Hey guys!
    What a thrill to finally get registered instead of lurking in the shadows.  I'd like to be one of the 10 members out of the nearly 300 that post regularly, but seeing as I'm just getting started on the cups and balls I may be a little slow to get some momentum here.  My question concerns tables.  I am nearly certain I'll be getting one from tabman, and I was curious about table height.  Is there a good rule of thumb to determine table height.  I will probably be standing, and I'm about 6' tall so I'll take any advice that your generous community has to offer.  Also, if there is a good rule of thumb for a table that one could sit at I'm all ears as well.  Does anyone know if tabman sells an x frame stand?   I noticed the table tops, but the are all sold without stands, if they don't, I would greatly appreciate any leads on a place I could find these.  Check out the foxy 2.5's that Don just made up for me! (my profile pic)  My first set and I love 'em!  Only took me 4 hours of grave robbing to get enough jewelry to pawn off for the money.  Anyways, please take this opportunity to welcome me to the family...  Can't wait to get to know you all!  Later friends.

Hi Zachary! Welcome to the group!

Yes, Tabman sells X frame stands, but you can possibly save some money and buy a waiter's tray stand. You won't have the intermediate shelf or some of the other features of his, but it'll serve you well for many years as you develop your cup skills.

As far as height, I adjust mine so my hands can rest flat on the surface with my elbows comfortably flexed. That gives me enough height that I can rest the outside edge of my hand on the table for certain moves and not have to crouch. If I stoop too low, my back will give out after just a few shows.

Others will say to adjust the table to cover the edge of your pouch, but I think of it the other way. I adjust for comfort first, and then worry about the pouch. As you can see in my avatar, mine is about an inch or so above the table, but using handling learned from Gazzo, nobody notices and nobody sees my hands dip below the table surface which to me is a dead giveaway.

Zackary… Welcome to CupsCon!!! I have never performed the Cups standing so I found Dave’s reply pretty interesting. Good luck with your new Foxy 2.5 Cups, you picked a good set. I hope they turn for you the color that you want.

Take care,
Bruce

Interesting that you say that Bruce,  I would rather do it sitting (cups and balls!).  I think it makes you seem more approachable and diffuses the wall that there seems to be between a standing performer and his audience.  But some of my material is done standing.  That being said, do you think it is awkward, or breaks rhythm (sp) to go from sitting to standing during a performance?  Performing seated raises a whole new host of questions, but I'll just leave it at that for now.  Thanks for your advice as well Dave.   

I've mailed you details of the perfect tablefor you.
Bri

Zackary… I primarily perform sitting, mostly at the dinning room table or a restaurant with family and friends. I like the safety of a table cloth and my lap to conceal my goings on. I think in many ways the close proximity can cover many sins.

I would think that it would be awkward going from the table to standing during the same performance, but that might just be me. I do have a set of Chick Cups that I planned to use standing in a parlor show, but have yet to really get there. You might want to consider if your Foxy 2.5s are large enough for a large group; even though they conceal a good size load, the Cups themselves are pretty small.

I sent you a PM at TMC regarding developing a patina… it really works.

Again welcome,
Bruce

Thanks Bruce!  I looked at that table, I will surely feel some guilt in buying it (female inflicted), but considering I graduated from the 'buy it once, and buy the best' school of thought, I find myself justified...  It'll be a month or two, but I'll toss a review up in the appropriate section here.  And thanks to you Bruce for confirming my feelings on alternating between sitting and standing.  I like your advice for the patina, I'll be using it over the next couple of weeks, probably at the expense of my percieved sanity, oh well...  Thanks for the valuable advice guys.  My best to you all 

Hi Zachary,

First off welcome. Concerning the height of the table well....for me it's easy. I have found out that because of ergonomic reasons the table top should be 5 or 6 inches below the elbow. Atleast that worked for me, but I am not a fulltime busker nor will I ever be. I found it out when practicing standing.

I love the foxy's, check out my aviator too. 

Hope this helps.

Etienne

I never perform the cups and balls while seated.