DIY Super Electromagnet

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How to Make a BIG and Powerful Electromagnet with the Primary of the transformer of a microwave oven. Remove the Secondary. With Iron or Steel (ferromagnetic materials) it attracts with a really great strength. With non ferrous metals like aluminum and copper it repels them due to Eddy currents.

[@tinkerbit]

This is dangerous. The real danger is in the secondary, the coil with lots of turns of very thin wire. Without that coil you are working with the mains voltage (230 V in Europe) and this, of course has risks, but it is not as dangerous as the hight voltage from the secondary. From the two turns of very thick cable you will get a few volts that arent dangerous at all. The danger here is of high temperatures due to the high current. You can burn the cover of the cable if you arent careful.

[@Legomotionfake]

Thx

[@dylansmithy5116]

But the secondary is removed?

[@Apollo-cq8wq]

1:02 Toast is done.

[@luismontenegro3195]

LOL

[@Willeexd1337]

Apollo haha true

[@phillipdobbs6530]

I was about to comment this

[@spitfireloverplays6253]

same

[@tinkerbit]

No this is not the point. All magnets and electromagnets attract ferric materials like iron or steels. They never repel them. What happens with aluminum or copper is different. Magnets or electromagnets dont attract them, but if you create a magnetic field it induces a current in a conductor. This is how dynamos and alternators work. This current also creates a magnetic field that opposes the first, this is why the plate is repeled. The same happens with the closed ring, but not with the open.

[@yaboyyt]

11 years ago and this was the only video that helped me

[@cloroxbleach1200]

the buzzing sound is SO BEAUTIFUL!

[@jasoncunninghambluejmc]

Cool video. Every checked the resonate frequency of copper or gold? Put one on the top of a wooden sluice box to force the gold to stay at the bottom. Or hook it up sideways under the hopper of a high banker and shoot the gold into a separate section on the side to collect it.

[@tinkerbit]

Yes, here is 230V 50 Hz. Perhaps DC would be better if I needed to keep the polarity of the magnet (N/S) constant, but for iron is the same, Root mean square (RMS) is what counts.

[@andrewlee9365]

Hello. Will you please take the time to explain how you did this?

[@tinkerbit]

The metal piece is not a ferromagnetic metal like iron or steel. It is aluminum. Like copper Al is not attracted by magnets. But because it is a good electric conductor, the magnetic field induces a current in the Al plate. This current generates another magnetic field that opposes to the first one. In my case the current is AC so the poles are alternating. If you used DC you could use a compass in order to determine the magnetic poles.

[@tinkerbit]

No. The impedance (internal resistance) is suited for 230 V, so with 12 V there will be a very low intensity.

[@tinkerbit]

Thank you very much for your comment. Comments like yours give a lot of push and enthusiasm.

[@Speeder84XL]

Awesome! But you shud try use the secondary instead (wich has more turns on it) and then use DC instead of AC (the voltage may have to be reduced so it doesn't overheat as there will be no inductance and the current will go up). That way will probably make it even more powerful and you dont have to deal with the annoying vibrations and buzz caused by the AC

[@josesimon4557]

I am not sure that with low voltage and so many turns it would work. Perhaps the way to use with the secondary would be high voltage but with limited current. So for the experiment you would need 2 trafos. One complete to use as a power supply and the other only with the secondary (the electromagnet). BUT this is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!!!

[@Speeder84XL]

***** You're right as I forgot to count on the resistance in the windings and the limitation is (as in most cases) when they gets to hot. If the secondary have for example 10 more turns means that only 10% of the current is needed to give the same strength of the magnet. But if the secondary have the same mass as the primary (wich it often has on this type of transformers) it also means that it will use 1/10 of the cross section area with 10 times the wire length - that's 100 times higher resistance. The same will apply to other ratios of turns - for example 20 more turns only need 5% of the current but the resistance will be 400 times higher. As the heat in the coil (P) is given by P = I^2*R - it most likely doesn't matter wich coil that's used (other than that the secondary can take higher voltage). When using AC it's another thing because of the inductance. The inductance goes up with the squere of the turn number. As it's most likely higher than the resistance even in the primary - 10 times the turns will only allow 1/100 of the current to pass at the same voltage. So when using AC, the secondary is much weaker. Also - it's not just bad to use AC as the inductance allow for a very simple design without the need for another transformer or DC/DC-converter.

