Cheap 8' Jack in the Box

Toktorill · #1 09-10-2009

Hey all! Time to dust off some old video for a prop how-to. *cough*

*cough*

Our 2008 haunt had a carnival theme, and this was our second largest prop after the vortex tunnel. Here's a short video that should give an idea of how it works. Sorry, but all the plans and measurements were lost and forgotten, but if I had to guess I would say you need:

14 2x4's
2 1x4's
scrap plywood for forearms
10' nylon rope
4 door hinges (for body)
4 smaller hinges (arms are lighter)
Thick screws or bolts with washers for door hinges- standard 1.5" screws were being pulled out!
"Jack" decorations: scary mask, fake hands, fabric, etc.

YouTube- Cheap 8' tall Jack in the Box

Some notes off the top of my head:

The forearm plywood is cut at an angle, so that it falls flush to the body to fit back into the box.

There is a piece of wood connected to the bottom piece of the upper arm that is angled behind the back to connect the nylon to. Pulling down on that "shoulder blade" lifts the arm.

The lever at back was made in the shape of an L so the haunter can push it all the way to the floor without having to bend over.

We were able to "jump" at patrons much faster than demonstrated here.

Thanks for viewing, please comment!

Revenant · #2 09-10-2009

Jeebus... The King of Cheep triumphs again. Dude, you are my hero. Your ability to create Mondo Cool stuff out of damned near nuthin' just amazes me. Pro haunts on a home haunter's budget. Martha Stewart would be downright embarrassed if she looked at your stuff.

fritz42_male · #3 09-10-2009

This was very handy for me - it gave me the perfect format for 'launching' a seated prop into a standing position. Thanks very much

doggieshop · #4 09-10-2009

OOOOHHHHHH... AAAAAAAHHHHHH So Cool! WE are doing CarnEvil/Circus this year. I would like to try this! Thanks.......Any other CarnEvil ideas???

sharpobject · #5 09-10-2009

Very impressive!!! so simple - so effective - so big. thanks for the how-to.

tot13 · #6 09-10-2009

sigh. I love this and have the perfect spot for this at the Trail. I'm gonna have to quit my job to get all this stuff done in time. Thanks for the excellent how-to and also for taking the time to share your ideas.

HalloweenZombie · #7 09-10-2009

Great mechanics on that one! That's a prop to be proud of. Very informative video too!

Toktorill · #8 09-10-2009

Everyone, thank you SO MUCH for all the great compliments!

Quote:

Originally Posted by doggieshop

OOOOHHHHHH... AAAAAAAHHHHHH So Cool! WE are doing CarnEvil/Circus this year. I would like to try this! Thanks.......Any other CarnEvil ideas???

Our 2008 haunt was themed "Haunted Midway" so yes, quite a few ideas. This JIB and the Vortex Tunnel were two of those. I think it would be best if I covered the other props elsewhere- I'll pm you when I have something up. A few older ideas you could twist to your theme might be our temple entrance, hidden door and endless hallway (from the Temple of Boo), and a version of our torture wheel with a "throwing knife accident"

If your doing CarnEvil, just remember: everyone LOVES clowns.

One of my older threads involved making 8' tall giants out of $5-$10 worth of lumber and dollar store plastic tablecloths. We did a devil, but wouldn't a giant clown looming out of the darkness with arms flailing get more... laughs? ha. Ha. hahaha hahahaa hahaha haaahahaa HAAAA HAAA HAAAAA!

hpropman · #9 09-11-2009

very nice

pennywise · #10 09-13-2009

How Cool! I am definatley building something similar to this for next year. Thanks!