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I like to magnetize my models for flexibility, but I've found the using superglue the magnets can fall off during play. Have any of you used an epoxy or other good adhesive to really stick the magnets to the plastic?

I never had problems with loosing magnets. But I drill/carve holes to sink them into the models. And I add a tiny bit of Greenstuff into the holes to make sure they sit flush.

 btldoomhammer wrote:
I never had problems with loosing magnets. But I drill/carve holes to sink them into the models. And I add a tiny bit of Greenstuff into the holes to make sure they sit flush.

I sink them into the models when I can as well. I've had problems where that isn't possible, like on floating bases for Jetbike models in 40k. The magnet is glued onto the top of the stem, and the other magnet is sunk into the body of the model. Sometimes the model on the stem comes off.

The only other real issue I've had is with the Waveserpent. There isn't a way to sink the magnet into the turret, so that comes off fairly easily as well.

 undertow wrote:
I like to magnetize my models for flexibility, but I've found the using superglue the magnets can fall off during play. Have any of you used an epoxy or other good adhesive to really stick the magnets to the plastic?

I should think Araldite will be able to hold them in pretty well!

2 part epoxy and they'll be there forever. Make sure you get the polarity right...

IIRC magnets loose strength when heated.

But i dont think two part epoxy will ever get that hot.

You just need better point of contact. green stuff around the magnet if there isnt a side wall and it should stay together.

Unfortunately it's on the runny side. But I use Army Painter super glue. It's amazing. Magnets fuze to the plastic. In seconds.

Forgeworld resin sticks and fuzes in seconds. Just be gentle when applying.

I accidentally glued the wrong polarity on a model, used my GW cutters to try to pull the magnet off. Broke the magnet in half. The other half stayed stuck on the model

I use "Tarzan's Grip" it is a super thick super glue, levels the drilled hole, plenty of working time. Araldite would do it too.

 Desubot wrote:
IIRC magnets loose strength when heated.

But i dont think two part epoxy will ever get that hot.

You just need better point of contact. green stuff around the magnet if there isnt a side wall and it should stay together.

This. I glue mine on with a INSTA-CURE Gap Filling Cyanoacrylate, and green stuff over it with a thin layer. I've yet to have a magnet pop off.

I used clear tubing the same size as the magnet to make a sleeve around the stem and the magnet and glued the magnet down into the sleeve after gluing it onto the stem. Thin superglue will run into the gap and hold it very well.

i use a mix of superglue and green stuff to try and hide the magnet if it is in a visable place

+1 to Superglue with GS, even if you can't see it. Good to seal it in.

I use citadel glue thick and haven't had any problems with my magnets

I have a magnetised wave serpent turret.

Two 3mm magnets in spots under the main part, and a washer glued UNDER the plastic hull, directly under where the turret mount piece fits. They hold strong enough to keep it in place without impeding rotation.

Superglue+greenstuff and holes where needed solved most of the problems.

Magnets on acetate stands are going to give you issues regardless. You need to have AT LEAST the same rough surface area on both surfaces (magnet and stand), otherwise the shear forces the model will put on the magnet on the post will just rip that magnet off.

You could also rough up the surface of the magnet on the glueside to help the glue to grip.

 SlaveToDorkness wrote:
I used clear tubing the same size as the magnet to make a sleeve around the stem and the magnet and glued the magnet down into the sleeve after gluing it onto the stem. Thin superglue will run into the gap and hold it very well.

That's a good idea.

Another area I've had problems with is magnetizing the weapons on a Wave Serpent turret. The turret itself magnetizes to the hull just fine, but putting a magnet on the turret stem that attaches to the weapons has always given me problems, with the magnets falling off the stem and the weapon.

Thanks for all the advice.

 granander wrote:
You could also rough up the surface of the magnet on the glueside to help the glue to grip.

+1 to this.

The nickel plating won't help much when gluing as nothing will stick well to it. You can scratch it or sand it/file it to give a better surface for gluing.

I use E6000 adhesive to glue my magnets in and it holds really well but it is under the base and I can get away with messy glue there.