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Need all the magnetizing experts help for this one. I have looked on Dakka, YouTube and Google for tips or tutorials on magnetizing metal figures or vehicles. I know its hard to drill into the metal, and all that stuff. My question is what are you guys using to keep the magnets in, is it green stuff or just super glue or both.

Here is my issue. I have four old metal attack bikes. I'm wanting to be able to exchange the heavy bolter and multi melta. I figured I would cut off the bottom base of the post and just glue a magnet on to replace the base, then glue in a magnet on the floor between the SM feet. Simple and easy to do, but the glue won't hold the magnet on the post of the weapon.

I'm using a 1/4 by 1/8 magnet (about a 5 x 2 mm). Is this to strong a magnet, I'm figuring the the weapon is top heavy so a stronger magnet to hold it in place? Will a smaller magnet work?

What glues are you guys using to hold magnets in (I'm using the original super glue brand) ? Should I use green stuff to help hold the magnet on?

Sorry I don't have any pictures, but if I need to take some to show what I'm trying to do, let me know.

Any help will be greatly appreciated,

Thanks DK44

Super glue should be fine, but it's always better to have a hole to sink the entire magnet into (as opposed to only gluing one surface of the magnet to the contact point).

Buy some thick superglue from a hobby shop, since it's superior to GW's.

You can also rough up the surfaces of the magnet using sandpaper or a file to give it better adhesion.

I use superglue AND greenstuff.

The greenstuff is because when you drill a hole, you get a concave depression, but magnets tend to be flat - so this fills that area and allows the magnet to SIT FLAT.

I also drill the hole a little bit larger than the magnet'd diameter. Allows it to sit properly without trapping air or superglue under it, and the superglue/GS forms a nice "collar" around the magnet making it harder to pop out accidentally - but also makes it slightly easier to deliberately pop out if you decide to reposition it.

Thanks Altruizine and chromedog, I'll see if the roughing of the surface will hold it, otherwise I'll try a smaller magnet see if that works, and use green stuff like chromedog said.

The problem with superglue is that above a certain size, the magnetic pull of rare-earth magnets is stronger than the "grab" strength of the superglue, so although you might be able to glue the magnet onto something, you will be ripping them out when you try to move or swap the weapon over.

So you need something with a flexible grab to enhance the bond - like an epoxy adhesive (Araldite) or putty (like GS).

I've magnetised an old 2nd ed land speeder (metal) with 3x1mm magnets which holds the multi-melta or Heavy bolter on - the gun stays on when you turn it over, but comes off if you try to pick it up by the weapon.

Didn't try magnetising the attack bike as I don't actually have any of them.

Well I tried roughing up the magnet, and glueing it again. Like you said chromedog, the magnets I was using were just to strong for the glue.

So I used a 1/4 x 1/8 on the actual bike itself and used a smaller magnet on the gun itself, and that worked. Not as strong a hold, I couldn't left it up by the weapon, but it sits where it is supposed to.

I'm going to try getting some sheet metal, and gluing it to the base of the gun and using the larger magnet on the attack bike. If that doesn't work I'll just use the smaller magnet, since it seemed to work.

I've just had some magnets and green stuff delivered, planning on magnetising as many of the marines that i just stripped as possible. Using Loctite flexigrip gel super glue.

I do have 2 attack bikes (plastic though) that i want the weapon changable on AND the side car removable. Will post pics of what I come up with

chromedog wrote:I use superglue AND greenstuff.

The greenstuff is because when you drill a hole, you get a concave depression, but magnets tend to be flat - so this fills that area and allows the magnet to SIT FLAT.

I also drill the hole a little bit larger than the magnet'd diameter. Allows it to sit properly without trapping air or superglue under it, and the superglue/GS forms a nice "collar" around the magnet making it harder to pop out accidentally - but also makes it slightly easier to deliberately pop out if you decide to reposition it.

This is your best option, almost all tuts on magnitizing will show both being used, superglue, gs, superglue, magnet.

Yeah Hairysticks, let me know if you come up with some excellent ideas or tips. I also have a pair of attack bikes that are plastic. I'm hoping they will be easier. I think I'm also going to find some Loctite superglue, I've heard that is a good glue. I have to pick up some GS and some sheetmetal tomorrow, might as well get some better superglue as well.