[@wesleytaylor-rendal5648]

Is there a load of anything to stop the wires burning out? Is the switch the resistive?

[@Speeder84XL]

​@@wesleytaylor-rendal5648 No - but the resistance of the wire in the coil (or if AC is used, the inductance) will limit the current. The resistance of the winding is easy to measure with just a standard multimeter. Then the heat in the coil can be calculated from the current (P = I^2 * R) or (if using DC) from the applied voltage over the coil (P = U^2 / R), to see how much current/voltage that can be applied - to make the magnet as strong as possible, without it overheating. For continuous operation it shouldn't be more than maybe 30-40 W - but can be up like 50-100 W if a fan is added (depending on how much air is blown on the coils). But can be a lot higher in short bursts (if allowed to cool in between) Since the coil and iron core has such a large mass, it will (unless it's extremely overpowered) heat up slowly and it's easy to see if it gets too hot and turn off or reduce power. It's highly recommended to have a variable power source of some sort. Because the best performance for the magnet will most likely be on some arbitrary voltage and not the common DC standards, like 12 or 24 V or mains voltages such as 120 or 230. It's also nice to be able to vary the voltage/current for testing. The fact it being a transformer for mains voltage from the beginning doesn't matter either, because the inductance goes way down when the core is taken apart. So even if AC is used, the voltage has to be much lower (unless you only plan to run it for very short "bursts" at a time) For example a variac can be used (where a simple rectifier bridge can be used if DC is wanted), a bench power supply or (if using batteries or another fixed DC-source) an adjustable DC/DC-converter or simple PWM-regulator. If using large batteries that consists of individual cells, the voltage can also be varied by adding and removing cells (they need to be quite a bit bigger than normal AA or similar though, haha)

[@EliTeter]

You are a genius I will use this for metal detecting

[@xaviusballard2672]

I am too fascinated by this and the concept of electromagnetism. Most importantly the human related effects on a large scale and educating more people in this field. Would be interested in conducting an experiment using lab rats or guinea pigs unless someone has link to footage of such a test that would be great.

[@tinkerbit]

No capacitor. Directly to the plug. If it is too much current for your coil, you can put a stove or something high powered (iron, etc.) in SERIES. You then limit the current because the resistance of the element in series (i.e. a stove). With a low power element like a bulb you will get current too much limited so the electromagnet wont work.

[@marblelegends-mastersofmar5033]

Oh yeah, this definitely gives me an idea for the cylinder on that marble/ steely cannon, to give it more power. I was hoping to avoid electricity, but, I will experiment. Thanks for this link!

[@fokusscience938]

To get a even stronger magnet take 2 primarys on i core and conect them in parallel But you have to look that the windings are wound in the same direction ! But still great vid Fokus

[@bigsmiler5101]

Wouldn't parallel OR Serial work, as long as the winding direction is correct?

[@tinkerbit]

Because is the primary the one that is suited for 230V. The secondary has a very thin wire that doesnt stand so much current.

[@mhamd2020]

This is the coolest DIY video I've ever seen... Thanks for sharing

[@tinkerbit]

Thank you for commenting too! ʘ‿ʘ

[@tinkerbit]

I dont make it intentionally. The mains AC current is at 50 Hz, that current shakes the plates at that frequency.

[@ahmadmahdiaslammanik1620]

this is amazing, can u realize, with this kind a theory humankind can and able make a flying soucerse. thank u for the inspirying video man

[@robertneighbors4091]

You have to assume that the ferrous squares he repelled where simple unmagnetized pieces to begin with, then he clamped them down to the electromagnet temporarily to magnetize them to the SAME polarity, in the first moments the ferrous pieces attract as unpolarized, unmagnetized iron or steel, but soon enough they would be capable of repelling since like charges repel. You could do better by purchasing neo magnets and wrapping them in several layers of rubberized tape so they would be less likely to shatter when they fall. Maybe even epoxy/glass fiber wrap first layers of the wrap, then spongy, rubbery tape after that.

