Any chance of a TX Make-N-Take?

[joker]

I've seen quite a few Texas haunters recently, and several in the Dallas area. Any chance of another MnT?

spideranne?

[SpookySam]

I'd be interested. Especially if the project is something like a 3 axis skull. I know, I know - expensive...but it is at the top of my list for jobs I'm afraid to start without some hand holding.

[Dixie]

You could probably count myself and Jaybo in as well!

[Jaybo]

Heck yeah! Count me in! I would love to do a 3 axis skull, but my pockets are fairly empty at the moment.

[Dixie]

(I take all the money out of his pockets, so don't worry... he'll be there) ;)

[joker]

Spideranne hosted one last year, but unfortunately I couldn't make it.

3 axis would be cool, I just don't know how...lol.

Hey SS I've already built one of your shiatsu massager zombies but I bet their are some who would like to see that and possibly build one of those. Doesn't take long to build and might be a good MnT. I saw somewhere (I'll have to google) there were other props (standing zombie swaying, spider victim, etc...)built with the same massager.

Last year I built a simple pop up and I'm working on another prop using a picoboo F105 controller very similar to Casa Fear's pneumatic zombie ground breaker. That's pretty much the extent of my more complicated endeavors.

[Jaybo]

ARGHHH! So you've been taking my money? I think I need to go apologize to the boys....wait...what am I saying? This is perfect! I'm gonna ground them and steal their XBOX!!

[spideranne]

I'm all in for another Make n Take. I've been traveling a lot lately and hoped I hadn't missed anything. I'd be happy to host again. Unfortunately I can't offer much in the way of technical skills, but I'd love to try something that moves. I know a 3 axis is expensive, but like what are we talking? I also have two shiatsu's just waiting to be used. Anyone else have any suggestions for what to make?

[joker]

I'd like to work on something with a wiper motor, pneumatic cylinder (w/4 bar?) or similar. I'd love to build a 3 axis but other than holding SS's hand I don't know if I'd be much help.

[joker]

Here's a short list of things I'd think any home haunter would want/need:

Fog Chiller
FCG
Carved Tombstones
Corpsing/painting techniques
Feaux Candles
Pop-up/Trash Can Trauma
Motion sensor trigger
PVC armature
Make a skull from foam wig head
posable hands for prop
ground breaker
flicker circuit
wiper motor powered prop
4 bar linkage

I've done most of the above except 4bar or powered wiper motor. My FCG didn't turn out so well though...lol
I have the Make your own scratch built corpse DVD (http://www.monstercloset.com/) in anyone is interested.

[SpookySam]

Good list. You can always fall back on a tombstone carving party.

[joker]

I recently emailed a local (to DFW) pro haunt owner who got his start as a home haunter. He runs 13th Street Morgue in Red Oak. Waiting to see if he might be willing to come out and share his experiences as well as help out with some of the more complicated projects. No promises but maybe. I just met him this past season and is a really great guy that has a passion for haunting.

[spideranne]

Joker - That would be great if he would share his expertise. Otherwise the list is great. I've done only a few on the list so would be up for anything. I'd forgotten about a fog chiller, I could really use one of those and I'd love to try out something with a wiper motor since it seems like you can make so many things if you know what you are doing. Maybe if we can get a group going on a regular basis we can work through the list and hit a number of these.

[beelce]

What us poor lonely haunters in LA....I'm only 10 hours from Dallas

[DarkLore]

Sounds like fun.

There are supposed to be a new version of the 3 axis skull...but I haven't seen it. Was it graveyardskulls?

Wiper motor projects sound good too. I'd prefer something controlled. I would also be interested in mold making or casting.

[joker]

... I would also be interested in mold making or casting.

I'd be interested in that as well.

[Dixie]

Yep, I am definitely interested in the items on the list - we have done a couple of them, but it is always good to share different techniques, so like Spideranne, I am up for anything....

[DarkLore]

If we could all find cheap shiatsu massagers at the second hand stores...I'd be okay with building a grave escape.

[joker]

If we could all find cheap shiatsu massagers at the second hand stores...I'd be okay with building a grave escape.

I've already built one, but I picked up another massager yesturday for $4 and am considering building something else with one.

[spideranne]

I have two shiatsu's from the thrift store just sitting around. If we go that direction I'd be happy to look for more. The local resale shop always seems to have one when I go.

So do we decide on a project first or do we pick a date and go from there?

[beelce]

I just found out that the Mass. M&T will be building the motion sensor powerstrip hack that I posted... makes me feel honered...have y'all made a project choice yet...ground breaker could be a good one.

[cerinad]

I would be interested.. i have lots of extra pvc pipe and good sizes of scrap foam and oodles of paint. Just let me know. I am up for building anything so far i haven't tried anything other than static props.

[DarkLore]

If you can find more cheap shiatsus, pick em up. It sounds like we have plenty of people...pick a date.

