Magnetic base

Magnetic base as used in the engineering metaltrades.

Fixed magnetic base with snake style arm.

A magnetic base is a magnetic fixture based on a magnet that can effectively be turned "on" and "off" at will; they are often used in optics and metalworking, e.g., to hold a dial indicator.

The vertical post, side arm (as shown in the image at right) and the dial indicator (not shown) are connected by two swivelling connectors. These connectors allow free movement of the arms so that the indicator can be presented to the work in a suitable orientation. The magnetic base may have a "V" cut into the bottom of the base or the back, this "V" allows the base to be attached to a round bar such as the column of a drill press.

The base is made from two blocks of iron, with a round cavity bored through the centre. The halves are joined together with a non-ferrous material such as brass or aluminium. A round permanent magnet is inserted into the bored hole and a handle is attached to allow easy rotation of the magnet. This act of rotation changes the position of the magnetic field so that poles are in the two iron halves, where the iron blocks act as keepers (on position), or completely in the non-ferrous core (off position).
In this on position the field is effectively passing across an air gap (at the base and top). If this gap is bridged with another piece of iron (or steel in our case) it becomes part of the magnetic field's circuit and will be attracted with the full strength of the magnet, this is the work we want it to do—clamping.

Base and magnet assembly. Shown in the inverted position.

Magnet in Off position. Iron blocks act as keepers.

Magnet in On position. Iron blocks act as extension of magnet.

A magnetic base can therefore be attached in a variety of positions to any attractive surface, allowing the base to be positioned in the best orientation for the part to be tested. Combine this with the flexibility of movement allowed by the arms gives the operator a large range of options in positioning the dial indicator.

An alternative to the post and swivelling connectors is an arrangement whereby a series of interconnecting swivels can be set in position by tightening or loosening a central member. This member may be made from wire rope as it has to be extremely flexible yet strong in tension, the possibilities for positioning this type is probably no more than the two post type but its advantage lies in the fact that there is only one mechanism (screw) to loosen or tighten the arrangement making it easier to use, unlike the other where a third hand is often wished for.

Metalworking

Tools

Cutting machines	Bandsaw Cold saw Laser Miter saw Plasma Water jet cutter

Cutting tools	Broach Burr Chisel Counterbore Countersink End mill File Hand scraper Milling cutter Nibbler Reamer Shears Tipped tool Tool bit

Forming tools	Brake Die English wheel Hydraulic press Machine press Punch press Screw press Stamping press

Hand tools	Clamp Combination square Drift pin Hacksaw Hammer Hand scraper Machinist square Needlegun scaler Piercing saw Pliers Punch Scriber Tap and die Tongs Vise Workbench Wrench

Machine tooling	Angle plate Chuck Collet Fixture Indexing head Jig Lathe center Machine taper Magnetic base Mandrel Rotary table Wiggler

Measuring instruments	Bore gauge Caliper Center gauge Dial indicator Engineer's blue Engineer's spirit level Feeler gauge Gauge Gauge block Go/no go gauge Height gauge Machinist square Marking blue Marking gauge Marking out Micrometer Optical comparator Radius gauge Ruler Sine bar Straightedge Surface plate Tape measure Thread pitch gauge Vernier scale

Smithing tools	Anvil Forge Fuller Hardy tools Pritchel Steam hammer Swage block Trip hammer

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