How to keep from ripping cards while splitting them

Oct 4, 2017
65
31
As the tittle says I am working on splitting cards from from back to make some gaffs. I need double backers etc...

I need to be also to split cards to make the seamless style flap card and to finish a gimmick I recently purchased.

I have watched countless videos and tutorials etc... they make it look soo easy. I go as slow as possible and always rip them. I have tried everything and am frustrated and discouraged. I am out of ideas... anyone with experience that can help would be appreciated.
 
Oct 4, 2017
65
31
I would suggest reaching out to Jeremy Hanrahan (GaffGuy) He is a good friend of mine and basically doing most of the exclusive gaffs these days for the major companies. He is a good friend of mine. Tell him Mike O’Brien sent you and he will be happy to help. He has some tutorials on his channel as well.

http://gaffguy.com/about-me/

Thanks I have tried every technique I have found and havent come close to splitting a card. Not even half... I have 8 cards left in the deck I was using to practice splitting and so far I am outta luck...
 
Oct 4, 2017
65
31
I went ahead and shot GaffGuy an email. Thank you. Hope to bear back from him soon. Just destroyed the rest of the deck ☹
 
Jan 26, 2017
2,173
1,338
23
Virginia
I will second Justin's advice.

Get Blake Vogt's Split Sessions. You'll get a perfect deck of cards split in about 10 min, and he explains what you need to do if it rips.
 
Oct 4, 2017
65
31
Update:
Managed to split almost a whole deck with only ruining roughly half dozen cards. I attribute it to the kind words of encouragement. I suppose the few early failures really had me down but the confidence is coming back.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Justin.Morris
Oct 4, 2017
65
31
Any advice when it comes to reassembling cards into gaffs? Like which glues do you find best, been expirementing with a few. I also press the cards for a few hrs when done. My only issue is my cards look as if they hsve been rolled if you look closely enough... they have those micro stresses on the surface. Happens during peeling process. Nor do they seem to stay truely flat the cards look worn.

I am attempting to make Hondos Flap cards. Watched his video 3x and they look superb and crisp. So currently just building stock for assembly. He does coat them with a clear matte spray paint lightly to help imperfections not show under bright light conditions havent tried that method yet but plan to purchase some before I start assembling.
 
Feb 12, 2018
1
0
Any advice when it comes to reassembling cards into gaffs? Like which glues do you find best, been expirementing with a few.

The classic approach is Elmers no-wrinkle rubber cement. It's worked great for me, but it's really hard to get where I live due to import restrictions in NZ. Easy if you live in the states though - just search on amazon.
 
Searching...
{[{ searchResultsCount }]} Results