Magna Boards

[tago]

I'm interested in purchasing a magna board & would like to know if anyone's using them and what they think of it.

Really like the idea of not having to pin parts. Using sheet rock for a work surface now, and pretty pleased with it, but working around pins is hard when building some assemblies.

Any input would be appreciated.

[Coloradoken]

Magnets are great but there are still pins needed for some applications, like around curved areas. Also they attract each other and exacto knives and anything else ferrous. I use both strong and weak magnets as well as round and rectangular. Opt for the larger sheet metal. The extra size comes in handy. "If all you have is a hammer, then everything gets treated as a nail". Magnets are a good additional to have in your tool kit, if you want to spend the $.

[backyardbalsapilot]

For a mag-board I purchased a 2'x3' piece of sheet steel (ductwork section at home depot) and a larger piece of 3/4" MDF. The MDF is flatter than most plywood at Home depot-type stores, which is what you want. Anyway, I attached the steel to the MDF with Scotch Super 77 spray adhesive, weighted it down, and let it sit overnight. For magnets, I bought a bunch from H.D. and Easybuilt. I hope this helps. Also, be sure to get a cutting mat. Razor blades and steel don't go well together.

[davidchoate]

There was a recent article in Model Airplane News or One of them publications. Explained how to make one plans and all. Check on the Google Machine to find it.

[tago]

Thanks everybody - there were some things pointed out that I hadn't considered. That being the case I'm going to stay with sheet rock over a flat piece of plywood.
tago

[NcGunny]

You can always go with a smaller board...like 18"x36". This way if you get into boxed fuses you can throw down your sheet and start building on it. Keep your sheetrock as your main board.

[tago]

Thanks Gunny. Will keep it in mind.
tago