|
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! |
|
Thread Tools |
17th Nov 2021, 6:26 pm | #1 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Colchester, Essex, UK.
Posts: 4,107
|
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.
Dave |
17th Nov 2021, 7:13 pm | #2 |
Nonode
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Stafford, Staffs. UK.
Posts: 2,532
|
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.
|
17th Nov 2021, 7:19 pm | #3 |
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Fife, Scotland, UK.
Posts: 22,878
|
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.
David
__________________
Can't afford the volcanic island yet, but the plans for my monorail and the goons' uniforms are done |
17th Nov 2021, 8:03 pm | #4 |
Nonode
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Surbiton, SW London, UK.
Posts: 2,801
|
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. |
17th Nov 2021, 8:21 pm | #5 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Oxford, UK.
Posts: 17,846
|
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. |
17th Nov 2021, 8:27 pm | #6 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 27,947
|
Re: Seasonal source of Neodymium buttons
Presumably they will disappear from trivial applications as the cost increases.
|
18th Nov 2021, 9:09 am | #7 |
Hexode
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Weymouth, Dorset, UK.
Posts: 475
|
Re: Seasonal source of Neodymium buttons
They make excellent guitar pickups due to the small physical size and high power.
__________________
Valve equipment repairs since 1968 https://jonsnell.co.uk |
18th Nov 2021, 5:31 pm | #8 | |
Guest
Posts: n/a
|
Re: Seasonal source of Neodymium buttons
Quote:
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. |
|
19th Nov 2021, 9:04 am | #9 |
Octode
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Yorkshire, England.
Posts: 1,301
|
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?
__________________
Regards, Ken. BVWS member |
19th Nov 2021, 11:44 am | #10 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: East Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 3,987
|
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.
__________________
My favourite text message "I'll be there in five minutes, if not read again" Last edited by 60 oldjohn; 19th Nov 2021 at 11:54 am. |
19th Nov 2021, 2:47 pm | #11 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Colchester, Essex, UK.
Posts: 4,107
|
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.
Dave |
19th Nov 2021, 4:07 pm | #12 |
Octode
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Yorkshire, England.
Posts: 1,301
|
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?
__________________
Regards, Ken. BVWS member |