Switchable welding magnets

[Cord]

Looking to buy some switchable welding magnets. Been looking at the Magswitch mini 90 lb, but I致e seen some complaints that theyæ±*e not strong enough. The 400 is rather pricey, especially since I want to buy a pair. The Stronghand triangular ones are much cheaper, I知 like the Magswitch better. Looking for some users to share their experiences with these magnets.

 

[tomplum]

I have an assortment of the stronghand magnets including a pair of the triangular switchables. No complaints here. They are strong enough for set up for what I do which is plate usually to 1/2" . Vertical support of a heavy , taller, plate would be a common limitation. Tack and correct if that's the case. Never had much luck with their aluminum and copper magnets tho....

 

[Big Barn]

Those complaints stating 90 pound magnets “don’t hold” is akin to saying I love my 110 Volt mig but it struggles with one inch plate.

I have a pair of Magswitch 400s and really like them. (Yellow ones in photo). They work as intended.

Be aware that stronger magnets may create arc blow depending on how you have your pieces configured.





The Stronghand triangular ones have an extremely user friendly switch. Easy to use with one hand which in nice when doing a finicky setup.



Dollar store rubber mallet in photo is for tapping the magnet or pieces of the assembly into perfect alignment when magnet is energized.

 

[Cord]

the pull and shear strength of the squares is significantly higher than the multi angles. For holding plates in position, do you prefer the mag switches enough over the strong hands to justify the cost? This would be for standard light fab work. Mostly 1/8 - 1/4, occasionally up to 3/8.

 

[Big Barn]

the pull and shear strength of the squares is significantly higher than the multi angles. For holding plates in position, do you prefer the mag switches enough over the strong hands to justify the cost? This would be for standard light fab work. Mostly 1/8 - 1/4, occasionally up to 3/8.

The Magswitch would be my choice. You will find unimaginable alternative uses for them in addition to tack- weld setup.

The blocks have 10-24 tapped holes on the surfaces to enable making your own jigs, fences etc.

Subscribe to the Magswitch newsletter as they always seem to have some promotion in effect.

 

[yomax4]

I have a crap load of magnets of various brands. Some from the 80's. Then I ended up with about every kind their are when Magswitch was private labeling to Tweco. Also a large assortment of Magswitch switchable ground clamps up to 600 amp rating. All work as they should although I don't unstick them from the wall very often unless hanging Christmas decorations on the steel siding. Still the toughest magnets out there in my oppinion.

 

[dragoneggs]

The Magswitch would be my choice. You will find unimaginable alternative uses for them in addition to tack- weld setup.

The blocks have 10-24 tapped holes on the surfaces to enable making your own jigs, fences etc.

Subscribe to the Magswitch newsletter as they always seem to have some promotion in effect.

Terry, do you prefer the 'blocks' vs. the multi angle versions? I'm looking at the 400 and the 165lb rating versions.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007Q6YPV...olid=2IW1OIV4MFFZG&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007Q6YOJ...olid=2IW1OIV4MFFZG&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

[Big Barn]

Mark, I honestly don’t know the answer to that. I thought blocks would be handier so I bought them to try.

Oh and thanks for posting that Amazon link. I’d just gotten over feeling guilty spending that much on magnets until you reminded me......LOL

 

[dragoneggs]

Mark, I honestly don’t know the answer to that. I thought blocks would be handier so I bought them to try.

Oh and thanks for posting that Amazon link. I’d just gotten over feeling guilty spending that much on magnets until you reminded me......LOL

Yeah they aren't cheap and I want to go in the right direction. I know, I know... get them all. Like clamps, can never have enough. Also wondering if the 400's will cause much magnetic interference if nestled in a corner where you are welding. Seems the U tube videos show welding very close to the 165's and not so close for the 400s. But some people are also complaining the 165s don't have enough holding power.

 

[TMGT]

Harbor Freight sells a 90lb magnet that is clearly the same as the Stronghand under the Berger name, the 20% coupon work on the Berger stuff also.

I have a few stronghand magnets and clamps and really like them. The magswitch blocks look pretty handy also.

I dont use magnets as much anymore, especially with the tig, seems to screw with the arc too much to me.