[spideranne]

Ok folks - lets find a date that works for all of us.

I'm out of town the first weekend in April, but other then that my house is open. I believe Easter is the next weekend, which might take some people out.

How does April 18th or 25th work for everyone?

[Haunted Bayou]

I can't find a cheap shiatsu locally..I could probably order a used one off of ebay or if somebody has an extra one, I could buy from them. Count me in.

Either date will work for me.

[SpookySam]

April is out for me. Family weddings and stuff.

[joker]

Either weekend is good for me. Prefer the 18th then I could bring my son along, otherwise he'll be at his moms.

[spideranne]

HB - I have one you can have. I have had pretty good luck finding them at the CCA Resale shop up here. I'm going to check again this week to see if I can spot some more.

[Haunted Bayou]

Cool ...I'd be happy to reimburse you or bring extra supplies when I come.

[Jaybo]

Dixie and I can do the 18th. It looks like everyone has settled on the shiatsu prop?

[Jaybo]

FYI, there is a group on Garage of Evil's site called Dead Texans that is also scheduling two Make and Takes. One in Round Rock and one in Arlington. Maybe we could team up?

[DarkLore]

I'm going to need a shiatsu as well - if we're going with a shiatsu prop. I can do the 18th, but the 25th would be better.

What do we need to bring..materials, tools? Any prep work necessary?

[DarkLore]

FYI, there is a group on Garage of Evil's site called Dead Texans that is also scheduling two Make and Takes. One in Round Rock and one in Arlington. Maybe we could team up?

The GoE site says the M&T in Arlington isn't until June 13, 2009. The Round Rock M&T isn't in the DFW area.

[Jaybo]

The GoE site says the M&T in Arlington isn't until June 13, 2009. The Round Rock M&T isn't in the DFW area.
Sorry, I'm not suggesting everyone drive down to Austin or wait until June for a make and take. I was just pointing out there are other people in Texas who are looking to get together, several in the DFW area and others who would be willing to travel to DFW. The more the merrier!

[DarkLore]

The more the merrier!

Anyone with foam board and a wiper motor is a friend of ours.

[Dixie]

I have more foam board than I have groceries (haha, sorry honey... "Props before Dinner", wasn't that in our vows??) ... but I don't have a shiatsu either.. so if thats what we pick, let us know so I can find time to dig one up!

[spideranne]

So it looks like it will be the Sat. April 18th and lets make it a shiatsu project, that way everyone can start looking for one. If we get closer and no one can find one we can re-evaluate and choose something else.

Joker - since you've done one before can you post us a list of stuff we'll need?

[spideranne]

Found another shiatsu today at the resale shop for $4.19. So I'll have another extra if someone can't find one.

[Haunted Bayou]

There are a few on the evil EBAY. I'll keep my eyes open but I can never find them for a reasonable price.
I'll stop at thrift stores when I am out in the field.

We could also have a secondary project. A lot of make and takes have more than one thing they work on.

I have a rotisserie motor and have been to chicken to make my ghost fly.

[DarkLore]

We could also have a secondary project. A lot of make and takes have more than one thing they work on.

I have a rotisserie motor and have been to chicken to make my ghost fly.

I can help with crank ghosts. I made mine with aluminum, but I could just as easily have made it with wood.

Tombstones, brick walls, kickers, flicker circuits, etc....bring it on.

[DarkLore]

Bayou - I just checked your pics. She's a wonderful ghost. You gotta make her fly. And we can whip up led eyes if interested.

[Haunted Bayou]

Thanks DarkLore. She has a killer bod. LOL! I use a black plastic body form. I never gave her arms and would love to get her moving. I never thought to put eyes in her. I wonder how blue eyes would look.

Sure....let's go for it! Thanks! I have the rotisserie motor. Would that be good enough or should I invest in a gear motor? I have asked about using the rotisserie before and got some good tips. I'll go back and look at that again. Any help is appreciated.
If you have the parts for the eyes, I can reimburse you for them at the M&T.

BTW, I love your Zuni avatar. One of my favorite cheese movies! The remake is hilarious. "Aheeee ua ya eeeeeee!" LOL!

[DarkLore]

Yes, I have parts for making eyes...blue, red, etc....I'll bring them to the M&T.

I don't mean to steer the thread...but....I think a gear motor is easier, and a cleaner solution. A gear motor like the one from MonsterGuts mounts easily with four #10-32 bolts. Then you mount an aluminum crank to the shaft. But it's not necessary if you have a rotisserie motor in hand.

With rotisserie motor, you have to figure out how you want to make use of the shaft. Bend it as a crank, cut it and mount a crank....whatever. PM me a photo and dimensions if you can.

[steveshauntedyard]

Well is everyone excited yet. I can't wait for the 25th. Hope everyone can come. I will for sure try and make the June Make and take in the DFW area.

