Introduction: Magnetic Model Hangers
Goal is to mount plastic models on a wall for display but also allow them to be easily removed for play.
I was thinking of helping my son hang the models we built with fishing line like I did when I was a kid, but he likes to play with them, and you can really only appreciate the bottom of the model (the most boring side IMHO) when they are hanging.
Equipment & Parts List
0.5" Neodymium Magnets with 90 degree taper hole
0.5" Metal Washers
4x1/2 Phillips Metal Screws
High Strength Glue or Epoxy (I used Household Goop)
UPDATE: Laberatory424 sells the magnets with adhesive already attached
I was thinking of helping my son hang the models we built with fishing line like I did when I was a kid, but he likes to play with them, and you can really only appreciate the bottom of the model (the most boring side IMHO) when they are hanging.
Equipment & Parts List
0.5" Neodymium Magnets with 90 degree taper hole
0.5" Metal Washers
4x1/2 Phillips Metal Screws
High Strength Glue or Epoxy (I used Household Goop)
UPDATE: Laberatory424 sells the magnets with adhesive already attached
Step 1: Get the Magnets
The real heart of the project is the tapered hole magnet. I got mine from Applied Magnets.
The washers I had already - and was happy to have silver and black. They need to be ferrous, so make sure they stick to the magnets before using them.
The washers I had already - and was happy to have silver and black. They need to be ferrous, so make sure they stick to the magnets before using them.
Step 2: Mount Washers on Models
Find the center of gravity of the model (balancing it on a pencil helps)- hopefully this area protrudes from the base of the model. If not you might need to have more than one mounting point.
Use a generous amount of glue and wait for it to dry completely.
Use a generous amount of glue and wait for it to dry completely.
Step 3: Screw Magnet Into Wall
I used short metal screws and just went into the drywall. For a more substantial mount you could use longer screws and go into a stud - or use the various dry wall mounting hardware that exists.
Notice the metal screws I used protrude a little bit - this turns out to be a nice feature of the mount as it lines it up with the washer.
For heavier models I've also used a combination of goop + a screw into the wall.
You can also glue the magnets to the wall w/o any screws - but use a tack or tape to hold it in place as the glue dries or it might slide out of place.
Notice the metal screws I used protrude a little bit - this turns out to be a nice feature of the mount as it lines it up with the washer.
For heavier models I've also used a combination of goop + a screw into the wall.
You can also glue the magnets to the wall w/o any screws - but use a tack or tape to hold it in place as the glue dries or it might slide out of place.
Step 4: Stick the Model to the Wall
That's it - the head of the screw serves as a guide to into the washed to ensure the metal to magnet contact is there.
Step 5: Admire And/or Play
The models spin really well on the mounts, so you can setup various configurations. I hope to have this wall full someday.
Notes: I originally planned on having magnet to magnet mounting - and also purchased some magnetic disks - however the magnetic bond was much to strong and would have made it difficult to glue the magnet to the model well enough that it wouldn't come unstuck.
I also originally planned on multiple mount points for each model - but the magnets were much stronger than anticipated and a single point works perfectly. UPDATE: I have since mounted a few models with magnet to magnet contact.
Notes: I originally planned on having magnet to magnet mounting - and also purchased some magnetic disks - however the magnetic bond was much to strong and would have made it difficult to glue the magnet to the model well enough that it wouldn't come unstuck.
I also originally planned on multiple mount points for each model - but the magnets were much stronger than anticipated and a single point works perfectly. UPDATE: I have since mounted a few models with magnet to magnet contact.