These pieces are from 2014 or so. They may have been posted on the old Wood forum but don't really remember anymore. Anyway, I had this idea, made a few pieces and then just never got back to develop it further. A few days ago I saw someone post a similar turning on facebook so I thought I'd share the ones I did. These all incorporate rare earth magnets to create the illusion of a piece floating.

 

 

This was my first attempt, a floating ball. I didn't do a real good job of hiding where the magnet is in the ring but in the globe the joint is nearly invisible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ring in a ring is the second one I did. This one works two ways, the small ring will sit in the large ring or hang from the top. There are four magnets in all, two in each ring.

 

 

 

This is first "hot air" balloon I did. When I first made it, the magnet in the balloon was glued in place and all a person had to do was position it near the ring and it would stay. The grand kids loved these and played with enough the magnet jarred loose and just rattles around inside the balloon. My first thought was to make a new balloon but after watching people try to get it to float and not being able to I like it better this way

 

 

This is the last one I did, it was my first venture into piercing with a dental hand piece. There are four magnets in this one, one in the ring, two in the balloon, and one in the basket.  

 

 

 

 

 

Well done and, very unique. 

I remember those from the Wood site.  I really enjoyed the hot air balloon.  It is quite unique.

Impressive...

All are fantastic!  I think the next to last one is my favorite.

 

Do you have a jig to create to round balls or do you do them freehand?

 

Great stuff. I do remember the last one and probably saw the others , just that my rememberer is not on full power today

Blow me away! Been to 2 World Fairs, and never seen anything like those before.

 

Herb

Those are awesome Steve. The two hot air balloons are my favorite. I'd be worse than your grand-kids playing with those.

First time I've seen them so thanks for the post!

Steve:

That is a great job using the magnets. They are a real showcase to say the least. Thanks for sharing.

I like working with magnets and now you have my mind working.

 

Preston

Those are awesome, not only the woodworking, but the idea of using the magnets. DOUBLE KUDOS.

6 hours ago, lew said:

 I think the next to last one is my favorite.

 

Do you have a jig to create to round balls or do you do them freehand?

 

Thanks to all!!

Lew, this one was done free hand and is hollowed. Our club president at the time did a great demo on turning spheres by making an octagon first. After that, it's basically just knocking off the corners. I have thought about investing in a sphere turning jig but haven't been able to justify to myself.

Very cool. I love seeing new things like that.

Very cool, thank you Steve.  With a new grandson on the way, you've given me some great ideas!  Thanks!

Steve:

I have been looking for the button magnets about 1/2" dia and am not having much luck. Can you suggest a place that sells lower priced-made in the USA magnets? I want to glue one on a dowel to pick up dropped metal on the floor.

 

Preston 

1 hour ago, steamshovel said:

Steve:

I have been looking for the button magnets about 1/2" dia and am not having much luck. Can you suggest a place that sells lower priced-made in the USA magnets? I want to glue one on a dowel to pick up dropped metal on the floor.

 

Preston 

Preston, I don't know if they are made in America but in the past I have bought from k&j magnetics They seem to have a good product and have been very responsive to my needs.

 

Steve

Do not know if us made but here are a  couple more

https://supermagnetman.com/?cPath=31&osCsid=38e14ae849954e86dd19b06682e730ec

 

http://appliedmagnets.com/surplus-magnets-clearance-c-8_71.html

Boy,they sure have gone up in price since I bought my stash several years ago.

Herb

Just WOW.....

 

Looking for magnets? Check out E-bay.