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Welcome to The Magic of James P. Riser web page.
Most of the magic apparatus that I produce consists of custom
designed and created items. Many of the professional magicians
who order custom items do not want them pictured - in order to
keep exclusivity. But I do seem to continuously make several rather
popular and less expensive items, though. Several of these items
are shown below. My goal is to produce quality items which will
hold up to the rigors of thousands of performances. All text and
images/designs are copyright 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007,
2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 by James P. Riser. Since this home
page is open to anyone who dares to visit, I have refrained from
explaining how many of the items are used - performing magicians
will know.
Latest update ... 5/17/12
For the Do-It-Yourself Magicians!
As promised, I am beginning
to release a series of "how to" e-publications. All
are in pdf so that they may be read on most smart phones, tablets,
readers, and computers. All are payable
by PayPal to jriser@jamesriser.com
When you make payment, be
certain to indicate which e-publication you desire. After payment
has been received, you will be emailed a link for downloading
the file(s).
I shall begin with a quick
and easy inexpensive project requiring only a precision screw
driver set and a Dremel tool.
1. Making a cell phone ring
flight .....$5
The second e-publication is much more involved.
A lathe, precision measuring tools, and skill to use them will
be required.
2. Machining a Scotch and Soda Set .....$5
The third e-publication explains how to make and
use a dice switching clip for jacket or holdout. Tin snips, jewelers
saw, a drill, and fine files are all that are needed for this
project.
3. Making and Using a Dice Switch Clip ....$5
The fourth e-publication is a rather advanced project
for making a large locking reel suitable for a vanishing lampshade
or birdcage. You will require a lathe, milling machine, soldering
equipment, etc. This reel design may be scaled down for making
smaller locking reels if desired.
4. Making a large locking reel .... $5
More to come soon.
Upcoming e-publications will include making a take-up
reel, making a new style of Vanishing Bird Cage, making a pillbox,
making a coin cup, making metal ball shells, a new type of ball
vase, rising cards, a new type of billiard ball stand, new work
on the ball and tube, a timer for creating a few seconds delay,
a simplex card punch, making a Kepplinger holdout, a gravity holdout,
making dye tubes, etc. Lots of fun if there is enough interest
to make it worthwhile.
Here is a freebee .... Making
an Inexpensive Card Trimmer
Here is a freebee .... Making
Typewriter style Key Inlays
Here is a freebee .... A
way to soften coins
Here is a freebee .... Making
a Coin Stack
Here is a freebee .... Making
a Folding Coin
Here is a freebee .... Making
an Inexpensive Leather Cylinder
I am honored ... scroll down
to my shiners (bottom of this page) to see how they have been
imortalized by Paul Kozak.
Wand Production Resumes ...
All have been spoken for.
Kuma Tube Vase?
If there is enough interest, I might make a small number
of vases for the classic Kuma Tube trick. Email me if you think
that you might want one (they will not be inexpensive).
A reminder ... I have halted
all cup production until further notice. I am too busy with other
projects.
Here is some cup eye
candy (Ed Keener's Cups) for you to enjoy.
Notice: As of 2/21/12, all cup
production has been suspended until further notice. If you have
a cup order in already, it will be completed and shipped more
or less on schedule. I need to finish up a number of birdcages
and begin several rather involved projects which will take up
most of my time.
In the wee hours of the morning,
I am still doing some R&D on a new product .. see beginnings
here:
A quick webcam picture of part of a new item.
The Think-a-Drink apparatus
that I plan to make in a few months:
Effect ...
Spectators are all asked to think of a drink, write it on a small
slip of paper, fold it, and place it in an empty box.
The magician displays a stainless
steel bottle, unscrews cap, inserts funnel, and fills bottle with
water.
Dice are rolled by a spectator
to determine how many drinks will be selected.
The box with thought of drink
names is shaken and a spectator removes a slip with a drink name
on it. This drink is poured from the bottle and offered to a spectator
for tasting. It is, of course, real. This can be done up to eight
times.
The Bottle...
The bottle will be made to
serve two to eight different beverages. Individual drink volume
will be enough to fill a small cordial sized glass. An extra ungimmicked
bottle will be supplied if required. This can casually be left
out after a performance to throw off the curious. Bottle partially
disassembles for cleaning and filling with assorted drinks.
