How to build a switchable magnet

[@daviddeboer87]

I appreciate anyone that takes the time and trouble to produce a video, more so if I find the information useful. This was great, helpful hints, pointing out possible mistakes, detailed instructions, honest comments about purchase versus DIY. Perfect, thank you.

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Thank you David, glad you got something from the video. Oddly enough I’m now employed by Magswitch and this is the video that started me down that path. Life is funny

[@sdcofer52]

I really like your honesty and straightforward approach. It was an interesting build, thanks.

[@leebrewer1190]

Great idea for a DIY'er. I also very much appreciate the honest comment at the end of how this design saves money, but takes time. Suggestion - large headed bolts, heads down, screwed into place instead of metal rods. Inexpensive and if short ones are bought - no cutting.

[@btrswt35]

Glue sticks, not hot glue, work well for glueing paper templates without a mess or squeeze out.

[@judy-9999]

I thought “glue sticks” are used to make “hot glue”??? BTW ~(since I’m here)~ Can someone tell me if there are glue sticks of different “quality’s” that work better than others, cause the dollar store glue does NOT work well, 🤔🗯 BUT MAYBE it’s because of my “glue gun”? ... also from the dollar store 😕 THANK YOU for helpful replies & suggestions 👍😊

[@PablumMcDump]

@@judy-9999 While the rods that go into a hot glue gun have come to be known as glue sticks, David was referring to the kind that children used in place of liquid or paste glue in school -- essentially a thick paste glue in a lipstick dispenser.

[@gfotinakes316]

Nice job! You might want to mention that when you sand the surface smooth, make sure not to heat up the magnets as high temperatures cause a loss of magnetism.

[@davidhmorton]

Andrew, congratulations clever design. this "platter" design is similar to a design from GM, patented in 2005. By the way Ok for people to still build but, u need permission for commercial products. Magswitch has different platter design, we use different sizes. 10mm. 15mm, 20mm and 30mm. The sizes effect field depth and smaller is stronger, relatively, than the larger on thin material

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Are you David Morton, Magswitch CEO? If so I’m adding you on linked in.

[@austinricks5292]

@@AndrewKleinWW I guess that turned out well, huh? 😂

[@Hatchmade]

Your sales pitch at the end was spot on... That was very cool to watch, thanks for sharing.

[@AndrewKleinWW]

It was kinda an anti sales pitch, haha

[@AsylumArtifacts]

I don't yet know where I will need this, but I have to make it! Thanks for thorough instructions!🤘😎👍

[@reforzar]

Super strong magnets! Why not make the outside shape rectangular so you have a reference surface that is flat and consistent?

[@abcaabca6364]

Actually 6-sided would be better for installing all the magnets (and drilling their holes).

[@braulioperez181]

Thanks for being so frank and telling the things as they are!

[@AndrewKleinWW]

You bet

[@judy-9999]

@@AndrewKleinWW 👍 I ESPECIALLY like the part when you tell us the $PRICE$ of each piece ~that’s very informative & helpful, in THIS particular type of demonstration (comparing). Most people don’t share info as frankly as you did & I appreciate this. 🤩😇👏 THANK YOU 👏👍🥳🇨🇦❤️

[@KarlBunker]

This would have been a lot more interesting if you had done some explaining about how and why this thing works.

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Magic

[@root1657]

Even the Insane Clown Posse doesn't understand magnets, how do you expect anyone else to figure it out?

[@Laugh1ngboy]

The steal posts are separate. When he turns the top they align with the ones on the bottom and transfer the magnetic field to the bottom posts. Turning them on.

[@root1657]

@@Laugh1ngboy Nothing is stolen. Also, the steel posts are aligned in both positions, however, the magnets are arranged so that in one position they line up so that the top and bottom work together to make a much stronger field, and in the other position, they are aligned so that the magnets of the 2 layers basically cancel each other. This is why the magnets have to be alternated. If they weren't alternated, then this wouldn't work, because there would be no difference in what is lined up in the different positions. If you really want to suck all the fun out of it, check out the explanation here: www.kjmagnetics.com/blog.asp?p=magswitch

[@Laugh1ngboy]

@@root1657 Well I didn't figure on telling every one the entire secret on how to build your own. Invalidating the reason to purchase plans.

