I saw one of the woodworking emails that suggested using a magnetic base as a stop (bandsaw I think).  I looked up the base on Amazon ( https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UNNM8YA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ).  The base and several stand items sells for $15.  I note that the bare bones Magswitch mech is $18.  I went to the Accusize website, and the same base on their site, no hardware, is $60.  If the idea is attractive, might consider it now before someone figures out the mistake?

I bought a base w/ articulated arm from Harbor Freight. It works well for holding gauges and light duty work but I don't think it has enough power for a feather board.

 

The one shown looks much stronger. I'd go for it if I had Prime.

Did I Hear HF?  GO Harbor Freight!!!

2 minutes ago, Dadio said:

Did I Hear HF?  GO Harbor Freight!!!

I have a few I bought at Grizzly about half the cost you mentioned. I mounted model airplanes wheel and tires for rolling fences. I use the one all the time when cutting multiple boards the same length. Can't beat it with a stick!

 

I bought these in 2000 when I bought one of everything Grizzly had at the time. Grizzly has been great with no problems except the remote for the dust collector. It quit after having it a couple of years. I called them and they sent me a new one, no charge!!

One of these days, I'm gonna figure out some way to use mag switches on my Shopsmith. They would be so handy.

On 5/6/2018 at 4:25 PM, Gene Howe said:

One of these days, I'm gonna figure out some way to use mag switches on my Shopsmith. They would be so handy.

Aluminum table?

John

30 minutes ago, HARO50 said:

Aluminum table?

John

Yep

Might try putting a chunk of iron under the table where you want the mag to go see if it will read it thru the table.

Just Saying,

Herb

16 hours ago, Dadio said:

Might try putting a chunk of iron under the table where you want the mag to go see if it will read it thru the table.

Just Saying,

Herb

Herb, the underside is webbed. Metalwork is out of my wheel house. Thought about epoxying some cheap bar magnets in the cavities but polarity would be a problem. 

1 hour ago, Gene Howe said:

Herb, the underside is webbed. Metalwork is out of my wheel house. Thought about epoxying some cheap bar magnets in the cavities but polarity would be a problem. 

That would be a good idea,if the polarity is a problem use some some soft iron,(mild Steel) old machine nuts or lage washers, etc. and just hold them under while you activate the mag to try it out, and then stick them on permenent if they work. Infact you could use the magnet to hold them in place til the epoxy sets.

Just saying,

Herb

Many thanks, Herb. I'm definitely gonna give that a try. 

Hey guys I would think the thickness of the aluminum would reduce the magnets strength and things might scoot around too much to stay accurate... Just thinking?? 

 

    There for a while when someone let something metal slip off the dock I would tie a heavy string to one of these magnets, throw it in the water and retrieve what ever..

 

then I went the harbor freight and got a supper strong model and guess what, I grabbed hold of a submarine and held it captive till someone paid the ransom.. Actually the strong magnet is for when I burn old pallets and things with nails and screws and things before I start using that area for driving the lawnmower again I clear the area of the metal then dig holes around the pecan and almond trees and bury them for fertilizer...

What a relief, I thought for a minute you were going to say you used them again. We used to plant them around the hydrangea to turn it blue.

I seen that done with the retrieving an out board motor of a dock, back in the days they had cast iron on them.

 

Herb

19 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

Many thanks, Herb. I'm definitely gonna give that a try. 

Sorry to be the bearer of sad tidings, @Gene Howe, but I went and tried it on my ER model, and it doesn't work. Just can't get enough steel under there to prevent the magnet from sliding around like a hockey puck!

John

Edited May 9, 20188 yr by HARO50

Good to know, looks like clamps or drilling holes thru the table, Gene. Maybe attaching a steel plate on top of your table  will work.
 

Herb

Thanks, John. Guess we'd need a super magnet.

I agree with Gene , may be dependent on magnet type and size

I wrote to K&J Magnets with my question. I'll let you know what they say. I'll bet that they've had similar queries.

5 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

Thanks, John. Guess we'd need a super magnet.

Give Acme a call...