Please talk to me about magnetic clamps.

[Zaheer]

I'm looking at this set... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Magnetic-clamp-system-laser-kit-assembly-tool-scratch-builders-etc-/301939179546?hash=item464cfa401a:g:u3EAAOSw4T5XHL6A

in order to get precise right angles and avoid jury-rigging supports out of set-squares, cutlery, and the other half to help things dry in place. Does anyone have any experience buying these these types of things, I notice there are glueing aids on ebay which are twice the price, could they really be worth that, and are there any other things one should look out for?

Thanks in advance!

[6milPhil]

Those look great, I might well get some. I usually use a pair of metal set squares.

One other similar thing I'm on the look out for is a cube or two of steel, great for settings right angles but also with enough weight to hold solidly and not be nudged or otherwise moved by accident.

One thing I do find handy is a small small of sheet steel for knocking up plastic scratchbuilds. There's usually a little leakage of plasticweld - it'll damage a cutting mat or get stuck to other things but once dry on steel you can just lift it away with a keen blade.

[Sangennaru]

Niiiiice!

I do have several steel cubes, bought from china for 3 dollars each free shipping. This might help me with other endeavours though!
My only concern is the size: They seem to work much better for 28mm buildings, where there's space for fitting them into. My usual builds don't have that space.
Hence, a 1-inch cube is easier to use.

[beefcake]

They do look very useful.

[dampfpanzerwagon]

They look like a good investment.

I have used set squares, engineers squares and even pencil sharpeners (the large metal ones) in the past.

It is common to see them used in the construction of WW1 aircraft and tank hulls.

I might get a set!

Tony

[Zaheer]

I do have several steel cubes, bought from china for 3 dollars each free shipping. This might help me with other endeavours though!
My only concern is the size: They seem to work much better for 28mm buildings, where there's space for fitting them into. My usual builds don't have that space.
Hence, a 1-inch cube is easier to use.

Do you have a link? I have failed to find them on ebay.

[Zaheer]

Presumably this is not what you are talking about, but I can see these being similarly useful;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-x-N50-Small-Block-Cube-Cuboid-Magnets-10-x-10-x-10mm-Rare-Earth-Neodymium-/221893302982?hash=item33a9df1ac6:g:fQQAAOSwMmBV5w01

[Sangennaru]

Do you have a link? I have failed to find them on ebay.

The ones i have are those ones:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Watchmaker-Dapping-Doming-Block-Watch-Jewelers-Tool-t06-/172089238693?hash=item28115164a5:g:pWoAAOxyBotTXz8W
Although i remember i paid them around 3£ each. Quite useful, indeed. I've got a larger one too, much more nice looking, bought in India some time ago.

EDIT: I found the cheaper ones!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Watchmaker-Metal-Dapping-Doming-Block-Watch-Jewelers-Repair-Tool-Holder-Kit-/381315393986?hash=item58c82b29c2:i:381315393986

As for the cubic magnets: They are cool but far too powerful for me: you seriously risk to break everything if they suddenly "decide" they want to reunite.

[Zaheer]

Many thanks, looks like several tools in one! And, yes, I do tend to forget just how powerful those magnets can be. I've never used on larger than a 3mmx1mm disc, so will have to imagine the power of those larger cubes. I expect that you could used appropriate magnets along with that block however.

[Sangennaru]

Many thanks, looks like several tools in one! And, yes, I do tend to forget just how powerful those magnets can be. I've never used on larger than a 3mmx1mm disc, so will have to imagine the power of those larger cubes. I expect that you could used appropriate magnets along with that block however.

That kind of cube is usually pretty cool, but the 3£ ones are very badly made. You can just use them as... cubes, which is fine for us. If you were a jeweller you should invest in something less crappy

[Mindenbrush]

I have the Micromark magnetic Gluing Jig but found the magnets difficult to get into place with the right pressure so I now use Lego bricks - the ones now made by Lego and not their previous Chinese made bricks - with their building base. Nice and square, any height you need.

[6milPhil]

EDIT: I found the cheaper ones!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Watchmaker-Metal-Dapping-Doming-Block-Watch-Jewelers-Repair-Tool-Holder-Kit-/381315393986?hash=item58c82b29c2:i:381315393986

 

[Brandlin]

I actually use these



From here.

The blocks you are talking about are called "engineers 1-2-3" blocks. Precision machined cuboids with holes that may be threaded to allow other fixtures to be attached. Traditionally they are called 1-2-3 blocks because the sides are in that ratio and often in inch units, but you can find many different sizes. They are made of steel so can be used in conjunction with magnets.



[img=http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Workholding/Vee-Blocks-Angle-Plates/10-20-40-and-20-40-80-Blocks]http://The ones here are metric (the smaller pair are 10-20-40mm) from here.[/img] Or look in machining and metal working stores or eBay.

I've tried using those cube magnets before, the problem I have is that the neodymium magnets are just too strong. Getting them off the model after it had been glued often damaged the model. I prefer something like the larger set at the top which has a good surface to support the work but small magnets, or using a few small magnets against the heft of the 1-2-3 blocks.

[carlos marighela]

For those to work properly you'll want ferromagnetic nipple piercings. They just don't work with gold, silver or those cheap aluminium ones.

[Zaheer]

Took the plunge on those transparent acrylic ones, they've already proved useful, expect I will find a lot more to do with them. Thanks for the input everyone!

For those to work properly you'll want ferromagnetic nipple piercings. They just don't work with gold, silver or those cheap aluminium ones.

There's a time and a place for right angles I suppose!