[@jordanrayfus3027]

this is amazing!! I was wondering if this could be used with other magnets to create a super powerful motor?

[@free.nuts.4.all.]

Thats how they work👁👄👁👍

[@tinkerbit]

Your problem is that a lamp plug is perhaps too weak. Try a bigger one, like the one of a heater, washing machine, etc. With AC there is no polarity, so it doesnt matter. I think there is not difference not soldering the wires.

[@tinkerbit]

The 2 wires directly to the mains. Use the coil with the thick copper wires not the one with thin ones and too much turns.

[@bossoholic]

Thought this was going to be a HowToBasic video at first lol

[@russpatterson]

How much current does it draw when it's on?

[@tinkerbit]

Look for "Copper pipe and neodymium magnet" on KZbin. Enjoy the second video at the list, the one with the magnet that almost fits in the tube.

[@PropaneTreeFiddy]

Never realized how strong eddy currents can be. You try testing the force on ferromagnetic object though? Hook a scale onto that hammer, see how heavy it REALLY gets. ;)

[@edocodIT]

Damn i love your videos, they're so quiet!

[@tinkerbit]

It could work but it is a bit noisy or at least buzzy. It is difficult to control the repulsion in a way you can get get the object static. I would look for an attraction controlled system. This is an electromagnet that attracts ferromagnetic metals like iron and when detects some distance it powers down or up the coil. Look up this on KZbin: Hall-Effect Sensor Levitator And Good Luck with your project!

[@tinkerbit]

But it was scrap... and now it has a new life!

[@IlluminatedWhiteGuy]

It would be twice as powerful if you installed another primary from an identical microwave transformer and slid it over in unison with the first. Then energize it from another outlet on a separate breaker! Just make sure you have the windings running in the same direction or their 60 cycles fields will exactly cancel each other out and would most likely create a large amount of heat in the core between the two coils. That would be fun to experiment with!

[@snrnsjd]

I would like to see that!!

[@tinkerbit]

Directly to the mains. 230 V

[@electric_mix]

Very nice

[@netroguy3487]

I'm going to make me a Gravity Gun!!!

[@robh467]

Gravity is something different. Lol

[@johnallenrichter]

Interesting. Many questions. Wish I could talk to you. AC produces an alternating magnetic field. Induction must be occurring as well, temporarily making the the open copper loop/coil a temporary secondary. Did you try testing the open copper loop for current? While the loop is closed induction is giving it an equal and opposite magnetic field causing opposing force. Which is mind blowing because in my country that magnetic field is alternating 60 times per second. There is no discernible phase difference between the mains primary and closed loop copper. I wish we could talk.

[@tinkerbit]

No, I didn't measured the open loop, but you can get perhaps around 1 volt. I have another video in which I show how to make a spot welding machine that uses the same electromagnet an 2 turns of thick copper as secondary. You can see it here: DIY Spot Welding Machine Respect the second question I think that 50 or 60 Hz is really slow compared to the time magnetic induction "needs" to happen. So if we could see the process we would see a very slow AC current and an almost instant induction of the ring coil.

[@MRMINECRAFTMAN33]

Ammazing job mate! That's cool..thanks for the demo...what's the power supply?

[@laithazzam5322]

thank you....it is great......so i can get this from a broken microwave>>right??

[@TheJurassicJoeDinoShow]

Thanks so much! We've got it working now.

[@nightrous3026]

Ive designed a forcefeild idea that relies on the eddy current repelling non ferrous metals. This video has shown me that my design isnt in vain. Thank you

[@rodstartube]

so with several of this ones, you could do a super electric motor

[@funky3ddy]

Hey mopatin, can you make a tutorial on how to make a spot welding machine out of household materials? Something powerful enough to weld stainless handles back to stainless pots, etc.

[@tinkerbit]

Perhaps this ... DIY Spot Welding Machine

[@funky3ddy]

mopatin Oh, man, I feel so dumb for not doing a search. Thanks. You are a very good tutor :)

[@turbo3089]

Sorry to bother you again but in your spare time can you run a little experiment for me. How much weight could an electric magnet repel in aluminum also the second aluminum thing in this video how much do u think it weighs. Your video is the only video that I've seen actually do it. So thank you for that it's given me ideas not many would believe is possible...