[@andrewtirado1778]

I’m an artist, and often work on very large canvases/panels. Up until now, rather than use an easel, I have used a cleat system where I have what looks a bit like a ladder mounted near the wall with “rungs” comprised of wood cleats with the top edge beveled back 45 degrees, and a corresponding piece of wood screwed to the back side of the panel with the other half of the cleat, bottom edge beveled back 45 degrees. Then, I can simply slip the panel onto a “rung” at the desired height rather than have to climb up on a stool to work on parts of the paintings. But it’s a pain, with larger panels, to have to ask someone to assist me in raising and lowering the piece onto different rungs. So I’m making a new system without cleats where a winch will do the raising and lowering of a sled that will somehow connect to the back side of the panel. Only, I’ve been stuck trying to figure out how to securely connect the panels to the sled. What I want is to be able to slip the panel onto the sled while the panel is resting on the floor. Compounding things is that I’d really like the option of rotating the paintings to work on them inverted at times (when working abstractly). All that to say that while your video has given me a good solution that should allow me to not only secure a panel to a sled but also rotate it. I think I’ll want something like what you’ve made, only more like 2’ in diameter, with more magnets, and the ability to do a full 360 rotation, not just a back and forth, on/off.

[@robertodabashian8687]

Very similar to Larry Fullerton's "Correlated Magnets," a technology that you might be fascinated with.

[@ElectricGears]

I've often cleaned metal filings from magnets by padding/rubbing them with duct tape.

[@AtomkeySinclair]

That was one of the neatest builds I've seen in a long time. Thanks a bunch for your time and content man... Well done.

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Thank you, good to hear

[@MrPatdeeee]

Andrew, how did you find out how those "mag switches" work? I had wondered that ever since they came out. Thanks for sharing it with us kind Sir.

[@TrevorDennis100]

Andrew, I am really pleased to have found your channel (via James @ Stumpy Nubs). I'm a retired engineer/toolmaker who has discovered the joy of working with wood in my retirement, but I still love using the metal lathe and milling machine as much as the wood shop machines, and I am seeing some great project ideas already. I will absolutely be making a switchable magnet, but probably not copying your design exactly. BTW I have a pretty cool vice project getting close to being finished, but nowhere near as elaborate as your twin screw vice. That is a thing of beauty!

[@thomasgibbons353]

A lot of amateur engineering sprung from my mind as I followed your interesting video. Thanks.

[@ryanroberts6226]

I used the large template and 50% sized the plans and used 1/4" rod and magnets. It worked pretty well and for cutting the rod, I drilled a hole through a chunk of 4x4 ane pushed theres through to length and used a metal blade on my sawzall. Not as good as a bandsaw, but much easier than a hacksaw.

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Awesome, you post pictures anywhere?

[@ryanroberts6226]

@@AndrewKleinWW I didnt. It's not pretty, just my first whack at it. LARGE learning experience...

[@garyhorton6652]

I really appreciate your reflections at the end of you fine video!

[@AndrewKleinWW]

You bet

[@shawncolon4506]

Can you make a smaller version to attach to a pair of gloves? Put an actuating switch on the side by the thumb

[@hazembata]

I appreciate your honest assessment about the price and savings at the end.

[@craigf9031]

I found it interesting. Didn't understand 90% of it, but interesting none the less.

[@kerrygibbs8198]

Very interesting video. I appreciate your straight forward advice at the end when discussing cost and time. Keep up the good work

[@Nomadboatbuilding]

Just a quick tip about applying patterns in case it comes in handy for you. You can transfer the toner from laser prints with a cloths iron. Works best if you print to glossy paper. Hey what was the cost on each for the magnets?

[@drrrrockzo]

WITCHCRAFT...BOIL HIM IN OIL! But seriously this is super cool...I've wondered how switchable magnets work for a long time but never imagined it was so straightforward. Awesome wood working skills too, I exclusively work in metal...i can machine exotic alloyies to ten thousanths of an inch but, I struggle to build a wooden box.