Viable effect?
Yes, this effect is still
quite viable in today's market - especially in an intimate setting.
A self appointed expert on everything magic will tell you that
the concept was only viable during prohibition. This is nonsense
and another example of uninformed drivel. I will only be making
a handful of these for performers with the vision and skills to
pull it off. Production begins right after my birdcages are completed.
The TMC crowd need not inquire. This is NOT for you.
The February publishing experiment
is now over
The
item described in the above experiment
For those desiring to take their
performances to the next level with professional costume design,
Update on the Baby Linde Vanishing
Birdcages: I took a break from them to work on a few rather involved
items but am now back at them. I am going to make only 12 cages
in the first run. After people get used to the cage, the option
to obtain the rest of the system will be made available. Not everyone
will feel that the complete system is needed so it will be offered
as an option. The first 12 cages might be ready by the end of
November.
Here is what 12 cages look
like (a different view - not all brass bars are shown):
The bars:
And . . . today just delivered
. . . coils of custom stainless steel for two different types
of cages . . .
Each 2' coil is actually two
layers of coil - that is a lot!
Close ups. 
NEW!
This fall I will begin a series
of pdfs on making magic apparatus for the serious magic do-it-yourselfers.
These pdfs will be $5 each and feature one subject per file. To
make the items described will require a fairly well equipped workshop
and the skills to use your machines. These files will feature
many new approaches to magic apparatus construction. Such info
will come in handy for those wanting to make truly exclusive apparatus.
The files will be password protected with the buyer's name as
the password.
The topics will range from
making/using a new style ball and brass tube to pillbox construction
to making locking reels to different ball vase construction to
making metal ball shells and many topics in between.
If you are interested in being
on the emailing list for these, send me an email with DIY as the
subject.
Question to ponder during
this vacation period: I am considering making an Inexhaustable
Bottle capable of pouring 6 different liquids.
The question is simply "Is
there anyone skilled enough to put it to good use?"
The answer: Apparently there
is a performer up to the task!
Here is the effect of an item
that I have been working on now and then for the past few years.
During that time, many variations on the theme, presentation,
and method have been made and tested. All of this will someday
be assembled into an ebook for those interested in variations
of the effect.
Situation: Standup before
a group of 25 or more (these are the only conditions under which
I work)
Two finger rings are freely
borrowed from spectators. These rings are shown and openly placed
into the palm up left hand. The hand is slowly closed then opened
to reveal that the rings are linked togther. They are held up
for display and immediately given for inspection. They are solidly
linked. After examination, the rings are taken back by the performer,
shown again, and the left hand closed around them. The hand is
opened to now reveal the borrowed rings are separate. The rings
are returned to the owners.
I'll make up just a few of
these to give to close friends. Others may read about it in the
upcoming ebook.
A1 has begun! Click
here for progress.
Limited wand production might
resume in November (late) or early December.
The Riser Cup Workers Wand
The ends are solid nickel
silver turned into miniature replicas of traditional style cups.
The center section is of hand
turned and polished macassar ebony.
The overall length is 11"
to make using it convenient in close-up situations.
$255 postpaid (USA only).
The first two runs of these
new wands are closed and shipped.
Please email me, if interested.
Next run will most likely be late
fall.
The matching ebony/nickel
silver wands below were custom made for an upcoming movie. Comsider
them eye candy.
Several duplicates were made
for a number of performers/collectors around the world.
For those of you waiting for
your wand ... the last three have shipped out. See yours here:
The wand below will be the
last wand until I get in the "wand mood" again.
Here it is ...
This wand is hand turned and
polished ebony and nickel silver.
As of 5/2/12, three such wands
are still up for grabs.
Note: I do not have time to
send out tons of emails as such new items come and go. The best
way to know what is happening here is to check my web site now
and then. Those who do check, avoid disappointment.
Some eye candy ...
Click
here to see a historical collection of card trimmers.
I just finished my last run
of the Copper Riser Shorty Ultimate Chop Cups until at least this
fall. I made a few extras that got snatched up during the run
but still have one Copper Innocent (no mouth bead) Shorty Chop
Cup available. This has the centered gimmick. If interested in
this cup, please email me.