[@tinkerbit]

1 Kg without problems. The round aluminium block weighs around 600 g (0,6 kg)

[@kox444]

You could try this just for a second to see how far the aluminium piece would go. The isolation wouldn't burn that quickly I think.

[@christopherleubner6633]

You can use the secondary with mains power for an efficient and strong magnet and the primary with lower voltage DC power as well. Used a few of these for a DIY can seperator at a junk yard. Kicks the aluminum cans away, junk or loaded cans fall streight through, and iron bits get pulled toward the magnet. Hells cheaper than a commercial made magnet to be sure.

[@uriel-heavensguardian8949]

Thanks for the video. Very informative! Exactly what I was looking for!!!!

[@sarath5579]

Is it work perfectly ?

[@tigr8787]

but,now how do i take it to the next level

[@kaiju6396]

Get niobium-titanium plates, stack them in a bitter plate formation, cool them with liquid helium, and then you will have a real magnet.

[@hili467]

interesting...if for instance a conductive material was set on a weaker magnet, like maybe a donut rare-earth magnet and a current/magnetic field was run through the conductor, would a similar repelling occur as in the same case with a strong magnet and a conductor without a current being run through it?

[@bigsmiler5101]

PLEASE explain the SCIENCE, the Physics, behind the magnet repelling the items (which I assume are non ferric metals--aluminum, copper, etc.)

[@tinkerbit]

The electromagnet induces a current on copper or aluminum (silver even better). That current moves in that condcutor (copper, etc) and so generates a magnetic field (kind of electromagnet). This second magnetic field opposes to the first one so they repel.Eddy currents. kzbin.info/www/bejne/houXm4Gedshqh8k kzbin.info/www/bejne/aafSk3eGaqiZnq8

[@TheJurassicJoeDinoShow]

Is there a capacitor involved? Did you just cut an extension cord and plug that directly into the wall?

[@2feetofclay]

Wow!! Making an experiment with iron filings. Is there any way of making a longer rectangular contact surface...and if so would it have a North and South pole?

[@D-train69]

Did you know you could dig up a crystal for out of the ground and put it in an electrical circuit and it would complete the circuit, you have to store the crystal in a metal box other wise it will fly away and not complete the circuit.

[@Andy_Wallace]

so an electromagnet will repel non-ferrous metals, but how would you make an electromagnet repel a permanent magnet?

[@tinkerbit]

You would need DC for the electromagnet, and you also need to avoid the magnet spinning to the other pole so it would be attracted instead. i.e. put the magnet in a tube, like this: Magnetic Springs (second half of the video)

[@vintageozarks]

What voltage did you use ?

[@hyparh]

Nice strong magnet. Today I did the same and it works flawlessly. Now I can think of two improvements: 1) Adding another coil (from another MOT) and connecting it in series with the first one. 2) Using voltage doubler to make about 460V DC. This will also eliminate the 50/60Hz hum.

[@D3rron08]

It's DC current what 50hZ hum?

[@hyparh]

@@D3rron08 It's AC from the grid.

[@tinkerbit]

The mains, 230 V.

[@joshschnaithman]

@mopatin.... This is a awesome dude ! Very inspiring !!!

[@FusionDeveloper]

CAUTION! "How deadly are microwave transformers?" "Make sure you understand the dangers involved. A standard microwave oven transformer (MOT) will output several thousand volts with a current high enough to kill you. Only attempt this if you know what you're doing with high voltage equipment." Apr 22, 2016

[@danek_hren]

Why quotes + why date + the secondary is removed

[@tinkerbit]

Read de description.

[@tinkerbit]

AC 230V 50 Hz.

[@TheInsainepops]

arnt these trasnformers extremely dangerious.? Like can kill you with one wrong accidental touch? Cause i wanna do the same thing but from what ive been reading apparnetly these things kill.

[@alvaropineda3527]

I know this is a dumb question but how do you connect the transformer directly to the plug. I have been working in a science fair project for the past few days but I didn't obtain the results I was expecting. The electromagnet turned out to be very weak. Was there something I missed? Thanks in advance, and forgive my English, I am still getting used to the language.