[DarkLore]

So it looks like it will be the Sat. April 18th and lets make it a shiatsu project...

shy...According to the thread, I think it was decided that we do this on the 18th. You're welcome to wait on the 25th as well though.

As for motors...I've tried half a dozen thrift stores....I think yall beat me to them.

[joker]

Joker - since you've done one before can you post us a list of stuff we'll need?

Sorry for the delayed response.

Here's SpookySams how-to on this (http://www.evilmanor.com/spookysamszombiegraveescape/). I started with this but ended up modifying mine some based on parts I had a round the house. I couldn't find the plastic plumbers tape so ended up using some long plastic cable ties.


So what's the date? 18th or 25th? Are we working on FCG's and some sort of Shiatsu projects?

[spideranne]

Yep - we are a go for the 18th at my place with a Shiatsu project and anything else people want to work on. (I think the TXFX group is doing one down in the Austin area on the 25th)

I found three more shiatsu's at the Goodwill last week. So I am up to a total of 6. One for me, one for HB, and 4 up for grabs for whoever needs one.

[DarkLore]

Yep - we are a go for the 18th at my place with a Shiatsu project and anything else people want to work on. (I think the TXFX group is doing one down in the Austin area on the 25th)

I found three more shiatsu's at the Goodwill last week. So I am up to a total of 6. One for me, one for HB, and 4 up for grabs for whoever needs one.

I need one of the shiatsus please, two if possible. And, eventually, directions. :zombie:

[Dixie]

Seriously, where is everyone finding these shiatsu's at?!?! LOL, We are down to like 2 Goodwills on the NE Side of the DFW Metroplex, and I have sent hubby to both, as well as trolling Craigslist... I can't find them ANYwhere!! Ah well, I have 11 days to find 2, so I will keep looking!!!

[SpookySam]

Wish I could make it, guys. I have to be in Corpus Christi for my cousin's wedding. Take lots of pictures. My grave escaper has been asking to see his relatives.

[Haunted Bayou]

Dixie, there are a few on EvilBAY but check with spideranne she has been hoarding them for people people.

I am looking forward to this project.

Do we have a supply list yet so I'll know what to buy?

[spideranne]

Dixie - you can have one of the one's I've picked up if you can't find one.

Here is the link Joker posted of Spooky Sam's design. It has the parts list.
http://www.evilmanor.com/spookysamszombiegraveescape

Sam, its a bummer that you can't join us since you are the "creator". We'll take lots of pics.

[Haunted Bayou]

Darn Sam can't make it. (oops just saw the first link..sorry about that). I will bring my camera.

I need to get busy this week and get all my stuff together.

[Dixie]

Thanks spideranne, I will keep looking to see if I can find some, because both Jaybo and I will need one.... but if I can't find any, we would surely pay for your extras.... I appreciate it :)

[Haunted Bayou]

Is everybody doing o.k. for supplies? I managed to get just about everything at Lowes'...btw I hate Lowes because of "just about" they are always out of something. I went to ACE where you aren't forced to buy a 20 count bag of something.

[joker]

Here's another prop that uses Shiatsu messager

A Spider victim
Spider Victim Video remix by doubledekn - Photobucket

^Click image to view video^

Parts list for Massage to Spider Victim
Shiatsu Massager
2 hinges
Light Chain - 5'
Wood screws
Board 1/2 x 4" x 5'
Chicken wire
Dressing:
Head/Face/Mask
Cloth/Clothing
Spiderweb
Spiders

Still looking for the other zombie (standing) how to that I saw a while back that used the shiatsu massager.

[spideranne]

I just went back through the thread and PM'd everyone who indicated they were coming.

Joker
Haunted Bayou
Dixie
Jaybo
Darklore
Cerinad ?

If I missed someone who's coming, let me know so I can get you my address.

What do you think, get started around noon and stay till whenever?

I'll make some food, but you'll need to bring your own liquid refreshment. :D

[DarkLore]

Sounds good to me.

[joker]

We are going to be running a little late. My son has a 10:15 baseball game which should be over about 11:30ish depending on actual start time. Then it's about an hour and a half to two hour drive.

Has anyone been able to find the plastic plumbers tape? Can't seem to locate it anywhere around here.

[spideranne]

I found the tape at Home Depot, thought it wasn't called plumbers tape - I'm pretty sure it's the same thing. It was in the same isle as the pvc but down near the end with the galvanized pipe. I think it was called hanger strapping, I'll look at the package tonight. There is 25 feet in a package, so unless I'm a real goof at building this I imagine I'll have some to spare.

[Dixie]

I found the tape at Home Depot, thought it wasn't called plumbers tape - I'm pretty sure it's the same thing. It was in the same isle as the pvc but down near the end with the galvanized pipe. I think it was called hanger strapping, I'll look at the package tonight.