[@gorillaau]

You could build it out of a non ferrous material instead of ply. Perhaps a bit of scrap under your bench? :-)

[@MagnetOnlyMotors]

2:11 nice to see all your proper safety precautions !

[@joeferguson2187]

Nice! A handle would be and awesome addition since you'd be lifting stuff, backside of where those screws go in could be an awesome attach point, just use longer screws :) Awesome tool for the shop!

[@dccameron]

I really like this video and it got me thinking...I'm working on a version with two switchables and a handle for picking up and moving my 3D printer

[@boblasley5640]

Thanks Andy! Templates are downloaded and the project is added to my list, er, scroll. I'm thinking aluminum might be more durable than plywood, especially in the machine shop.

[@AndrewKleinWW]

I’m sure that’s true, would love to see an aluminum version

[@ryanroberts6226]

You made a printed one, how about a lexan sheet, or one made by pouring epoxy?

[@amabus]

Build, don't buy, but buy the template

[@juliusvalentinas]

That is called greed. $5.00 is not cheap.

[@DUIofPhysics]

got to pay for the channel some how!

[@juliusvalentinas]

@@DUIofPhysics You mean youtube isn't free anymore?

[@DUIofPhysics]

Got to pay for his Internet, the computer, and his time making then editing the video and uploading it!

[@juliusvalentinas]

@@DUIofPhysics Well youtube supposedly pays you ??? is that no longer true???

[@JackbenchWoodworking]

I like the barbells that you used to demonstrate the magnets

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Reject gear need to be useful for something

[@abcaabca6364]

I just downloaded the wooden mag switch plans. They do not include any dimensions, in particular: 1) the thickness of the plywood 2) the lengths of the steel rods 3) diametric location of the small rods 4) diametric location of the arcs Scaling from a print is poor practice. The video says to make the Base and Mount from 1/4 or 3/8 plywood. The large design uses 1/2inch dia magnets, so 3/8 plywood will not work for the Base which has radial holes. Noting that 12 magnets are used would be helpful. Your source for magnets has increased the cost to $21.50 for 12 large magnets. They are out of the N42 design. But for modestly more, the N45 are available. Any idea if the N42 and N45 ratings are accurate from this place? The quoted pull strengths are 1.5x to 2x too high. McMaster reports lower pull strengths for the better N52 magnets. McMaster is an authoritative source. And a Magswitch 150 now costs a bit more than twice the magnets from your source. Of course, the Magswitch is metallic and smaller.

[@alexandremondo]

0:39 The worst way to glue a piece of paper i have seen, but the rest was very cool.

[@heatwave9589]

Exactly my thoughts ... never seen someone doing it so stupidly

[@freezEware]

@@heatwave9589 guy looked like he was stoned the entire video so... there's that

[@dccameron]

It works

[@sebastienbu]

Alexandra, are you serious? Who cares about this piece of paper.

[@ramonartful]

Fantastic video Andrew!

[@dccameron]

Would it work to use stacked washers instead of cut steel rod? I"m just trying to think of a way to create this design without having to figure out how to cut through steel rod. I also thought that steel dowels might work but for the size I'm thinking they are a little too long, maybe.

[@useracount8544]

I can't see how the posts are fitted with the magnets.. is there a cross section to see this, thanks?

[@krtwood]

Flaunt those vise parts.

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Reject gears

[@m.s.l.7746]

@@AndrewKleinWW for what?

[@ejrupp9555]

@@m.s.l.7746 It's Lent ... he gave up a vise ... :o)

[@Naecofranck]

Hello, i have bought your plan, and there is no mention of the thickness of the wood. I assume 1/2 "as the height of the magnet for the large model? You talk about this in the video, but my english is not good enough to spot where you would give this information. Thanks!

[@VesExcYohannes]

What to buy a template for? If you can zoom and screenshot and fix the flow

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Enough of my audience is honest and won’t rip me off that I don’t worry about it

[@steve_ancell]

Looks very handy for holding things in place, and then being able to switch it off and remove it without scuffing up the workpiece. Great stuff! ;-)

[@Rob-Heaston]

Are the pins just to hold the smaller magnets in place? Pretty cool project. I came here curious how these actually work.