[@alvaropineda3527]

el problema es que no se que tipo de cable conectar y si debo conectar uninterructor

[@keithbrier4397]

Awesome demo!

[@barrielaw1167]

This is indeed a very powerful electromagnet. Im doin a DIY project, planning to use an E shaped ferrite core as the core of my electromagnet. In accordance to magnetic theory, like poles repel, unlike poles attract., why the metal piece will be repelled when the switch is on? How to determine the magnetic poles of the old transformer?

[@Youtube_deleted_my_favourites]

thats a great demo of electromagnetic radiation. I'm trying to make an electromagnet at work but its very weak. How do I increase the magnetic strength?'

[@florianp4627]

You have 2 primary coils, so why don't you put then both on there and wire them in parallel. then you have a twice as strong magnet.

[@tinkerbit]

240 V

[@hutchinsoncaraudio9234]

Freaking awesome!

[@PainterRP358]

Dear MOPATIN, Excuse the ignorance, but what voltage you used in your eletromagnet (AC or DC)? And how many volts? I need to build a well for domestic use. Thank U

[@tinkerbit]

220 volt AC, but if you live at a 120 volt country your microwave oven transformers work also with 120 volt, so it is OK too!

[@aboubrad]

mopatin greetings. if i used DC instead. will that also create levitation on the aluminum? maybe for a short while? not as long as that of AC? thank you for your kind attention.

[@aboubrad]

***** thank you

[@bigsmiler5101]

Why do you remove the Secondary coil? Why can't we just NOT USE IT? OR (maybe better yet) re-wire it PROPERLY so it can ADD TO THE FIELD generated by the Primary coil?

[@TheJurassicJoeDinoShow]

We tried making this, but when we hooked it up, it sparked and blew up. We understand the video up until about the 39 second mark. Which wires are hooking to which parts?

[@MixZTitaniumDubstep]

are you sure you should have your camera close to that beast? cool!

[@myrkurvr]

+MixZ the field for the magnet is directed to only the top

[@DLANKTECHNIC]

good job

[@TheRebelmanone]

Very nice ideal and design. So the metal sledgehammer was attracted but not the other materials, the copper, aluminum, and whatever the other material you tried. Did you change current direction to cause the repelling and then attracting?

[@kris3245]

Im looking for some insight and technical details on this setup. Im wanting help for a project in which i require a miniaturisation of a system similar to this, and use a multiple in an array to prototype a power generation system. Is the fact that the primary coil sits around the open laminates of the transformer core crucial, or just for convenience? I have read that it is eddy currents that allows the repelling of non-ferrous metals and that, the laminated transformer cores I'm referring to are designed to reduce these "eddy currents". My question is have you tested a solid block of ferrous metal versus the laminated transformer core your using here and, if there is anything of note, key technical details pertaining to its differences, then I would like to know. thank you. if you could get back to me on this it would be much appreciated.

[@tinkerbit]

No. At least not this one coming from a microwave oven. You would need another coil, to much smaller.

[@razie85]

i wounder how much more powerful this would be if you add another primary coil in series

[@tinkerbit]

But in series doubles the resistance so you would need to double de voltage. Perhaps two coils in parallel taking care that the sense of the windings are the same in both of them.

[@hubertlipinski1821]

You should power it from max 18 volts dc, by feeding it from 230 volts you will burn the primary winding

[@keeg025]

18v dc doesnt repel aluminum or not nearly as much strength, running it for a short time will do harm

[@TheChristian100000]

Where did u get the transformer?

[@lalox3003]

To repel or push non-ferromagnetic materials (such as aluminum or copper) as you did in the video, would it also work with DC voltage?

[@tinkerbit]

Yes, of course!

[@lalox3003]

thanks for the reply!

[@shahhassan8889]

what about making the electromagnets by ourselves and then performing it?

[@gavinp1423]

Damn and here I thought it was a antigravity demenstration, jugging by the round Billit flying through the air

[@enochmacwan6985]

What is the maximum weight it can pull or repel!