It took us forEVER to find that stuff a few days ago at Lowe's... all that white started blinding me, I guess, LOL. It was on the PVC aisle, down the aisle a bit, in one of those sections with all the little bins. It came in 25, 50, and 100 ft rolls. The only way I spotted it was noticing the roll in the bin.

Hey, Spideranne, do you need any more food at all, or just bring our own drinks?

[Jaybo]

We found the tape at Lowes close to the PVC fittings. I overlooked it several times, because I kept finding the metal hanger tape. It was right next to the metal tape. There were like three or four different metal types of tape and only the one plastic type, so it was very easy to overlook. I bought fifty foot of tape, so don't worry if you can't find any. I have everything needed except the actual Shiatsu Massager! I finally won one on eBay yesterday, but it won't arrive until next week. I'll be hitting the thrift stores and pawn shops again tonight to see if I can find anything. Just as a side note, Homedics has discontinued both the SM-100 and SM200 Shiatsu Massagers. What stock they have left, they are selling on clearance for $25 on their website. http://www.homedics.com/clearance/catalog/category/view/p/3/id/37/

It seems they have free shipping for today only if any one is interested.

[joker]

We found the tape at Lowes close to the PVC fittings. I overlooked it several times, because I kept finding the metal hanger tape. It was right next to the metal tape. There were like three or four different metal types of tape and only the one plastic type, so it was very easy to overlook. I bought fifty foot of tape, so don't worry if you can't find any. I have everything needed except the actual Shiatsu Massager! I finally won one on eBay yesterday, but it won't arrive until next week. I'll be hitting the thrift stores and pawn shops again tonight to see if I can find anything. Just as a side note, Homedics has discontinued both the SM-100 and SM200 Shiatsu Massagers. What stock they have left, they are selling on clearance for $25 on their website. http://www.homedics.com/clearance/catalog/category/view/p/3/id/37/

It seems they have free shipping for today only if any one is interested.

Hmmmm wonder if they'd consider a group buyout?

[Haunted Bayou]

Der...are we starting at noon?

[cerinad]

Well, I wont be able to make it. I am in the middle of moving this weekend..Oh well, yall have lots of fun, I'll try and make the next one.

[spideranne]

Noon it is, or when everyone gets here. I'm sure we won't lack for something to talk about. Can't wait to meet everyone. If you have an extra folding chair, bring it along. I just realized that I only have about 4 chairs and not everyone may want to sit on the ground. :)

[Haunted Bayou]

I have a few folding chairs I can bring.

[Dixie]

Woohoo, I'm getting excited now! ;)

Jaybo and I will be there around 1230 to 1pm and will bring our chairs and some drinks.

Spideranne, we are definitely going to have to buy one of the massagers from you tomorrow, we gave up looking for one that would get here in time. Ugh. Sorry about that!! :/

Look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow! Safe travels!

[Dixie]

What a fun time we had yesterday... Spideranne, thank you so much for your hospitality, and allowing us to use your beautiful home for the make & take yesterday, it was a blast.

Here's a shot of everyone (except me, who was the photographer, LOL) modeling the arms for their zombies...
http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p390/mydawnie/4-18LewisvilleMakeTake018.jpg
L-R: Jaybo, DarkLore, Spideranne, and Haunted Bayou

And a shot of our shiatsu's as we configured the body part measurements and tested
http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p390/mydawnie/4-18LewisvilleMakeTake025.jpg


Can't wait to do it again, you guys! Thanks so much!

[spideranne]

Agreed! Had a great time, can't wait till next time.

[Haunted Bayou]

Yep, had a great time. Thanks spideranne for being hostess again and feeding me again.

And thanks to DarkLore who was kind enough to share some of his builds, knowledge and skill and helped me get my ghost off the ground.

Dixie and Jaybo also was kind enough to show us some of their paper mache' work.

Actually, DarkLore and Jaybo did most of the work...we kinda watched and learned. http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smash.gif

And boy does Jaybo wield a mean pvc cutter.......http://www.celicahobby.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bolt.gif

[DarkLore]

It was fun all. Joker and others...sorry we missed you.

[Jaybo]

Yep, had a great time. Thanks spideranne for being hostess again and feeding me again.

And thanks to DarkLore who was kind enough to share some of his builds, knowledge and skill and helped me get my ghost off the ground.

Dixie and Jaybo also was kind enough to show us some of their paper mache' work.

Actually, DarkLore and Jaybo did most of the work...we kinda watched and learned. http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smash.gif

And boy does Jaybo wield a mean pvc cutter.......http://www.celicahobby.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bolt.gif
That PVC cutter is the coolest thing ever! I wish I had one of those last year when I built our PVC fence. That would have saved a TON of work!

Loved meeting everyone and look forward to doing it again! I promise I won't hijack the make and take next time! ;) Sorry about that.