Magnetic Tractor Beam Effect

A magnetic array with attraction and repulsion that reminds of the tractor beam out of science fiction films.

Step 1: Measurements

Big magnets are 20x3mm, small magnets are 5x4mm each constructed out of four 5x1mm disc magnets. All magnets are N50 grade (NdFeB). The base is plywood (dia 40 mm) but as you can see plywood wasn't the best choice because of chipping. I recommend plastic.

Step 2: Polarity

Big magnet attracts and small magnets repel the beamed magnet. It doesn't need have all six small magnets to work - two small magnets are enough to achieve the effect.