What kind and pulling force Magnet do you use?

[mbrown]

Hi guys,

In the market for a good rare earth magnet. Looking to buy from K & J. Just wanted to know what you would recommend and how much pulling force?

Thanks,

Matt

[weaver hillbille]

neodymium mags are very powerful. I would say nothing greater than an inch square would be MORE than enough.

MMS-A-X4

looks like a keeper

http://www.kjmagnetics.com/products.asp?cat=199

[Paseclipse]

Try getting an N42 or N52 neo magnet with 50+ lbs of pull. Highly weathered L's and LL's stick pretty good to them. They also do a great job at sticking to partially buried meteorites because you can sometimes feel the magnet trying to stick.

[mbrown]

Thank you Weaver and Paseclipse, much appreciated!

[weaver hillbille]

I guess it all depends on whether you want to use it for simple confirmation after beeping digging and beeping

or use it to sweep like a beeper.

THat is a cheap source compared to prices I've paid locally. SOme in the surplus section are really cheap( and strong)!...

[Desertsunburn]

Try getting an N42 or N52 neo magnet with 50+ lbs of pull. Highly weathered L's and LL's stick pretty good to them. They also do a great job at sticking to partially buried meteorites because you can sometimes feel the magnet trying to stick.

What Del said but I'd just go straight to the N52 magnets. On my pick and my walking stick, I use a 1"x 1/2" round with a hole in it. I bolt it in place and do not trust glue. I have bigger magnets, but I ruin enough cameras and such without them!

Jim

[mbrown]

What Del said but I'd just go straight to the N52 magnets. On my pick and my walking stick, I use a 1"x 1/2" round with a hole in it. I bolt it in place and do not trust glue. I have bigger magnets, but I ruin enough cameras and such without them!

Jim

Thanks Jim.

Quick question. Is it better to have an axially magnetized magnet or a diametrically magnetized magnet?

[fredmason]

don't get lost in the science and the details...Del and others have given you plenty of guidance...

fred

[EdD270]

I'd go with an N52. I like the 1/2" diameterX1" magnets. They are easy to work with, and I just tape them to my hiking stick with Gorilla tape. I've never had one come off, or even get loose, and they are easier to remove from the stick when I want to, and the tape keeps them cleaner.

[mbrown]

Thanks Ed.

I know irons will lock onto the magnet pretty well but what kind of pull does it feel like with something like an ordinary chrondrite? I have a few suspect ones I found out in the field but while the magnet will stick to them, it's not incredibly strong. Is it still a relatively strong snap with those?

Thanks

[Mikestang]

Chondrites response to a magnet will vary depending on the quantity of iron in the chondrite, i.e. H, L, or LL. Some barely stick, some jump almost like an iron.

[mbrown]

Thanks Mike.

So without Remnants of fusion crust, it would be next to impossible to find a low iron one then?

Do you have any advice on telling the difference between desert varnish and fusion crust?

Thanks

[Mikestang]

Nothing but experience that I could think of. Look at as many meteorites in person as you can!