Using magnets to hold terrain boards together

[robh]

Anybody have good instructions or links to explain the process of using magnets to hold modular terrain tiles together?

I have been playing around with some plastic boards I want to magnetise as the original tension clips are weakening and hit a problem with the +/- polarity. Tiles that join one way refuse to do so turned around.
Just wondering what I need to obtain and how they should be fitted.

[levied troop]

If I recall the Sally 4th instructions correctly, they recommend getting the polarity consistent before assembly by marking the + side with a felt tip pen.

Of course if you’ve already installed them randomly then my advice is merely cruel 

[robh]

Of course if you’ve already installed them randomly then my advice is merely cruel 

No, I realised I didn't really understand the principle of what I was doing so only sellotaped  magnets to a few boards to test.
My knowledge is pretty much limited to: Magnets attract opposites and repel alikes.
So a + on one board attracts to a - on the next. Works fine, but turning that board around to a different arrangement brings it next to another + and now it won't attract.

I will take a look at Sally4th. 

[Smokeyrone]

Easy.   On magnet on one corner of a side, and a recessed,washer on other side.   Thus every board is secured by a magnet to washer, washer to magnet bond.   Good magnets will lock tight against washers.

[PhilB]

I was about to suggest the same thing. Don't place magnet to magnet (where you will have polarity problems), instead place magnet to metal. A recessed washer will work great.

[Brandlin]

Simple.

1. Put TWO magnets on each side of the board.
2. place the board horizontally in front of you.
3. On the face in front of you towards the left install a magnet with + towards you.
4. On the face in front of you towards the right install a magnet with - towards you.
5. rotate the board 90 degrees clockwise
6. go back to 3.
7. when all four sides are done get a new board and go back to 2.

Assuming that you accurately install each magnet the same distance from the bottom edge of the board and the same distance from the corner of the board then no matter which way you turn them or tesselate them the boards will snap togather.

Note this only works for square boards that are the same size... different arrangements will work to allow you to have half sized boards, mixed in or say hexagonal boards.


For those suggesting magnets to washers - that only works if you still have the correct arrangement along each side... otherwise when you rotate a board you may end up with magnet-magnet connections or washer- washer connections. The arrangement of washers/magnets on the side still needs to be correct - and thats the bit you haven't explained.

Admittedly magnet to washers IS half the expense as it uses half the washers, but also half the gripping power... all depends on how strong /expensive your magnets are...

[robh]

Brilliant, that makes sense now.
Thanks guys

[Peithetairos]

Brandlins suggestion is what I intend to do. I can confirm that a strong neodymium magnet is best for this purpose N45 works well and can be easily separated.

[Daeothar]

...
1. Put TWO magnets on each side of the board.
3. On the face in front of you towards the left install a magnet with + towards you.
4. On the face in front of you towards the right install a magnet with - towards you.
...

Exactly this