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 Posted - February 14 2013 : 10:58:58 PM
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I wanna make a custom electric magnet. Where do I start? Where can I get the supplies? Making it for crane project.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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blaneo
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Posted - February 14 2013 : 11:36:58 PM
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I have a project on my upcoming railroad that will also require electromagnets for operation. I have also been interested in adding one to a crane, but I never seemed to do any research on it. Below are a few links I just found that you may find of some help with the basic principals of the electromagnet. I don't think it would be too tough to make one, but it would probably take some experimenting to find the right size and strength to fit the application. Hope this helps some.
Blane
http://sciencenetlinks.com/student-teacher-sheets/build-electromagnet/
http://www.ehow.com/how_4421954_make-magnet-electric-current.html
http://www.instructables.com/id/Create-an-electric-magnet/
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Posted - February 15 2013 : 12:04:09 AM
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I can find a bolt and some wiring. I'll give it a try and use at least 12 volts.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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blaneo
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Posted - February 15 2013 : 11:27:33 PM
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I did a little experiment tonight. I used a 16" length of 18 ga solid wire and wrapped in around a 3" finish nail. I ended up with a 1" coil length on the nail. I used a TYCO 899b transformer to power the magnet. At full power I could feel the magnetism in the nail, but it was not strong enough to pickup and hold another nail. Another thing that happened was with the transformer. After a maybe 5-10 seconds the transformer would kick out. It did kick back in after another 5-10 seconds. I did also try a larger 20 penny nail, but the results in strength was the same as the smaller finish nail. I won't say that it was a failure for what I am going to need, but I do need a lot more strength then what I got. I'll dig up some larger gauge wire , or try to add more winds to the coil length and see what happens. I think I am going to have more of an issue with the power source though. I believe I am going to need more then 10 seconds of power for what I want to do with the magnet. And I am also going to have two of these magnets, so I am wondering if the transformer is going to be able to provide the power for both of them at the same time. But I'll keep trying, it isn't really costing me anything at this point.
Blane
Blane is the name,
Trains are the game.
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waw47
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Posted - February 16 2013 : 12:54:52 AM
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| American Flyer made the 583 Electro Magnetic Crane in S Gauge. You can get relacement parts for the 583 crane at Portline Hobbies, including the wired magnet.
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Posted - February 16 2013 : 7:29:22 PM
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See if you can find an old 12v relay. Relays are just electromagnetic switches. You might be able to find an electromagnet in a small-to-moderate size one that would be good for an HO crane.
The Tyco Depot
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