The Return of my "Baby
Linde" Vanishing Birdcage
This is the cage that has been
kept a pro's secret for several years (almost 30!). I first began
making my Baby Linde cages in the middle 1980's. Production halted
around 1990 when I became busy with other projects. My cage is
constructed by the same techniques used by Lindhorst, Sims, Yimka,
National Magic, and other makers of the past. I will be devoting
all of May and June (possibly July too) to making up parts for
sets of my Riser Baby Linde Vanishing Birdcage and new
style take-up reel.
Update:
Oops, due to a major movie studio request for several props and
the time required for making the above wands, the cages are running
well over a month behind schedule. Fall 2011 is still the targeted
release time but they will be ready when they get made. I am in
no hurry and will break for at least two other projects before
the cage project is completed.
The
Riser Baby Linde Vanishing Birdcage
As I continue to grow older and devote my limited time
and energy to creating apparatus for working magicians, I find
that this time and energy is becoming more and more wasted. I
design and painstakingly manufacture apparatus to be used not
displayed. So, to keep the very limited number of my cage setups
in the hands of workers rather than collectors, I am setting up
restrictions on who may be eligible to purchase these setups.
I know, the wannabees on magic forums will have a great time discussing
how horrible I am. Some fool will probably even claim that I know
nothing about the stresses involved in using such a cage (after
opening my act with the cage for over 40 years and making metal
items much longer!).These folk are specifically the ones I do
not want to have my items. Have at it, wannabees. Remember, I
am retired and do not have to make magic items. At my age, I do
not need to please magic bunglers nor need to care about their
opinions. That's an advantage of being old.
For those working magicians interested in obtaining
one of my Riser Baby Linde Vanishing Birdcage setups, I
will require a short digital video of you vanishing your current
birdcage. If all you can do is a "slow motion vanish",
do not bother sending me anything. This apparatus is not easy
to use and should not be attempted until the user has mastered
the cage instant vanish anyway. If you are not yet ready for such
an item, this policy will prevent you from buying something that
you are unable to use. If you can not stand my sales policy, you
are free to design and make your own cage system.
Please send no videos at this time - wait until
the cage setups are ready to ship.
In addition, I am working on a Vanishing Birdcage
ebook explaining how to actually use this type of cage, a
flexible cage, and a cage type to avoid. There really is no reason
for bent cage bars, slow vanishes, or cages hanging out of a sleeve.
This hopefully will be ready in January, 2012.
Until things are ready, feel free to enjoy this.
Here is a blast to the past
for those interested:
Instructions
for Odd Card
Instructions
for The Solid Cup as marketed from 1973-1988 (Later copies included
Sun Magic overleaf)
Magic
Catalog c. 1973-1988 (dot matrix printer)
Magic
Catalog c. 1973 Items - updated catalog from 1988 (new DeskJet
printer - same items)
Instructions
for The Perfect Bill Change
Enjoy.
Click here to see the Vernon
Cups.
Click here to see
how to engrave a metal cup.
Eye Candy ...
What may well be the thickest (.093") spun set
of cups next the smallest cup set.
This is thick copper! 
These cups are busy earning their keep not wasting
away on a shelf somewhere. This is why they were made and as it
should be.
Some eye candy ...
The Rabbit and Hat Magician
Chink-A-Chink weights are currently
available only from S4S and me.
Brass Weight Chink-A-Chink
Sets
Note:
The final version is engraved "2 oz." ...
Click here to order a set of
the Chink-A-Chink weights. Add
to CCNow Cart
Available now ... new colors ...
Chopped Dice Pairs
This dice set was created at the request of several
magicians wanting to get a way from the usual chop cup style crochet
covered balls.
With the dice it is possible to throw the gimmicked
die into the cup and have it "grab" or not. The die
may be shaken within the cup to allow spectators to hear that
it is really there and to position it for the "grab".
These are large custom made 19 mm. dice (just under 3/4")
and easily seen.
These are sold by the pair (one chopped and one plain
die). These are the same dice provided with the Riser Combo
Dice Cup.
If you want a gambling theme for your magic, these
might be just what you need.
Available to USA customers only, payment by check or
money order ... intro priced at $30 postpaid/pair.
Email me for my address for mailing payment.
An
example of some custom work.
