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I'm going to be magnetising both my Riptides and Broadsides but I'm unsure on what size magnets would work best.

I was thinking 3mm x 3mm but I'd like peoples opinions first.

Also, any good places to buy them?

I bought 3mm x 1mm from spider magnets (could be magnetics) cost about £2.50 on ebay for 50

Would they be strong enough to hold the weapons/arms? Seem a little small

The proper magnet size really depends on how big the parts you are connecting are and how much leverage their weight has in the position you want.

I buy my magnets at http://www.supermagnete.com. They are fast, reasonably priced and have a great assortment of magnet sizes.

Since removing magnets from plastic is a problem you want to avoid, I'd always stick in the biggest magnet that fits in the part.

If you have a weapon system stuck to a shoulder or arm that is in a fixed position, small magnets, like 2x2 or 3x3 should be enough. If you are thinking of making the arms themselves attached by magnets, go for something bigger, like 5 or 6mm diameter. It's a good idea to measure the joint with calipers first.

I personally have not tried the riptide, but you might be able to get an idea from the magnet sizes I used on my wraithknight.



Note: I've since found a better way to ensure a snug fit in a magnet joint is to install the first magnet of the pair and use it to insert the second magnet. When doing that, slip a 1mm thick magnet inbetween the two magnets for the joint. Another spacer is possible as well of course. When that spacer is removed later, the force of the magnets will pull the plastic together and ensure ample friction so that problems like the dropping arm for my wraithknight won't happen. ;-]

Thanks for the help


I'm still not sure what sizes I should use for the Riptide or Broadside though, I need them strong enough to stop the weapons from dropping.

Anyone had any experience magnetising either that can help?

 Thamor wrote:
Thanks for the help


I'm still not sure what sizes I should use for the Riptide or Broadside though, I need them strong enough to stop the weapons from dropping.

Anyone had any experience magnetising either that can help?

Yes.

What exact parts do you want to magnitize?

Riptide;
small weapons and war gear (smart missiles, plasma, trackers etc.) I use n52 1/8" rare earth magnets.
For the shield and ion accelerator: I use n42 1/4" x 1/16" round disc magnets.

Broadsides
For the mount where the seeker goes - I use a flat rectangular magnet on the mount, and a 1/8"x1/16" in the seeker or war gear.

What other part on the broadside are you magnetizing?
I did a very custom job on my sides to make the two main weaponsystems swap out, but I have heard others try to mag the arms at the socket.
What are you plans?

I use 1/8" x 1/16" on all my crisis suits, and my drone stands.

I get all my magnets from K&J magnets.

Ah, when you say "stop the magnets from dropping" I am going to infer you mean they are in a vertical use mounted at a fulcrum point,and the arms (or whatever) drop down.

You need to either magnetize at a different part of the model, get a different angle, or increase the friction on the magnets.

to increase the friction on the magnet, put a drop of pva (white) glue on the magnets and let them dry completely before allowing them to stick together. This creates a "more rough" surface area and will help with magnet droop.

If you need stronger magnets, go up to n52 strength.

Best of luck!