I find handy uses for rare earth magnets all over my shop. I just thought I would share this as a tip. Here are some of the places I use them:
My table saw fence has a magnet embedded in the plywood top I made and it keeps a ruler handy:
These magnets keeps blades and an alen wrench handy on my scroll saw base:
A wrench for my jointer and a push block are magneted to the jointer base:
Another ruler magnited to the top of my radial arm saw:
The three sizes of alen wrenches for my bandsaw:
Even in my small shop I have to keep everything as efficient as possible since I have limited time to spend woodworking (usually between when I get off work and when my wife gets home).
So small conveniences like this help cut down the time I would have to spend walking back and forth and finding the right tool. I like keeping dedicated tools at each machine for changing blades, making adjustments, etc. I also like having my most used measuring tools duplicated and located where I usually need them.
-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com
6 comments so far
Karson
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25806 posts in 1299 days
posted 725 days ago
I agree about having the correct allen wrenches next to the saw. It a problem to go and find the key ring of wrenches and then find the correct one. Is it metric or sae. Keeping one next to the tool is great. I use one for the key for the drill press but need a few more I guess.
Old computer hard drives have nice magnets. And maybe old floppy drives. I’ve never checked for them.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
David
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1982 posts in 1037 days
posted 725 days ago
Blake -
Great idea!
-- http://foldingrule.blogspot.com
John Gray
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1754 posts in 784 days
posted 725 days ago
I use those magnets for a lot of things…haven’t lost the drill press key since I started using one to keep it on the press also keeps wrenches secure to their tools and to post plans on my freezer door and the auxiliary power switch box stays put on the top side of the band saw not where the mfr. down below and out of sight. I’ve got to order more next order that goes to Rockler.
-- Only the Shadow knows....................
GaryK
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9537 posts in 887 days
posted 725 days ago
Great blog. Magnets sure do come in handy!
They also work good to setup jointer knives.
Gary
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
rikkor
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11335 posts in 773 days
posted 725 days ago
I bought a dust hood for the lathe. I was getting all prepared to drill, tap and screw the darn thing on. It is now attached with four 3/4” magnets. Works great.
MsDebbieP
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14174 posts in 1059 days
posted 725 days ago
well, well, well.. brilliant!!!!
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)