Eye Candy
Riser Midi-Traditional Cups progression ...
Another view ...
More eye candy ...
Is this the smallest cup set in the world?
The Riser Micro Traditional Cups
Yes, that is a dime coin. 
From the smallest to one of the largest .... more eye
candy ...
Dangerous!
And completed ...
The
making of this reel will be documented in one of my ebooks.
And here is an updated antique reel similar to the
above reel ...
It now has a 48"
160 pound test braided nylon cord plus my exclusive clip.
Here is the size ...
It is a handful. 
Coming soon ...
In a few short weeks I shall be introducing my "Make
A Deal" web page. I am going to be thinning my magic
collection and will be offering some cool items. These items will
be posted for swap or sale. So if you have some nice items to
offer as a swap, hang on to them a little longer. If you have
something that I am interested in, we will swap.
I have received a few emails
asking about my bottomless glass for the Walnut effect. It has
been discontinued; but for those interested, here
it is.
An exciting assortment of new
items are in the works ...
Not all of these items will be available for general
purchase.
Traffic Light Monte
Improved Vanishing Birdcage Hookup
Vlad
Something very special for those who have been waiting
(to be announced later)
The new style card punch is
now available ... scroll down to see it.
An evil jack getting punched out!
Three in stock as of 3/1/12
Note:
All regular cup spinning has been suspended until fall 2011 at
the soonest.
Cups possibly being made again
in the fall ...
Riser Spider Cup
The Riser "D" Cell
Cups
The Riser "D" Cup
A New Style Traditional Cup
All other cups are either
discontinued or on hold awaiting time to make them.
I might possibly sell off my
cup spinning business and spinning chucks to devote energies to
more interesting projects. No decision on this yet.
Note:
This web site is being redone for 2011. Many goodies that were
here on my site previously have been removed as part of my attempt
to restrict flow of magic info to those who know not how to use
it or have no NEED for it. Curiosity does not equal need. You
are entitled to nothing.
Many images have been removed
due to theft by others. Your loss - not mine as I see the items
daily.
Warning:
Do not come here for PC. I do not do PC. If you can not accept
this, go elsewhere.
The Riser Midi-Traditionals
The first fifteen runs of these
are all sold except for one set. For those interested in such
things, a "run" is how many I can make from half a sheet
of copper. I always cut the big sheets in half and work on a half
at a time. See pictures of an unpolished set below (for size only)
...
Note:
The new Riser Midi-Traditionals will not be available to
all who might want them. They will be sold only to those passing
the screening process. These cups are nice and are my current
favorite! They have been designed to replace my earlier Riser
Mini-Cups which have been discontinued. The whole set may
be carried in the coat pocket if desired.
Sold out
Those who are preapproved for
purchase ... $225 Add
to CCNow Cart
The cups shipped are polished
as shown below. These cups were designed to be used with Squeeker
balls as shown. Balls are available from Target Stores.
And another blatant tease....
Shorty Junior (on the left of the Riser Shorty)...
Shorty Juniors are shipping -
direct payment only at this time (no credit card orders yet).
Email me on this item.
This is one heavy Chop Cup!
Aluminum Shorty Junior ...$125
Copper Shorty Junior ...$225
To see several
of my items which have been discontinued, please click here.
As I have indicated many times,
"Because something is available today, does not mean that
it will be available forever".
These discontinued cup styles
will be replaced with new designs if and when I feel it is safe
to show them to the magic community. Until then, these new designs
will be in the hands of a few select performers only (not collectors)
for testing. There are currently 4 new cup designs out for testing
with at least 8 additional designs on the drawing board. Most
likely these new designs will be made in limited editions of 12
sets. Of these 12 sets, only 10 will be made available for sale.
The other two sets of each design will be kept for investment
or given as gifts to close friends. They may not be generally
offered for sale here on my web site - more than likely I'll be
offering them to select clients on a first refusal basis. I will
be basing my client list on factors that might surprise many so
called magicians. Since I am the designer/maker, I feel free to
let my creations out to whomever I select. If this is unacceptable
to you, you most likely are not on my client list as a result
of being eliminated due to one or more selection considerations.
Such is life...
Note: Production on all Riser
Shorty Chop Cups will resume about November 1, 2010.
The Riser Tall has been discontinued.
