Magswitch...any good?

[woodbloke]

Just curious really, I've been having delve into the Axminster site looking at the Magswitch and wondered if it was any good or how it in fact works? :? as there doesn't seem to much info on the Axminster site - Rob

 

[Ironballs]

I was wondering the same Rob, did I see an article in BW recently where either Olly or Steve M were using it?

 

[Anonymous]

Are there any cheaper alternatives to the Magswitch. They look excellent but seem like one of those things you should be able to get a little cheaper without the brand name.

Dave

 

[Tim Nott]

I bought the pro featherboard thing. It's rather limited - for me in that my fences and the saw insert plate on my Robland combi are aluminium, a metal well known for its disdain for things magentic.
Having said that, the magnets are certainly very powerful - what I use it for most is to block the far end of the saw fence (it's only fixed at the front) to stop it flexing.
Not a new idea - remember seeing similar switched magnets in a machine shop in 1967
Good fun though

 

[lemonjeff]

Use the Axminster link and click on more images.

Jeff

 

[woodbloke]

Use the Axminster link and click on more images.

Jeff

- Rob

 

[OPJ]

I was wondering the same Rob, did I see an article in BW recently where either Olly or Steve M were using it?

:shock: It certainly wasn't me!!! Steve and I aren't that alike, are we??? :shock:

:wink:

I've got a feeling it may have been Nick who tested the MagSwitch products, anyway... Although, I do know that Steve Maskery made something similar of his own as part of his Ultimate Table Saw Tenon Jig. I think the large magnets came from some old speakers.

 

[Mr Ed]

Be no use on your Kity remember, as the table is Aluminium.

Ed

 

[wizer]

I have just the original mag switch on it's own which is the strongest magnet known to mankind The axminster no-name equivalent is no where near as strong or well made. I've not actually found a use for them yet, they've been stuck to the side of my bandsaw since I got them.

 

[woodbloke]

Be no use on your Kity remember, as the table is Aluminium.

Ed

Just pondering really Ed, as I was noodling around on the site. I can see they would be useful, but I can't see any real need for them - Rob

 

[Ironballs]

Ed you must have a memory that rivals Mrs IB :shock: Mind you I do recall that you have the Kity 419...

I was actually thinking about using it on the bandsaw which does have a big cast iron table

As an aside I ordered the 100 quid Woodstar bin type extractor from Screwfix the other day and when it arrived it had become a Kity. Are NMA doing a re-brand of some stuff?

 

[crazylilting]

wiser I could put them to use! is there anything of equal value you are looking to get?

 

[wizer]

Cabinet saw? Drum Sander?

Nah they're not for sale (yet). I'm sure they'll come in use eventually. When (if) my productivity rises a bit

 

[JonnyD]

I use one all the time on the planer for keeping stock up against the fence and ensuring perect 90 degree edges.

Jon

 

[Streepips]

Could you still get 90% without one?
Sometimes gadgets can lead to good practice being forgotten.

 

[JonnyD]

Could you still get 90% without one?
Sometimes gadgets can lead to good practice being forgotten.

Yeah i have the relevant skills to be able to get a perfect edge without using the gadget. I am presuming by saying 90% you actually mean 90 degrees

Sometimes we plane hundreds of components at one time and using the magswitch 100% of the components comeout square and it eliminates any potential for user error. This means less wastage and a better overall product.

cheers

Jon

 

[Streepips]

I can understand the advantage in that, and yes, % is poor shorthand for degree..
Would it not then be an advantage to have a similar device to keep the piece hard down to the out-table as well then? Assuming it could carry some sort of featherboard attachment.

and what is it you do that requires sometimes hundreds of an item to be machined? Furniture making?

 

[JonnyD]

I think a featherboard on the outfeed would work but the fence isnt high enough to accomodate one and it may get in the way of feeding the stock through. Another option would be a powerfeed on the outfeed but I havent got that lazy yet

Yes furniture making. A largish framed kitchen with 40 doors and solid wood panels requires quite a few lengths of timber.

cheers

Jon

 

[woodbloke]

Sometimes we plane hundreds of components at one time and using the magswitch 100% of the components comeout square and it eliminates any potential for user error. This means less wastage and a better overall product.

cheers

Jon

I can see in a situation like that the Magswitch would be useful (I assume it's the same sort of set up as seen in the Axminster blurb?) but for occasional use in a hobbyist 'shop, I'm struggling to see the value? - Rob

 

[Ironballs]

Rob I've just been planing up some oak for a chair project and when you have to bang through 50+ pieces you'll take anything that will make it easier!