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Hidy-ho.

To keep things simple, I'm looking into taking my first steps into magnetization here pretty soon. Looking specifically at magnetizing some various nids (from carnifex to warriors size wise), as well as some smaller stuff possibly more fiddle things like ork nob arms and the like

Specifically... I really don't know where to start with regards to what size magnets to get, and how they would correspond to drill-bit sizes. What size magnets should I be looking for to do things like the carnifex, and what size for the smaller things such as tyranid warriors / ork nobz? How about if I wanted to magnetize some wrists for orks?

With regards to drill bits, could I get sufficient bits of the sizes I'd need for my hand-held pin vice? Or am I looking into investing in something larger, and either way what size bits will I need to correspond to the magnets themselves?

I'm sorry for this being such a bald-faced "oh god, give me information" question but.. I'm really drawing a blank here. And looking over a few tutorials / looking for things myself is making me leery about buying the totally wrong thing . So any info or help would be greatly appreciated.

1mm (depth) by 2mm (circumference) round magnets for wrists, N35(magnet power) is fine. 1mm x 3mm for shoulders, 1mm x 5 mm for bigger things. You will need some regular drill bits from hardware store for the 1mm x 5mm work.

Always use hand drill vice, and make sure to use marker on 1 side of magnet to keep consistency.

Higher N numbers are stronger - the stronger they are, the less accurate you need to be with your angles, the smaller the magnets can be, and the better you can hide your magnets.

There are two ways to simplify the issue of matching magnet sizes to drill bits: Either buy a set of metric bits and get your magnets from Chinese Ebay resellers (which are invariably in millimeter increments) or buy standard bits from the hardware store and order imperial sizes from an American distributor, like K&J Magnetics. Either way, there is zero guesswork or need to measure.

Really, though, you've got some wiggle room with sizing, considering the availability of epoxy putties and gap-filling CA glues, as well as the malleability of styrene. I break out the calipers when it's time to match drill bits to anything, but that's because I already have them - I've eyeballed plenty of fits without issue, including magnetization projects.

As for whether the required bits will be compatible with your current pin vice, I couldn't say. You aren't likely to use any magnets small enough to warrant a numbered drill bit - everything will be in fractional inches (or millimeters). A lot of hobby-targeted pin vices simply don't have collets that can hold those larger bits (they tend to cap out at around the 3mm or 1/8" mark). Worst case scenario, you need to buy a bigger pin vice or chuck the bits up in a powered drill.

For what it’s worth, my drill set has a 5/64” bit, which I use for 2mm magnets. According to google, 5/64th is the same as 1.98mm. I often don’t even use glue, the magnets fit snug into the hole all by themselves.

Honestly, it's really easy. Use a bit the same size of the magnet, and if its too snug, step it up a quarter diameter. I.e use a 5/32 for an 1/8 inch magnet. If you ever get the hole too big, pack a little green stuff in or flow superglue over the top.

The most important part is to measure polarity multiple times to make sure it's right. Screwing that up will make you a sad panda.

Also, for english, 1/16th by 1/16th are good for really tiny jobs, and i magnetized a wrathknight arm with a 1/4 by 1/8.

 oadie wrote:
A lot of hobby-targeted pin vices simply don't have collets that can hold those larger bits (they tend to cap out at around the 3mm or 1/8" mark). Worst case scenario, you need to buy a bigger pin vice or chuck the bits up in a powered drill.

Or just hold the bit in your fingers and turn it manually. You don't really need the extra force of a drill to make a shallow hole for a magnet.

Fair enough. I drill holes in various materials and tend to forget that most people here would only be talking about styrene kits. I still carry the mental scars from that one time my pin vice was in storage and I had to drill through 1/8" aluminum plate with a dull old bit and my fingers... [shudder]

If I'm only drilling a few holes in plastic or resin I'll often just hold the drill in my hand and do it. If it's metal I wouldn't even try.

If you're going to hold the drill bit in your hand, wrap it in something to make life easier, a piece of cloth or a tissue or something.

I typically drill my holes slightly oversized and then glue the magnet in.