Note: Please
email me before placing an order as I may not have the time to
make your item.
Production on the pre-requested John Ramsay Cups
(originals) has been cancelled as
I will be introducing a new version this fall (if time permits)...
the new version will be a surprising improvement and not available
to everyone.
The
many aluminum discs have been cut and spinning has started. The
copper discs are for other projects.
Those who requested to be on the "notify list"
for the originals will have to do without. Only the new style
will be made in the future.
The John Ramsay Style
Cups - click here for info 
Sets of the "Innocent Chop
Cup" might again become available next year to special performers
who understand what the cup is all about. If I make any, it will
not be many.
The Riser "Innocent Shorty"
No sets currently available
- as of 1/16/10!
Magicians have been asking me
what I am working on. While cutting metal and doing machining
for the Frakson/Martin cage project, I'm finishing up a huge backlog
of items which have been ordered. Many of these items are secret
and I'll not discuss nor describe them. A major redesign of the
Martin/Hammerton Take-Up reel will be part of this apparatus.
Experimentation and modifications are still going on.
In between all of these goodies,
I am working on new items to be introduced soon. The recreation
of the complete apparatus required to perform the famous Frakson Vanishing and Reappearing Birdcage routine with the Martin Cages is still in the
works as a possibility. To be practical today, the cage also needs
a redesign. Such development is slow.
The Aluminum Riser Shorty Chop Cups
Note: The Aluminum Shorty Cup is semi-polished and
semi-finished on the inside rather than the highly finished appearance
on the copper version. This is to allow the aluminum cup to truely
resemble an everyday item in less than pristine condition.
I'll not make any more of these until at least Mid-February,
2010.
Click here to go to my Magical
Woodturnings Page.
Available again!!!
The McAbee Rings have long been unavailable.
Now, in cooperation with Martin Lewis at Magikraft Studios,
I am pleased to present our version of this wonderful linking
bracelet effect. Unlike the original plated set, the new set of
McAbee Rings is fabricated from solid nickel-silver metal.
There is no plating to chip or wear off of the gleaming rings.
Due to construction concerns, this item will not always be available.
Click here
to see the rings being made.
You may get these directly from Martin at his lecture
or from us - $95 per set.
Click here to order
this item by credit card.
The Riser Standard Cups (regular sized cups). (still
in limited production)
If you think you need a set of these, email me.
Price $250 + $7.00 shipping in the U.S.
Click here
to email me.
A size comparison: Riser Mini-Cup; Riser Standard;
and Riser Jumbo
Another size comparison: Riser Standard Cup with a
Paul fox Cup
Price $250 + $7.00 shipping in the U.S.
Now is the time to order a set.
Gambling Items
Introducing the 2008 version of the Riser Card Punch
... 1 in stock as of3/21/12 ...
This new style card punch features aluminum, stainless
steel, and brass construction.
It also features the robust point as needed by magicians
- plus requires no tools to adjust.
$65 each. Add
to CCNow Cart
The Sacagawea Shiner
This shiner is made from a circulated Sacagawea coin
so that it will "age" to match other Sacagawea dollars
you might be using. With this item, a magician or mentalist may
glimpse cards as they are being dealt or shown. Shown here are
the front and back sides of this shiner.
Note: This is sold for entertainment or lecture/demo
use only. Using one in a real card game could be hazardous to
your health. I repeat, these are not for use in cheating at cards.
Most people using these are stage and platform magicians and mentalists.
Announcing a new version of this item. The Sacagawea
coin has been hollowed into a shell and a precision convex mirror
of polished pure nickel silver has been inserted into this shell.
The Sacagawea Shiner comes with a small cloth drawstring bag for
protection.
$50 each.
6 in stock as of 3/14/12.
Click here to order
this item by credit card.
A true honor ...
Mr. Atlantic City (Paul Kozak) has chosen to immortilize
my shiner with one of his oil paintings.
Quality Limited Edition Prints Giclee on Canvas
18" x 24" Numbered & Signed of this fine art are
available directly from Paul or through Denny Haney.
Thank you for the honor, Paul!
Additional items will be posted here as they become
available.
Click here to go to my Magical
Woodturnings Page.
Click here to
return to the James P. Riser Home Page.
Click here to
send mail to James P. Riser