[@pushpakp]

How much current u supplied and how many turns. And.. thickness and which wire..which iron core plz plz plz sir..sir..plz tell me ..plz reply

[@MRMINECRAFTMAN33]

Could this be capacitor driven?

[@johnlioneildionisio9947]

it needs more mad scientist laughs

[@choosyloki3646]

1:02 State of the art toast ejection system confirmed.

[@qball6520]

You should put a second coil on it and see whats what.

[@craigtebble9203]

If anyone wants to duplicate this first take a few precautions. The 240v/110v winding has insulation between it and the iron core. Do not damage this insulation. Make sure it is in place when you replace the winding. If you damage the insulation on the winding the iron care will become LIVE and can KILL. Think first and use a little common sense. Dont play with the HV secondary winding. take it out and sell it for scrap.

[@danek_hren]

Uh no, I'm gonna soon connect 2 MOTs in series (4000V total) 😊

[@produKtNZ]

Question: I want to make a ferrofluid sculpture. With the iron particles suspended in a carrier fluid (think oelic acid and odour free kerosene), would this make a suitable electromagnet to magnetize a small iron mixer screw in the middle of the ferrofluid solution?

[@tinkerbit]

Ha, ha!. I read Acord C. Well, it is AC 240 V from the mains.

[@shibinraj7325]

Hi sir , what voltage is used by the transformers ?

[@bryanswainitbegins]

this is beautiful

[@Ham_soup]

Can I just cut an extension cord and plug it in then connect the wires to the terminals? I kinda don't wanna burn my house down so please reply ASAP. Thanks

[@CuthbertNibbles]

+Oliver Smithdeal Use a power bar, with a circuit breaker. www.walmart.ca/en/ip/powerpro-6-outlet-powerbar-4ft/6000189478230 These $8 could save a lot of damage. If something goes wrong, and your device draws too much power, it'll shut it off for you. From there, use a short extension cord to get the project explosion-safe distance away from you, you can power it on with the switch on the power bar from a safe distance. These transformers come from a microwave, which usually have well fitting connectors built into a grounded cable. Plug that into the power strip. Cheap, safe, reliable, fun!

[@chavorocket]

+Oliver Smithdeal You can use a AA battery, or any battery for that matter (car, 9v) at the cost of slightly reduced strength of the magnetic field it creates

[@CuthbertNibbles]

Martian63 A car battery will not reduce the field strength. While I can't measure the effective resistance of the magnet, I can tell you that a car battery outputs more current (in the order of 200X) and more voltage (12X). While not all of this potential will be used, it will give a stronger magnetic field.

[@chavorocket]

When I said reduced strength, I was referring to the AA battery compared to simply using contacts from an extension cord that is presumably plugged into a 120v wall socket.

[@chavorocket]

Cuthbert Nibbles My point being, that the amount of current going through coil means the stronger magnetic field that gets created.

[@jimblebee1]

Thank you.. This has helped a lot. Now to think how to implement this into a viable design!

[@TweenieDevil]

That is so friggin' cool, MY NEW HERO! :)

[@nightingalemementomori2567]

What is the voltage. Amps. And Hz. That is needed for it to work?

[@gediegengegonnt31]

microwave oven transformers (mot) work at 230vac and get you an output power of 700-1550va. so you'll need 3-8 amps with closes EI Core. But here the Core is open, so the amps will be higher than usual

[@Gijs7156]

+mason beck i think any voltage above 5v dc will work, but you will have a very weak magnet. a car battery is save (unless you get your hand between the metal and magnet.) and because of the high current a car battery can deliver you will have a very strong magnet (a coil has little resistance)

[@gediegengegonnt31]

+Gijs dc wont work for this experiment, you will need alternating magnetic field to cause induction in the aluminium

[@gediegengegonnt31]

+testyakola yeah, alternaring field can be DC too (on/off)

[@jimydrinkworld]

electromagnetic toaster NICE

[@milestone_achiever4634]

I have about 2 of those here........didn’t know they were magnets. I wanted to take it apart but I just can’t seem to do it. It’s as if it’s everything is welded so aggressively

[@igorstaszak133]

How much ampers need this coil? This second coil will not work better?

[@GeneralRELee]

cool, now just need to find a way to control it in a way so you can levitate with it.