testing Alnico magnetism?

[KRKBAB]

I tried to keep all of my Alnico mags ( and 2 ceramics) from touching- but gave up on it.

How can I tell if they are still as they should be, or if they loose something and become too weak by touching each other.

Is there a simple test for this (that doesn't require anything special)?

 

[hamerfan]

Re: testing Alnico magnetism?

Store em in a staple north and south in alternate direction - you feel the right attraction when you approach one to the other ! Also: Get two strong neo mags and glue em on a board with the distance of a bar magnet. If you feel your mag is too soft, slide it thru the vise.

 

[KRKBAB]

Re: testing Alnico magnetism?

BTW- I did do a search on the subject, but I didn't find anything on a way to actually test the magnets- just a lot of information on how to/not to store them and what could potentially happen to them.
All of that was very helpful though, for sure.

 

[KRKBAB]

Re: testing Alnico magnetism?

Store em in a staple north and south in alternate direction - you feel the right attraction when you approach one to the other ! Also: Get two strong neo mags and glue em on a board with the distance of a bar magnet. If you feel your mag is too soft, slide it thru the vise.

I just wanted to know how to test them (not store them).

 

[KRKBAB]

Re: testing Alnico magnetism?

Store em in a staple north and south in alternate direction - you feel the right attraction when you approach one to the other ! Also: Get two strong neo mags and glue em on a board with the distance of a bar magnet. If you feel your mag is too soft, slide it thru the vise.

ALSO- how dare you use that picture of Lady Liberty- there is a fold blocking her beauty!

 

[CTN]

Re: testing Alnico magnetism?

Get a gauss meter?

 

[hamerfan]

Re: testing Alnico magnetism?

Look here for a gauss meter! I think they made bulk order some time ago for gauss meters - they are pretty pricey!

http://music-electronics-forum.com/f18/

 

[DarkMatter]

Re: testing Alnico magnetism?

The relative strengths can be crudely evaluated. Put a small screw or any light piece of metal on a smooth surface with a scale or ruler behind it. Then take the magnets and slowly slide it closer to the screw until it is pulled to the magnet, noting the distance. Its not accurate and it is highly subjective, but will identity differences between magnets. I could tell between an A2 and an A4 or 5 but between an A4 and A5 wasn't reliable. So it'll really only tell you if a magnet has lost a lot of power.

 

[copperheadroads]

Re: testing Alnico magnetism?

Check for the Gaussmeter Iphone App

 

[KRKBAB]

Re: testing Alnico magnetism?

The relative strengths can be crudely evaluated. Put a small screw or any light piece of metal on a smooth surface with a scale or ruler behind it. Then take the magnets and slowly slide it closer to the screw until it is pulled to the magnet, noting the distance. Its not accurate and it is highly subjective, but will identity differences between magnets. I could tell between an A2 and an A4 or 5 but between an A4 and A5 wasn't reliable. So it'll really only tell you if a magnet has lost a lot of power.

yes- I had that method in mind (or something similar to it),
I just need to compare it with a magnet that I know has close to a full charge/gauss (???).

 

[dotsdad]

Re: testing Alnico magnetism?

I tried to keep all of my Alnico mags ( and 2 ceramics) from touching- but gave up on it.

How can I tell if they are still as they should be, or if they loose something and become too weak by touching each other.

Is there a simple test for this (that doesn't require anything special)?

Lindy Fralin taps them with a screwdriver. If it sticks, its magnetized. No sh*t...saw him do it in person.