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Hey guys, I ordered a bunch of magnets and am hoping to start magnetizing some of my models. Today I tried Michael's, Joanns, Ace hardware, and Walmart, but couldn't find one of these little buggers. I know there is one for 16 bucks on amazon, but I had read somewhere online that you could get them locally for much cheaper, usually in the 5 dollar range. The magnets I got are these ones

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0065O63BK/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So if there is maybe another tool I could buy, or if someone could suggest another store to look in order to get one of these things I'd greatly appreciate it.

I use one of these for most of my drilling needs. It has a variable speed so I don't have a problem over drilling.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/202596894

Oh, but as for a pin vice:

http://www.micromark.com/SearchResult.aspx?deptIdFilter=0&searchPhrase=pin+vice

https://www.google.com/shopping/product/15542918746313689396?q=hobby+pin+vice&rlz=1C1BXPB_enUS508US508&es_sm=93&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&bvm=bv.53217764,d.cGE,pv.xjs.s.en_US.Es3CeXuAQeM.O&biw=1517&bih=741&dpr=1&tch=1&ech=1&psi=B7BEUsaCJcmrigL0pYCwAw.1380233261269.5&sa=X&ei=crBEUsGwAYyaigLyoYG4DA&ved=0CIYBEPMCMAc

 Todosi wrote:
I use one of these for most of my drilling needs. It has a variable speed so I don't have a problem over drilling.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/202596894

Oh, but as for a pin vice:

http://www.micromark.com/SearchResult.aspx?deptIdFilter=0&searchPhrase=pin+vice

https://www.google.com/shopping/product/15542918746313689396?q=hobby+pin+vice&rlz=1C1BXPB_enUS508US508&es_sm=93&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&bvm=bv.53217764,d.cGE,pv.xjs.s.en_US.Es3CeXuAQeM.O&biw=1517&bih=741&dpr=1&tch=1&ech=1&psi=B7BEUsaCJcmrigL0pYCwAw.1380233261269.5&sa=X&ei=crBEUsGwAYyaigLyoYG4DA&ved=0CIYBEPMCMAc

I don't think you noticed the word cheap when pointing out your 180 dollar makita electric drill lol. Also, not sure if you opened the link I posted but is for a pin vice, with bits. Yours are only pin vices, and with shipping come out to a higher price than mine. Hopefully someone with some experience with pin vises rather than electric drills can post something helpful.

Do you not have a FLGS nearby to pick stuff up like this? Personally, I use this one that I bought from a local shop and then I went over to Home Depot and picked up this and this.

My FLGS didn't have one. I'm starting to think the 16 dollar one on amazon may be my only option =.

you went to the wrong ACE ..ACE Harware Hobby Shops (the ones with Model Trains and all the kool Models in them) carry them as do most Model Railroad/Model RC/REAL Hobby Stores..(Like Ed Shocks or Hobby Lobby RC ...)


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As to bits they use the same bits as any drill or Dremel..so Bits are easy


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Radio Shack USED to Carry these and the BIG Radio Shack HAM Radio and Electronic componet stores may still carry them thou those are less than one per state now


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For an online solution this ebay store has several varieties and a good jewlers saw ( got a new pin vise from them and the saw and a pile of blades fairly reasonable)

http://stores.ebay.com/bestjewelrysupply/


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See their tools section ..and didi you try the jewleery section at hobby lobby

morfydd wrote:
you went to the wrong ACE ..ACE Harware Hobby Shops (the ones with Model Trains and all the kool Models in them) carry them as do most Model Railroad/Model RC/REAL Hobby Stores..(Like Ed Shocks or Hobby Lobby RC ...)


Automatically Appended Next Post:
As to bits they use the same bits as any drill or Dremel..so Bits are easy


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Radio Shack USED to Carry these and the BIG Radio Shack HAM Radio and Electronic componet stores may still carry them thou those are less than one per state now


Automatically Appended Next Post:
For an online solution this ebay store has several varieties and a good jewlers saw ( got a new pin vise from them and the saw and a pile of blades fairly reasonable)

http://stores.ebay.com/bestjewelrysupply/


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See their tools section ..and didi you try the jewleery section at hobby lobby

Yeah that ebay store is the definite winner, 4 bucks for the tool. There isn't a hobby lobby within 30 miles of me, so I'd prefer to just order online.


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Also, where would my best bet be to pick up a 3mm bit, the jobber drill bit is the kind that we're supposed to use right?

XActo drill are pretty inexpensive and easy to find.

I ended up getting these ones because I saw a reference to magnets being used for miniatures on the reviews.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XX1D3I/ref=pe_385040_30332200_pe_309540_26725410_item

I think I'm going to make a topic to try and let new people to the hobby like me know where all the cheapest places to get their necessary hobby supplies are.

Just to let you know, the diamaters you are looking for is out of the normal range for "pin vices".