[@ThisTall]

SOOO glad you used Baltic lol you should sand each piece separate with 4-600 grit then Minwax paste wax polish the. They’ll be protected and super low friction and look great

[@beerguy1002000]

Just bought the plans, and well I expected a dimensioned or a .dxf or .dwg file also. Would that be something you can send out too? Thanks

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Sent you an email

[@kylekramer2967]

Pretty cool, I’d definitely like to know more about how these work. I bet you could print one of these pretty easy as well.

[@AndrewKleinWW]

A how it works video and print/CNC files are probably coming in the future

[@RobertSzasz]

If the the top and bottom of a post are the same polarity (switched on), to get to the other pole flux will go through whatever the magnet is placed on to get to the next post. If the discs are rotated so the magnets on top and bottom are different, a magnetic circuit is formed between the center post and the outer one and there would be almost no field strength on the outside. On. Off. (N-S). (N-S) (N-S). (S-N)

[@AndrewKleinWW]

you got it

[@bertkutoob]

There are a number of videos on KZbin that explain how they work.

[@Lynwood_Jackson]

This was incredibly cool. What a useful tool to make!

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Thanks!

[@MrPatdeeee]

Andrew, I have tried and tried to get the template, but it will not let me; even though I have put in everything they ask for. I do not have a mobile phone. Maybe that's it. Not sure. I tried my line phone, still no let me. Sorry bout that.

[@janwarrington]

Could you see a way to make a generator from this ? The force needed to turn off the magnet looks a lot less than the force of attraction when activated. Should be possible eh

[@kurelgyer]

One word: spray glue 😆 Great video!

[@jamingaming9251]

Could you design a switchable magnet for holding a piece of work under a Milling machine or belt sander?

[@dougberrett8094]

Must you use wood, or will aluminum work for the case?

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Aluminum would work if you have the equipment to mill it

[@dougberrett8094]

@@AndrewKleinWW I do. Thanks!

[@yprastyo33]

The iron rod in the centre and six arround, they are just iron bar, or magnet also ?

[@davidjacobs8558]

shouldn't it be possible to make perpetual motion machine with this device? the energy it takes to turn the magnet on and off should be much smaller than potential energy difference between the two stages?

[@dougcox835]

Just a suggestion to make it easier to build. In the beginning you glued the template to the wood. If you buy full sheet labels and print it out on that it'll stick right on without glue.

[@HumbleFoxGaming]

Hey i have a real burning issue. Does that mag switch when turned on have polarity, like a true north and south

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Yes, but they alternate for each of the 6 rods

[@HumbleFoxGaming]

@@AndrewKleinWW thanks very much

[@reforgedcriterion1471]

Very cool. I picked up two 6" 120v electromagnets that are just.. INSANE.. But I don't really know what to do with them other than build a wheeled nail picker upper.. I bet I could rip metal out of the ground from 4 inches down with these babies lol but I havent' attempted that project yet. Otherwise idk what I'd use magnets like this for.

[@plenished]

Do you have examples of the magnetic switch used in practical applications? The switch is just a switch unless it can be used for something.... great video thanks for sharing.

[@AndrewKleinWW]

That’s coming next

[@Hellsong89]

Temporary hook or other type of holder mount for metal surfaces, mounting cameras, or least having secondary option for camera mounts on metal things like cars, or for Indie movie maker who wants camera to be mounted on some I beam or something, cleaning work bench or trash from magnetic metal shavings. Theres just few ideas top of my head.

[@angelaabrams9108]

A pair are good for lifting awkward sheet metal, put a 3x3 or 4x4 steel plate on the bottom with it turned on, swing it around to pick up nuts, bolts, nails, etc, then turn it off over your bench or sorting tray to release them. Same for collecting iron shavings after filing or grinding. Makes a nice clamp for use on a drill press or to hold two pieces of metal in place to tack weld (basically any function clamps can do on wood, one of these can do on magnetic metal, just don't heat them up or you'll have to replace the magnets).

[@MrEdoben]

Excellent ,please can you tell me what kind and dimension of magnets you use for this ???? Thank you !!

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Small size thakes 3/8" by 3/8", large size 1/2" by 1/2"

[@thomtran2924]

Smart tool . You made American great again . Thank you ..........................

