins with the look & feel the YOU want.  Opinions vary greatly on coin preference, as does the look.  So if you take the time and assemble the coins the way you want them you will have the perfect set for YOU. Another solution is to use 1921 Morgans and artificially soften them.  This is an easy way to get matching dates, but will take some time and a knack to soften them.  If done properly you will end up with a great set of matching date soft coins.  Keep in mind the softening is a time consuming process to do it right, but it can be worth it in the end if you do it properly.  Even if you are very skilled in aging and softening,  the coins don’t always take and you may have to try again with a fresh coin, so please take your time or it could get costly.  Still in my opinion naturally soft worn coins are always the best, it’s just difficult to find enough matching coins to make the perfect set, get started on that treasure hunt now and assemble YOUR perfect set of coins!

In the photo above you can see how much coins can vary.  These are all considered soft Morgan Dollars.  But as you can see the wear and color vary greatly.  Add to this mix, matching dates, matching tone, matching patina, etc., and it’s nearly impossibly to put together a set with the current availability of soft Morgans.  There are a few ways around this, and I will be covering some options in upcoming entries, but this being the first official entry, I just wanted to give everyone a feel of the new blog and the direction I am currently taking with it.  Feel free to comment on your preferences, and any thought’s you may have.