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Hints, Tips and Solutions (Do NOT post requests for help here) If you have any useful general hints and tips for vintage technology repair and restoration, please share them here. PLEASE DO NOT POST REQUESTS FOR HELP HERE!

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Old 17th Nov 2021, 6:26 pm   #1
The Philpott
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Default Seasonal source of Neodymium buttons

At this time of year a lot of variety/miniature packs of jam, liqueurs, bath salts etc often have magnetic closers- more and more are powerful (and very small) neodymium magnets- fettlers, for the use of.
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Old 17th Nov 2021, 7:13 pm   #2
duncanlowe
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Default Re: Seasonal source of Neodymium buttons

Very true. Have a few rescued from post christmas fragrance box bargains. There are two in my sight now, stuck to a radiator. 'Why?" I hear you ask.
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Old 17th Nov 2021, 7:19 pm   #3
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Default Re: Seasonal source of Neodymium buttons

Probably worth saving anyway because they aren't making any more rare earths. Some mass applications needing efficient motors are having to be designed free from permanent magnets because of predicted demands for Neodymium and Samarium otherwise, so the writing is on the wall that geological limits are in sight, not just the political shenanigans of where reserves are located.

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Old 17th Nov 2021, 8:03 pm   #4
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Default Re: Seasonal source of Neodymium buttons

It is worth ensuring that small children do not have access to these.

There have been disturbing stories where they have been accidentally swallowed.
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Old 17th Nov 2021, 8:21 pm   #5
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Default Re: Seasonal source of Neodymium buttons

I was about to say the same… they’re easily swallowed an can be fatal.

Very handy for finding the nails, and thus the joists, above a plasterboard ceiling.
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Old 17th Nov 2021, 8:27 pm   #6
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Default Re: Seasonal source of Neodymium buttons

Presumably they will disappear from trivial applications as the cost increases.
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Old 18th Nov 2021, 9:09 am   #7
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Default Re: Seasonal source of Neodymium buttons

They make excellent guitar pickups due to the small physical size and high power.
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Old 18th Nov 2021, 5:31 pm   #8
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Default Re: Seasonal source of Neodymium buttons

Quote:
because they aren't making any more rare earths
Simply pop down to your local faded supernova, loads there.

Back to practical things, yes, very much worth saving and don't let anyone swallow them, well not two, they can stick together in the small intestine over different routes squeezing the very thin membrane (sausage skin, only a few thou thick) causing rupture, not nice.
 
Old 19th Nov 2021, 9:04 am   #9
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Default Re: Seasonal source of Neodymium buttons

So, working on the assumption that I get a half dozen at Christmas, what use can l make of them in my workshop?
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Old 19th Nov 2021, 11:44 am   #10
60 oldjohn
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Default Re: Seasonal source of Neodymium buttons

Hi Ken, stick one on the wall behind the workbench. A quick wipe with a screwdriver will magnetize a screwdriver, I'm not keen on the bought magnetized ones, too strong. Stick your <1mm drill bits, pins and needles as keep safe.
This is mine I made 45 years before neodymium became common place.
Surprising what will stick to magnets!

Make this if there are children to impress. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qPHTBatoL0

John.

PS, I should add, I do not do anything with Tape recorders or I would have to reconsider my use of magnets.
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Old 19th Nov 2021, 2:47 pm   #11
The Philpott
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Default Re: Seasonal source of Neodymium buttons

-The smaller juicier magnets are of particular interest to me since they can be used to energise a tired magnet in a PMMC meter movement.
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Old 19th Nov 2021, 4:07 pm   #12
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Default Re: Seasonal source of Neodymium buttons

Thanks for the video John, going to make a couple of those as Christmas presents. Wasn't there something using a coin and a woodscrew to make a motor?
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