[@NomadFella]

Have you ever measured ow much pull force you can get from these when on?

[@TheKencmh]

Your website is not working Was hoping to get these plans

[@enishi4ty5]

is there a way to sponsor or commission work? im not rich (broke college student) but i can pay for the tools needed and workout a plan. i feel i have enough understanding for what im trying to build but absolutely zero experience with mechanical engineering other than computer soldering for low level maintenance stuff.. if theres a way to contact i def would like to hear from you🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Sorry, I've got my hands full with my own projects at this point, no extra bandwidth

[@eb9900]

Okay, just a little confused. Which part gets the 3/8" magnet and which gets the 1/2"?

[@davidcapes9629]

So you made a video about building your own Magswitch not buying one, and then Magswitch hired you? That’s a pretty gangster move

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Thug life

[@phoolb7326]

This vid just showed up and I noticed that you must be the guy that built Adam's new bench. Beautiful design of both the Bench and the switch. Is there any way to unlock (i.e. provide a slide option) on your vice design in addition to the two speed version. (on the bench) I know that the solid wood design is certainly a selling point, but I wonder about stability over the years. I used 3 layers of 3/4" mdf w/ Maple & Cherry top for my bench, but certainly think you did an absolute fantastic job on Adam's bench and love the steel frame. (Again assuming you were the designer).

[@jaxxgames]

How small can this be made and still be working?

[@djAnakin]

Oooh! It's magnitizing the steel posts! I've been wondering about that.

[@matthewmclaren9353]

I've always wondered how mag locks work and this video just made the electrons hit the filament! Maybe if enough of us make our own then it will cause a glut from the factories and drop the price ? Hehehe

[@rongoldberg8174]

Which brad point drill bit set do you use/recommend?

[@nicholsconstruction1]

Genious build! And your honesty speaks words. Love your channel!

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Thanks Dave, means a lot

[@crappo8459]

Nicely done clean workmanship

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Thank you

[@valveman12]

Nice project. The metal rods are placed to provide a stronger concentration of the magnetic flux within a smaller area.

[@kenl5217]

I got a magnetic sweeper for my garage floor but it's a pain to clean. I wonder if this could work better. Really awesome build

[@arnarbi]

Put a plastic bag or rag around the magnet. Then you can just pull off all the bits in one go.

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@bertkutoob]

I put the magnet in a plastic screw-top jar. After sweeping I just take off the lid, pull the magnet out and whatever was picked up just falls off.

[@root1657]

@@arnarbi Same, I have a sandwich bag over the end of mine, and just pull it off over the trash can and it all falls in the trash.

[@vinwest2332]

great idea but doesn't hammering the magnets reduce their power?

[@ricos1497]

It's a great concept which seems like it should be incredibly useful, but my mind has gone blank in terms of thinking of something to use it in! I'm sure there'll be something obvious. What are your intentions for them, other than lifting vice parts?

[@samuelgabrielson559]

adjustable feather board is an easy one

[@bertkutoob]

Great for welding table..

[@WaschyNumber1]

Very nice build 👍

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Thank you!

[@rastarockstevie]

Putting magnets in the freezer temporarely demagnetize them and makes it very easy to clean any metal off of them. nice project!

[@alejandroruiz1486]

Iakleind that’s what it looks like, only because the black semicircle fills up the visual gap, like the last d. Love your videos; keep on keeping up

[@AndrewKleinWW]

It’s a fair point, logos are hard, I’m still pretty happy with this one. Glad you like the content

[@akshatsingh3856]

What are the materials used for making this ?

[@WoodenCreationz]

Awesome build bud!!

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Thank you

[@poundkake13]

Awesome Andrew! Is this the same way a magnetic chuck for work holding on a grinder works? Like the one This Old Tony uses?

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Thanks, I’m not sure actually.

[@JDeWittDIY]

There are both electromagnetic chucks and permanent magnet chucks. The permanent magnet chucks mechanically position things so that the magnetic flux travels through the workpiece, clamping it to the chuck. I'm sure there are different designs for how to accomplish that, but essentially it has to do with lining up steel parts so that the flux from a magnet below the table can travel up (or not).

