Magnets

Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:

No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
Times and dates in your local timezone.
Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.

If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

**Thamor**

I'm looking for magnets that will be big enough to allow me to swap from normal SM backpack to a Jump Pack, any suggestions on where i can get some the right size?

And doesn't anyone know the best way to attach these magnets or is there any tutorials about that will help?

Thanks

**chromedog**

I'd use 2x1mm or 3x1mm for backpacks.

As for attaching ...

Depends. Are you doing this prior to or post- assembly?

There should be tutorials for it.
Don't ask me where, I don't look for them as I don't bother with this kind of jiggerypokery.

**kitch102**

I got mine from http://www.first4magnets.com, I use them to swap out the weapons on my contemptor, though will be doing the same with the weapons on my DE vehicles too.

You could plop one of these in the recess of the backpack, and file down the knobon the back of the marine, putting another magnet there.

They're damn fiddly, and I'll be keeping an eye out for any hints n tips too! I just plonked mine on with GW super glue, I think a pair of plastic tweezers would make it easier though.

**Thamor**

I'd be assembling the backpacks at the end, just so I can swap them over when I want my assault marines in Rhinos/Razorbacks.

Just about to order some F321 - 2mm dia x 1mm thick N42 Neodymium Magnets, Or would you suggest slightly larger ones?

Here is the place I found them, Very cheap

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50-Neodymium-Disc-Magnets-3x1-mm-N40-craft-warhammer-40K-models-/160664732145?pt=UK_Toys_Wargames_RL&hash=item25685d41f1

**CrimsonPrime**

3x2mm rare earth magnets can hold even the classic metal lump jump packs in place

**d-usa**

I used 1/8th inch diameter magnets on mine, and they work decent. I got rid of the nub on the back of the marine, and drilled a hole to place the magnet flush with the back. The other magnet went into the backpacks and jump packs.

The jump packs had deeper pre-existing holes, so the magnets don't actually touch, which makes them a little bit more touchy.

**notprop**

Yeah you can pick magnets up at loads of places, i think that wayland and maelstrom both have sections for them.

You will also want a drill bit the same size or 0.5mm bigger. A snug fit can actually reduce the amount of superglue needed. I prefer a gel super glue as you can just put a small dab on and not have surplus flowing out of the sides. Many a magnet has stuck to me that way.

Finally plan the job first, even mark the side you want pointing out so that they are all the same. If you end up doing 20 marines the last thing you want is to have a load with the poles the wrong way round and have to sort through them for the right back one every time.

**d-usa**

I made 1 model that I magnetized at every possible joint. Every other model is magnetized based on the polarity of that model.

So when magnetizing my jump packs I take my "rod" of magnets (10 or so) and stick it to the back of the master model. I mark the last magnet with a sharpie, painting the side facing 'away' from the model black. I then know that the black side goes facing 'inside' the jump pack. (I hope that makes sense).

By having one master model and always using it for reference, you really increase your odds of remaining without polarity screwups.

**Thamor**

At the moment I'll just be magnetising the jump packs, so I have the option to add the normal backpacks in the future. So I'd split the poles and put one pole into the back of the marine then the other pole in jump pack and make sure I don't mix it up.

I've just purchased some 3x1mm magnets, now would it be better to remove the lump on the back of the marine then drill a hole or just remove the lump and put the magnet in its place? If I was to drill a hole for the magnet would I be needing a 3mm drill bit for the 3x1mm magnets?

Cheers

**notprop**

Yes, it should go in nice and snug. But if it is too tight then you can easily reem the hole a bit more with the drill but or a hobby knife.

Then glue in the hole and drop the magnet in.

**Thamor**

Any idea where I can get a 3mm drill bit for the GW hobby drill? I've tried eBay but no luck.

**notprop**

3mm is 3mm, just go to a DiY store and pick up a normal one.

**kitch102**

I think Thamor means he needs a drill bit thats thin enough to fit in to the GW hobby drill (which looks TINY) yet 3mm wide at the other end.

If that's the case, I have no idea pal, 1 option for you, if you didn't want ot spend cash, would be to snip the lump off with clippers, then maybe knife your way through a bit, but ultimately I can see a visit to the local DIY store in your future (I have some MENTAL powers like that)

**notprop**

I see.

Well there are four options;

Slide the bit into an old hobby knife handle. I got a knife kit from a pound shop, this had a plastic collet for holding the blade which can easily accept a drill bit with a little work.

Twirl the bit in your fingers, this works well enough on plastic models. Not recommended if you are doing loads as you might get sore fingers.

Get a new pin vice with at least a 3mm collet (I'm assuming the GW one doesn't have ones that swap out?). My first ever hobby tool purchase (after a knife) was a double ended pin vice which had two double ended coolers in either end, so basically 1-4mm.

Get a tamiya hobby drill, which is what I use. Great model kit and a very handy tool, less that 20 quid from the right place.

**Forcast**

I wouldn't buy magnets from eBay, they seem to be more expensive. just google rare earth magnets and order them from the manufacturer. I got 150 1/8x1/16" magnets for like $12.

**Thamor**

Cheers guys

The GW Hobby Drill does open up wide but I'm not sure how thick a 3mm drill bit is. I'm also having lots of trouble finding a 3mm drill bit online(Will probably leave the house soon

)

I got 50 3x1mm Magnets for £2.85 and free postage, that should be enough for now, Thanks though.

Does anyone know if the GW Drill would hold a 3mm drill bit?

**giothulu**

Thanks for all the info here. I will be working on the same project for my assault marines and death company in the very near future and this has been the perfect thread for all I needed to know. Please post how the project goes for you and if there are any tips you find as you work through it.
Thanks