- Joined
- Apr 24, 2013
- Messages
- 408
I've decided to build a surface grinding attachment for the 2x72 belt sander I made. So far, so good, but the magnet gluing was an exercise in patience, frustration & general problem-solving. I finally figured it out, so I'm posting a few tips on how it can be done without the trial & error process I went through.
What actually worked well for me was a process with clamps, epoxy, wax paper, small wedges & a 2x2 board. I use G-Flex epoxy & mixed up 20 cc's in a medicine cup. Next, use a stick to spread enough in each groove to hold a magnet. It's thick enough to stay put if the chuck is sitting flat on a table. I took a sheet of parchment paper (like waxed paper) & used the 2x2 to clamp the paper in place on the starting end of the chuck. The paper was folded back over the clamp, but long enough to cover the whole chuck, once the magnets were all in place.
As the first magnet is set in place, loosen the clamp & slide the 2x2 along to cover the magnet with the paper & board, then tighten the clamp. Once the magnet is covered, use a small wedge (3/8" wide & 1/16" thick at the fat end x 2" long) to slide in place, so it LOCKS the magnet in place. You can use door shims or whatever you find, I made them on the table saw with a sliding jig (board with a notch in one edge & scrap wood). As the next magnet is placed, loosen the clamp & slide the board another notch, use another wedge to hold it in position. Just repeat this process until all magnets are set, then check alignments & set aside until the epoxy cures.
I won't describe the original process, which resulted in much colorful language, slippery magnets, stuck together clumps & repeated glove changes. Just use the board & wedges & you'll be fine...
Here's the grinder.
Milling the slots
Still waiting for the contact wheel to clean up the chuck & start work. It should be here soon.
What actually worked well for me was a process with clamps, epoxy, wax paper, small wedges & a 2x2 board. I use G-Flex epoxy & mixed up 20 cc's in a medicine cup. Next, use a stick to spread enough in each groove to hold a magnet. It's thick enough to stay put if the chuck is sitting flat on a table. I took a sheet of parchment paper (like waxed paper) & used the 2x2 to clamp the paper in place on the starting end of the chuck. The paper was folded back over the clamp, but long enough to cover the whole chuck, once the magnets were all in place.
As the first magnet is set in place, loosen the clamp & slide the 2x2 along to cover the magnet with the paper & board, then tighten the clamp. Once the magnet is covered, use a small wedge (3/8" wide & 1/16" thick at the fat end x 2" long) to slide in place, so it LOCKS the magnet in place. You can use door shims or whatever you find, I made them on the table saw with a sliding jig (board with a notch in one edge & scrap wood). As the next magnet is placed, loosen the clamp & slide the board another notch, use another wedge to hold it in position. Just repeat this process until all magnets are set, then check alignments & set aside until the epoxy cures.
I won't describe the original process, which resulted in much colorful language, slippery magnets, stuck together clumps & repeated glove changes. Just use the board & wedges & you'll be fine...
Here's the grinder.
Milling the slots
Still waiting for the contact wheel to clean up the chuck & start work. It should be here soon.
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