Those magnets are 1/8" - which is a common standard drill bit size - you can get them cheap at just about any hardware store.
(search home depot for 1/8" bit, you will get over 70 hits).

Most pin vices are intended for smaller drill bits...much smaller, about the size of...well, a pin. (hence he name).

I eventually found one that could take a 1/8" bit, but they are not easy to find.

Here is one;
http://www.amazon.com/Mini-Micro-Drill-Vise-Chuck/dp/B001RJE3X8/ref=pd_sbs_ac_3

I use this pin vice http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/exl/exl55661.htm

You may also want to get an end mill bit to get flat-bottomed holes. http://www.amazon.com/4Fl-SE-Carbide-End-Mill/dp/B000I6I5NK
For 1/8 magnets, I drill a 1/16 pilot hole, then use a 1/8 bit until the side goes just below the surface, then finish up with a 1/8 end mill

davethepak wrote:
Just to let you know, the diamaters you are looking for is out of the normal range for "pin vices".

Those magnets are 1/8" - which is a common standard drill bit size - you can get them cheap at just about any hardware store.
(search home depot for 1/8" bit, you will get over 70 hits).

Most pin vices are intended for smaller drill bits...much smaller, about the size of...well, a pin. (hence he name).

I eventually found one that could take a 1/8" bit, but they are not easy to find.

Here is one;
http://www.amazon.com/Mini-Micro-Drill-Vise-Chuck/dp/B001RJE3X8/ref=pd_sbs_ac_3

Yeah that is 22 dollars shiped. if you look at the one that Morfydd posted, it is 4 bucks SHIPPED, and it holds 3mm. Then look at the bit I posted, for what you need it is less than half the price to go that route.

Malikdrako: if I don't get a flat-bottomed one, will it make any difference in the looks of my model, or will it just mean a bit of a smaller hole underneath where my magnet will sit?

as long as it doesnt punch through, there should be no difference in how it looks.
I had to use one for my immortals, since the grip part is about 1/16 thick and a regular bit would have left a visible gap.

Niexist wrote:

davethepak wrote:
Just to let you know, the diamaters you are looking for is out of the normal range for "pin vices".

Those magnets are 1/8" - which is a common standard drill bit size - you can get them cheap at just about any hardware store.
(search home depot for 1/8" bit, you will get over 70 hits).

Most pin vices are intended for smaller drill bits...much smaller, about the size of...well, a pin. (hence he name).

I eventually found one that could take a 1/8" bit, but they are not easy to find.

Here is one;
http://www.amazon.com/Mini-Micro-Drill-Vise-Chuck/dp/B001RJE3X8/ref=pd_sbs_ac_3

Yeah that is 22 dollars shiped. if you look at the one that Morfydd posted, it is 4 bucks SHIPPED, and it holds 3mm. Then look at the bit I posted, for what you need it is less than half the price to go that route.

Malikdrako: if I don't get a flat-bottomed one, will it make any difference in the looks of my model, or will it just mean a bit of a smaller hole underneath where my magnet will sit?

Just to let you know, the "$22 shipped" one is an example, I got a similar one cheaper locally.

Also, the $4 one has two other problems; it is double sided, and again the bit you listed (3mm) is not the same size as the magnets you listed (1/8".
Those are not compatible.

Many people have found that a double sided pin vise is not ideal if you ever have to do work on metal minis, or any other harder material, as they are not comfortable to use when applying any kind of pressure.

As answered above, flat bottomed vs. not is usually no big deal, as yes, you have a small divot in the bottom. The only time this may be a problem is when drilling exceptionally thin materials, and you may not have the extra depth available - which may be quite rare.

Finally, I am not trying to start a debate, or be critical of anyone here - I sharing observations (3mm <> 1/8" and experience in the hobby (1/8" pin vises are more rare, where to get drill bits, types of vises to use, etc.) to help in the experience curve in using certain specialized tools.

Regardless, have fun with the magnets - they will open up a new world of possibilities in all your projects - there are tons of videos and posts on different techniques out there and it is a lot of fun!

Best of luck, and always check polarity!

If you don't mind the price the GW drill isn't bad.

 sing your life wrote:
If you don't mind the price the GW drill isn't bad.

This would actually be my recommendation too. I've used cheap hardware store pin vices, but they hurt like hell to use and gave me blisters and made a sound that would make a deaf person cringe.

The GW one is ergonomic, doesn't squeak and is compatible with regular small drill bits (those I still get from hardware stores)

Everything worked great, and the magnets are actually an exact fit to any sponson holes, or anything that fits together on the land raider or any variant. I was able to magnetize the entire thing with minimal drilling.

For 1/8 holes, I just turn a 1/8" drill bit. If you start some pilot holds with increasingly larger drill bits, the last part with the 1/8 isn't too hard.