[@bertkutoob]

There are variations on the theme, but in principle, yes.

[@Sebastopolmark]

GREAT build and HONEST review.

[@rongoldberg8174]

What brad point drill,bit set d you like?

[@AndrewKleinWW]

These: www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=42247&cat=1,180,42240,42247 Pricey but so very good

[@пашазайцев-й2я]

It looks like it's very difficult to turn. Or not?

[@One40kev]

Is there a way to make this smaller in a quarter size possible ?

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Sure but it will be pretty weak

[@One40kev]

@@AndrewKleinWW just need 4 of them to hold a piece of plastic together where could I buy them I don’t have the tools to make

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Mag-tools.com get a MagJig 60

[@One40kev]

@@AndrewKleinWW I was looking into that but I would need it a bit smaller

[@flatlander523]

Bought the plans but after listening several times I am confused on magnet polarity. Going around in a circle is it NN SS NN SS NN SS or is it NS NS NS NS NS NS? Sorry I am slow

[@AndrewKleinWW]

I’m not quite clear on the question but watch my next video on the 3D printed version and that should clear it up

[@ishamael104]

How much force to turn it vs how muhc does it pull?

[@paulkelly1702]

Like the logo! Makes perfect sense.

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Thanks Paul, glad to hear it

[@beflok]

Andy, I'd love to buy a shirt... Any chance you can offer a hybrid instead of 100%cotton?

[@AndrewKleinWW]

I’ll check on that

[@jonahlong6000]

I just want to know what they're useful for. Neat video

[@rontocknell3592]

I love your designs and your delivery. I'll pass on the hoodie because... well, one me, it wouldn't look cool. Just trust me on that. But thanks for putting your stuff out there.

[@AndrewKleinWW]

You bet, thanks!

[@rontocknell3592]

@@AndrewKleinWW I meant "on me", not "one me"

[@SR-qg7hw]

Hi Andrew, we were in contact a couple years ago regarding patenting. Seems you had patented some inventions, is that correct? I don’t know if mine (the bagwell) had been licensed then or not, but it was and is starting to pick up steam after covid slowed it down. Regardless, I just bought the templates for these because I’ve been going to buy some but never did and they look like they’re fun to make. I’ll let you know how they turn out. I may also be moving to Colorado at some point so may pick your brain as to where if you don’t mind? Thanks again for providing a build for these.

[@albatros1752]

Briliant as allways

[@rickmasten6409]

another great project Andy thanks

[@Popeye-yb3ct]

Really cool. Looks like it was a fun time.

[@RobertSzasz]

If you were 3d printing I assume hex stock would be perfect for this. Well, anything with a flat would work for the outer posts, but hex stock would be perfect for the center post.

[@AndrewKleinWW]

If the center post was a hexagon with magnets against the flats then the top switch section wouldn’t rotate

[@RobertSzasz]

@@AndrewKleinWW oh, it's a solid post. Somehow I was thinking it was two pieces. Hex, or square stock for the outer posts could still have a benefit though, better contact with the magnets. Hex stock for the center might require drilling a hole through and bolting the top and bottom together if the two wings with the slot aren't enough. (I thought that was holding things together, but it would probably need a center pin as well to keep things alligned) If modern "super" magnets weren't so damn oxygen and moisture sensitive grinding or lapping a curve into one face so they maintained good contact with the center post would also work to make the magnet assembly stronger.

[@AndrewKleinWW]

this is all 100% correct

[@messybench]

What would this be used for?

[@ryanroberts6226]

CMSmagnetics are a couple cents more per magnet, but was about $15 less in shipping.

[@AndrewKleinWW]

I’ll take a look

[@samjitu8853]

How about if i use cube neodymium 10mm x 10mm x 10mm ?

[@Satyasam108]

Interesting yes, but what is it for?

[@ajjalt2276]

waht is it for?

[@Rob-Hannon]

The rod plain cold roll mild steel?

[@bertkutoob]

Looks like it. He mentioned using a hacksaw. With an angle grinder and cutting disc it will take no time at all. As a source of material you can use any old bolt you've got lying around...