In the video, it appears you just press down on one side.
Are there actual buttons, or do you just depress the top?
Do the hand icons indicate which side to press for one or two decks?
Lotus Shuffler (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter Himewad
- Start date
In the video, it appears you just press down on one side.
Are there actual buttons, or do you just depress the top?
Do the hand icons indicate which side to press for one or two decks?
I could see this working in a game like mine, where we have a dealer and two decks alternating.
The button gets the deck from the last hand, and is supposed to shuffle them several times during the hand. Then the dealer gives them a couple more riffles/cuts. Player shuffling skillz and thoroughness vary a lot.
In theory I could see the dealer then taking the deck and putting it once through this machine and cutting it.
But in reality it takes my dealer almost no time to do that anyway and I doubt he would want this taking up space next to his setup.
The button gets the deck from the last hand, and is supposed to shuffle them several times during the hand. Then the dealer gives them a couple more riffles/cuts. Player shuffling skillz and thoroughness vary a lot.
In theory I could see the dealer then taking the deck and putting it once through this machine and cutting it.
But in reality it takes my dealer almost no time to do that anyway and I doubt he would want this taking up space next to his setup.
OP
OP
It’s not really a button. More of a sensor. The one on the left runs long enough to shuffle one deck. The one on the right runs long enough to shuffle two decks.
OP
OP
Well, I just found out that Phase 10 cards are bridge size. So they don’t work in this shuffler. UNO cards are poker size and will work.
Now I’m trying to brainstorm a 3D printed insert that will make this machine work for bridge size cards. I think it’s possible. Something that is 1/8” thick that can hang on each edge of the base (so it doesn’t move), goes down to the bottom of the deck tray, but it needs to arch up in the center so it doesn’t interfere with the spinning wheels.
@Sparkynutz , I’ve got another project for you!
Now I’m trying to brainstorm a 3D printed insert that will make this machine work for bridge size cards. I think it’s possible. Something that is 1/8” thick that can hang on each edge of the base (so it doesn’t move), goes down to the bottom of the deck tray, but it needs to arch up in the center so it doesn’t interfere with the spinning wheels.
@Sparkynutz , I’ve got another project for you!
Do it!
@Himewad When you talked to the developer did he say anything about trying to make it work for Bridge cards in later models?
He could possibly make some sales if he did.
This is exactly what I've been looking for. Something compact and simple to operate. I have one player that doesn't have an arm and doesn't shuffle of course. He'll love it.
I googled the batteries and it said 4 D size. I assume it will last a good while. Going to place an order. Thanks for posting @Himewad !
I googled the batteries and it said 4 D size. I assume it will last a good while. Going to place an order. Thanks for posting @Himewad !
OP
OP
I sent the developer a fairly lengthy email with my feedback, including that bridge size cards didn’t work. I will follow up. Seems like it should be an easy fix.
Also, unless our UNO cards are just old, the internet lied because our two decks are also bridge size. Dammit.
OP
OP
The battery is a 9-volt. Not D.
Lars
Flush
Thanks for sharing this James.
If your modification can be made for bridge size do you think it would it still work for poker size?
If your modification can be made for bridge size do you think it would it still work for poker size?
OP
OP
Oh absolutely. I was thinking two separate pieces. They would overlap the edge, or hang on either side edge. And just remove them when using poker size cards.
Have to admit I don't get it! From the video it looks like 5 'riffles' take more physical action, more time and more noise than 5 actual riffle shuffles, which barely take longer themselves than cutting and squaring a deck x5?
OP
OP
Surely you have come across people who just can't shuffle properly, no matter how hard they try. I think that's the point of any automatic shuffler.
I’d definitely offer to shuffle in someone’s place before I put that thing on the table.
Any word back from the developer on bridge card compatibility or any progress on a DIY 3D printed solution?
OP
OP
I'm unconvinced that my 3D print idea will work. I think the developer is going to revise the machine to either (1) have an extra set of spinning wheels to grab smaller cards, or (2) move the spinning wheels to grab smaller cards.
I need to reach out to them again to see if I can return my machine. I was really hoping that I would at least be able to use it for family card games, but all of those games seem to use bridge size cards, and this machine failed to shuffle those decks at all.
They claim that Bicycle bridge cards worked in their testing, but I haven't found a single deck of bridge size cards that works.
I need to reach out to them again to see if I can return my machine. I was really hoping that I would at least be able to use it for family card games, but all of those games seem to use bridge size cards, and this machine failed to shuffle those decks at all.
They claim that Bicycle bridge cards worked in their testing, but I haven't found a single deck of bridge size cards that works.
Shame, one of my buddies that I play cribbage with is starting to have problems shuffling due to arthritis issues. I think he would appreciate one of these as a gift. Even though I don't have any problems shuffling (yet) I also would be willing to try one myself if it worked with Bridge cards.
On a side note, if you are looking for a shuffler that is cheap and works well with both sizes of cards,I was pleasantly surprised with this one on Amazon.
https://a.co/d/1y5wJHd
It has a rechargeable battery, is quick, and does a very good job. I can get 5 shuffles done in about 30 seconds. I bought it for the same reason as others. I got tired of seeing some players who cannot shuffle well, bending cards way too much, and sometimes playing 52 pickup.
https://a.co/d/1y5wJHd
It has a rechargeable battery, is quick, and does a very good job. I can get 5 shuffles done in about 30 seconds. I bought it for the same reason as others. I got tired of seeing some players who cannot shuffle well, bending cards way too much, and sometimes playing 52 pickup.
This would be great for my 5 year old who loves playing games. He gets frustrated that his hands are too small to shuffle
Used the Lotus shuffler for the first time last night. It was a big hit especially with my friend with one arm. He kept saying how a particular player had shuffled many many hands for him and won't have to anymore.
The battery that was included was a tad too small and wouldn't work. The owner said he thought it was a defective batch.
The battery that was included was a tad too small and wouldn't work. The owner said he thought it was a defective batch.
Very interesting! I always see these auto shufflers on Amazon and assume they're crap, or just novelty. But glad for the first-hand testimonial. Might have to get one to try for my group. Especially for the one guy who always forgets it's his turn to shuffle...
OP
OP
Glad to hear it’s working for you! Works fantastic on poker size cards. But I really needed one that works on both poker and bridge size cards. I did request a refund from the manufacturer, and they immediately replied with a return mail slip and offered a full refund. Excellent customer service.
The guy even mentioned that he saw my post on the forum, and thanked me for bringing it to the attention of so many card players. I really hope he takes this machine to the next level to make it work for both card sizes, because I’ll definitely give it another chance.
If it proves to be durable, $65 is a very fair price.
I think you can save time by beginning with the "reverse" riffle, which makes the deck whole, and then immediately press the "normal" riffle sensor. So it can run at double the pace of an elementary machine.
IMHO, two riffles (on an initially "washed" deck) are enough between good friends, since the deck is also randomized through cutting and dealing.
Four riffles should be enough with people whom you don't know enough. Preventing them from shuffling is another good reason to get a machine do it.
I think you can save time by beginning with the "reverse" riffle, which makes the deck whole, and then immediately press the "normal" riffle sensor. So it can run at double the pace of an elementary machine.
IMHO, two riffles (on an initially "washed" deck) are enough between good friends, since the deck is also randomized through cutting and dealing.
Four riffles should be enough with people whom you don't know enough. Preventing them from shuffling is another good reason to get a machine do it.
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