Magnets for dent balls

[Grumpikins]

For those that use these tools, what is the weight/lifting capacity of the magnet you use.

I bought a magnet with a lifting capacity of 50 lbs and it barely pulls the 1.5 inch ball. Useless for dent removal.

I really dont know much about different types of magnets.

Enlighten me please.

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[LeMark]

my magnet has at least a 220# pull. I say at least because it's stuck to a thinner magnet, so it's probably more than that

When I use my 3" ball bearing, it takes everything I have to pull them apart

this one is very close to what I bought

https://www.amazon.com/CMS-Magnetics-Ne ... 13d670b6bc

[bloke]

The ones I use help me get through all the dents in a very badly mistreated sousaphone all the way down to about 1 in diameter in about 30 minutes, and give me a damn good 30 minute upper body workout. I don't know how to transfer that input into "the science".

[Dents Be Gone!]

I agree, guys. This is the way to go.

[arpthark]

my magnet has at least a 220# pull. I say at least because it's stuck to a thinner magnet, so it's probably more than that

When I use my 3" ball bearing, it takes everything I have to pull them apart

this one is very close to what I bought

https://www.amazon.com/CMS-Magnetics-Ne ... 13d670b6bc

Do you have a handle for it, or just use it flat like that?

[Rick Denney]

I cannot pull a 3" ball straight off of my magnet. The only way I can get it separated is to roll it off the side and peel it off. To lift something very heavy I'd need to use a hoist, and it's not an experiment I have tried. But I would say that it is much more than 50 pounds with a 3" ball, but it may not be 220 pounds.

If it is flat against a machined iron surface with enough mass to provide the full attraction, it might be MORE than 220 pounds, but maybe that's not completely relevant.

The magnet I use is the one in the Magnetic Dent Removal System "Apprentice" kit.

Rick "needs to add a few more balls to the kit" Denney

[Grumpikins]

Rick,
I'm sure that kit is wonderful and well made. It seems to me to be way over priced. Even just the magnet tool is uber expensive. Im trying to do this project dirt cheap and so far it's going really well. Im learning quite a bit.

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[arpthark]

my magnet has at least a 220# pull. I say at least because it's stuck to a thinner magnet, so it's probably more than that

When I use my 3" ball bearing, it takes everything I have to pull them apart

this one is very close to what I bought

https://www.amazon.com/CMS-Magnetics-Ne ... 13d670b6bc

Do you have a handle for it, or just use it flat like that?

I wrap it in a thick sock to prevent scratches and give me something to grip

[Rick Denney]

Rick,
I'm sure that kit is wonderful and well made. It seems to me to be way over priced. Even just the magnet tool is uber expensive. Im trying to do this project dirt cheap and so far it's going really well. Im learning quite a bit.

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I wasn't recommending it to the exclusion of all else, I just wanted you to know what my frame of reference was for describing what I had. I bought it years ago before Ebay was loaded with imitations from "other lands". At the time, it was the cheaper alternative to the standard product on the market.

And, I seem to recall that these were cheaper relative to the dollar in those days. Or maybe I just had more money.

Rick "who should have bought a dent machine years ago before they tripled in price" Denney

[2nd tenor]

I mentioned electromagnets on the other thread and wonder if anyone has tried them?
viewtopic.php?t=7265

It’s worthwhile remembering that high powered magnets are dangerous things and so in several ways. Amongst other hazards keep them well away from anyone with a pacemaker as they can stop them.

[Grumpikins]

I realize that sometimes my phrasing comes off as snarky or snooty. It's not intended that way. I really appreciate everyone's assistance. That's why I'm here. To learn new things. I find your guys projects inspirational and hence sought out a project of my own. Thank you so very much.

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[bloke]

To get through sousaphones quickly, I use two 1-in thick by 2-in round stacked Earth magnets with a cloth over them, and I put my trusty lamp oil on the cloth so I don't wear a hole in it as quickly as otherwise would. I use 3 in, 2 in, one and a half inch round balls, and then I switch to these big-to-small barrel shaped steel balls on the inside and I grease them. If they are crappy extra thin American sousaphones, I might only use one Earth magnet , in order to avoid leaving tracks. Oh no! I've given away Trade Secrets. Now I won't have any more work.

3 inch steel balls will roll off fairly easily of two 1-in thick by 2 in round earth magnets just as @Rick Denney described. However, when an extra 1 in by 2-in round earth magnet jumps onto the other two, I must resort to a few tricks to get that off of them.

[The Big Ben]

I knew a band director at a small, private school that used some of his budget to buy a set of magnetic dent tools. He figured he could save money by removing dents as they happened. He found that it ended up costing a bit more than he anticipated. He also found that you can’t use magnetic dent tools on bell flares. He tried and and tried. And tried. That tuba ended up in a dumpster from what I heard.

Another variation on the "band dad" theme.

[Dents Be Gone!]

I agree, guys. This is the way to go.

[bloke]

btw...

I NEVER use any sort of "handle" with magnets, and only DIRECTLY hold on to them.

A friggin' "handle" is nothing more than a dent-INSTALLING lever.

(This is why strong "popeye-like" forearms are important...
Strong forearms = strong fingers.
Popeye the SAILOR-man's forearms were strong, because - as a sailor - he held on to, pulled, and climbed ropes - including those being pulled by sails in gale-force winds.)

[ken herrick]

I am calling out Bull Sh!t!!!!!!
Everybody knows Popeye was strong at the finish cause he ate his spinach!!!

[Tubajug]

Everybody knows Popeye was strong at the finish cause he ate his spinach!!!

Aye!

[bloke]

I am calling out Bull Sh!t!!!!!!
Everybody knows Popeye was strong at the finish cause he ate his spinach!!!

I'm going to surprise you at your front door someday, grab you by the scruff of your neck (with my strong fingers), and lock you up in a dark, cold room with a tuba museum.

[ken herrick]

Sounds like good fun!

[Grumpikins]

Thank you LeMark for the amazon link. I chose to buy a fishing magnet by that brand. It is a 250lb pull with a threaded eye that i intend to turn into a handle. The pull is perfect for dent balls.

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