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For over a year, I have been using a round speaker magnet with a makeshift stand, for retaining and organizing my small screwdrivers and other precision tools. I finally decided to improve it, because there was an annoying overhanging lip on the magnet which made it hard to use. I never intended this to be an instuctable, but the end result looked too darn good to keep to myself. So I apologize that the instructions are very poor, as they are all done in hindsight.
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Signing UpStep 1The magnet
Warning! I have discovered that using a carbide cutter on iron creates very sharp metal splinters which adhere to the magnet. I advise using safety glasses and rubber gloves.
This is the magnet. I wish I had a "before" pic. The magnet it a double ring type, with a metal core. There is a ferrous metal disk attached to the top, which was rather annoying because it was larger in diameter than the magnet, itelf. Originally, it had a urine-yellow and very bumpy surface to it. I used a dremel tool and carbide cutter to mill away parts of the surrounding lip, so that the tools can lay flat around the circumference of the magnet. Noticing the nice brushed steel look where I cut, I decided to resurface the top of the magnet, too. I used the carbide tip to roughly remove the protruding center piece that used to be on the magnet, as well as the four pins that were slightly raised. (You can see a few tool marks where I cut too deep). Then I smoothed it by rubbing it over 200 grit sandpaper over a pane of glass. It looked so good, I decided I had to trash the hotmelt glued flyswatter handle contraption that I had hitherto used as a mount. Something else sprang to mind. Now if I could just find it...
This is the magnet. I wish I had a "before" pic. The magnet it a double ring type, with a metal core. There is a ferrous metal disk attached to the top, which was rather annoying because it was larger in diameter than the magnet, itelf. Originally, it had a urine-yellow and very bumpy surface to it. I used a dremel tool and carbide cutter to mill away parts of the surrounding lip, so that the tools can lay flat around the circumference of the magnet. Noticing the nice brushed steel look where I cut, I decided to resurface the top of the magnet, too. I used the carbide tip to roughly remove the protruding center piece that used to be on the magnet, as well as the four pins that were slightly raised. (You can see a few tool marks where I cut too deep). Then I smoothed it by rubbing it over 200 grit sandpaper over a pane of glass. It looked so good, I decided I had to trash the hotmelt glued flyswatter handle contraption that I had hitherto used as a mount. Something else sprang to mind. Now if I could just find it...
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you said you cut grooves into that top piece of flat steel?
What about an old bicycle front sprocket??
It already has the grooves in it & spaced accordingly....all you MIGHT have to do is shine it up but that would be purely optional.
Just a thought....
I like this, ya did good Sir! :)
As soon as I get back home to Indiana, I think I'll make me one or 3
I'm always looking for fun projects to add to the site and I think my readers would get a kick out of yours. This one kinda fits in the Tips and Tricks category. I just bought some old speakers from GoodWill for $2 to make a mag base (now I have something to use the other speaker magnet for!)
You can let me know if it's alright to post your project by clicking on my name here and sending me a private message, or by visiting my site and filling out the contact form.
Thanks in advance!