• Design of Barrel Table
This is my Barrel Table, one of my own exclusively made props that has served me for years of ministry. Now I am hereby displaying the inner workings of the design, and adding it to my Barrel Works Collection. It was designed to be both a table and place to hid my props during a show. However, it also afforded me a place to dispose of my props after the show, so that kids who came up to greet me, would not be able to get into my magic or props. I could easily just insert them into the barrel compartments and closed it up.
Originally, I thought I could…
Walk into a meeting carrying a barrel and a stand. Assemble it in front of the audience and proceed to open it and take my props and magic out to illustrate my message. When I was done, I would take it apart and walk off with everything in the barrel, like I came out. However, over time, I would just preset it on the stage and leave it there until I needed it.
I will here show the inner workings of this design, so another could be made, if some one was so inspired. So upon closer look…
You can notice above that the barrel was cut in half, length wise and then the top half was quartered again. One of the challenges was how to cut the barrel, so that it did not come apart upon cutting. Also it was critical to find the middle of the barrel. If the cut was off center, the barrel would not close properly or it would be out of balance and be lopsided when finished. Each band had to be drilled to match the wooden slats, so that each slat was attached to the metal bands, before it was cut. You will notice the screw heads in the bands.
The bands held it together, until I could make a turnbuckle with a nylon cord surrounding the two top pieces at the ends. This was to insure that the barrel maintained its shape, until the wooden ends could be designed, cut and inserted in the open ends of the tops.
After the cuts were made the new ends had to be made to make compartments and false recessed lids so that it could fold back to together into a barrel shape again.
Another problem to solve was the hinges. I found a recessed cabinate hinge that was wide enough in the opening to accommodate the separation created by putting two ends together. Also you can see the inserted end on the right. Both top quarters had to have this insert to close the compartment after it was cut open.
Table tops had to be recessed to include the fabric in order for it close properly. The templets for the covers were custom fit with hidden hinges on the back edge of the openings. The whole barrel is mounted on a Eureka Stand, which comes apart easily by unscrewing it from the base.
You can observe the molding that supports the lid from falling into the opening. Also there is a piece of molding at the back to provide an area for the hinges to be attached (You can see the nuts that hold the hinges on.
The left side opens freely. You will notice the molding on the front edge and the notched piece of copper and the turn nob that shuts the lids closed. This is useful for keeping the lids shut while you are closing and opening the top quarters of the barrel.
The right side is duplicate of the left. You can observe the separation of the side from the middle compartment. Notice how the cabinate hinge fills the separation between the table tops.
This unique table has always been a conversation piece. Many children, when observing this thing on the stage, would wonder what it was and what it was for. As the program proceeded, they soon found out as they watched me open it, use it by opening the tops taking out the props and then put things away and closing it back up.
I made this myself and to my knowledge, it is the only one of its kind. Usually, I use it in the front and center of the stage. I can move it easily, if needed. If you want to make one, let me know. It is a great table and a prop container to produce and vanish my visual props and magic illusions.
2 Responses to “• Design of Barrel Table”
December 20th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
Wow, what an amazing design! I’m impressed! but I like the one you wore better. (just kidding)
April 8th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
BARNEY, YOU HAVE ME OVER A BARREL WITH YOUR AWESOME KIDHELPER BLOG! YOU ARE SHINING BIG TIME NOW FOR JESUS. I AM PROUD TO BE YOUR FRIEND! PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS EXPANDING YOUR VISION AND MISSION AROUND THE WORLD….ESPECIALLY TO INDIA.
NORM (‘N BECKY )
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