G@

"Garage_Woodworks" <.@.>

01/05/2008 10:06 PM

Magswitch Featherboard

just received my new magswitch featherboard (30mm Pro version) I'm still
waiting on the vertical featherboard attachment. So far this thing is
awesome.

It says in the instructions to leave it in the off position when not in use,
not sure why. Does anyone know how this thing works?

--
Brian
www.garagewoodworks.com

"In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king."
Desiderius Erasmus


This topic has 13 replies

Uu

"Upscale"

in reply to "Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> on 01/05/2008 10:06 PM

02/05/2008 8:20 AM


"Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> wrote in message
> > I have both, side and top version. It works by having two magnets in
each
> > feather board. They work in tandem (to hold in place) or one is rotated
so
> > that the two magnetic fields cancel each other out, thus releasing it.
>
> Ahh! Neat. Thanks.

No problem. And in regards to the previous message about crushing a finger
when the magnets grab, it's highly unlikely. Assuming ballpark thickness of
a finger to be about 1/2" thick, it doesn't grab hard enough to cause any
pain. (I tried it) You'd need about 1/8" of fingertip just under an edge of
the featherboard to experience a painful sudden magnetic clamping. To have
that happen, you'd have to be pretty damned clumsy or a closet masochist.

G@

"Garage_Woodworks" <.@.>

in reply to "Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> on 01/05/2008 10:06 PM

01/05/2008 11:00 PM


"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> I bought the smaller "Ridgid" magswitch model and, although I like the
> size and flippable 'two direction' design, I am less than impressed with
> the magnetic holding power, especially on a TopCote slick surface. (I
> think Rockler sells this one as the "Universal" model, as they appear to
> be identical enough to be made in the same Chinese factory).
>
> I tested the 30mm Pro model you have at Rockler and it seemed to be a good
> deal stronger, but it also seemed a bit too big to use on a jointer when
> jointing a 90 degree edge, something I find handy on longer stock. Will
> your model fit on a 6" jointer,

No. Even edge jointing a 3/4" board puts the magnets to far over the edge
of the jointer (6" jointer). I bought it primarily for the TS. After my
last (first) kick back to the gut a few months ago, I am still trying to
increase my safety factor a few notches. Looks like money well spent so
far.

> and does a surface slicked up with the likes of TopCote impact the
> stronger magnets holding power like it does the Ridgid's?

I'm not sure how it will perform on a freshly applied top-coat surface, but
I am willing to bet that it will hold stuff against the fence as intended.
I was also very attracted to this device for the vertical attachment. I
ordered it, but it is over-sold. Still waiting...

>
> (yeah, I know ... probably another lesson in 'you get what you pay for'
> ....)

When you're lucky!

Ha

"HappyGilmore"

in reply to "Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> on 01/05/2008 10:06 PM

02/05/2008 1:56 PM

Might be in acse you store it in ON position and when you go to put it on
your table, the powerful magnets snap it n place... you could have your
finger ot something under it which could hurt ;(
Im guessing thats the reason why. I store mine on the side of my table saw
cabinet in ON position so they hold. Not had any problem with doing this...

Here's my magswitch review >
http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/reviews/magswitch.htm


--
Regards,

Dean Bielanowski
Editor, OnlineToolReviews.com
http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com
Over 180+ woodworking product reviews online!
======================================



"Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> just received my new magswitch featherboard (30mm Pro version) I'm still
> waiting on the vertical featherboard attachment. So far this thing is
> awesome.
>
> It says in the instructions to leave it in the off position when not in
> use, not sure why. Does anyone know how this thing works?
>
> --
> Brian
> www.garagewoodworks.com
>
> "In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king."
> Desiderius Erasmus
>
>

G@

"Garage_Woodworks" <.@.>

in reply to "Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> on 01/05/2008 10:06 PM

02/05/2008 7:56 AM


"HappyGilmore" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Might be in acse you store it in ON position and when you go to put it on
> your table, the powerful magnets snap it n place... you could have your
> finger ot something under it which could hurt ;(

That's kind of what I was thinking, but wasn't sure.
Thanks.

> Im guessing thats the reason why. I store mine on the side of my table saw
> cabinet in ON position so they hold. Not had any problem with doing
> this...
>
> Here's my magswitch review >
> http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/reviews/magswitch.htm

I saw your review after I ordered it (I felt better about my purchase after
reading it).
Nice review!

G@

"Garage_Woodworks" <.@.>

in reply to "Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> on 01/05/2008 10:06 PM

02/05/2008 8:00 AM


"Upscale" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> wrote in message
>> It says in the instructions to leave it in the off position when not in
> use,
>> not sure why. Does anyone know how this thing works?
>
> I have both, side and top version. It works by having two magnets in each
> feather board. They work in tandem (to hold in place) or one is rotated so
> that the two magnetic fields cancel each other out, thus releasing it.

Ahh! Neat. Thanks.


>
>

G@

"Garage_Woodworks" <.@.>

in reply to "Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> on 01/05/2008 10:06 PM

02/05/2008 8:36 AM


"Upscale" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I have both, side and top version. It works by having two magnets in each
> feather board. They work in tandem (to hold in place) or one is rotated so
> that the two magnetic fields cancel each other out, thus releasing it.

One more question:
If I leave it in the off position with the fields opposing each other, will
that cause the magnets to depolarize over time?

Uu

"Upscale"

in reply to "Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> on 01/05/2008 10:06 PM

02/05/2008 8:56 AM


"Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> wrote in message
> One more question:
> If I leave it in the off position with the fields opposing each other,
will
> that cause the magnets to depolarize over time?

Can't answer that. In the 9 months I've had mine, the power of the magnets
appears to remain the same as when new. But, I leave my featherboards on the
tablesaw with the magnets in the "on" position. Prevents them from hiding
somewhere when I'm not looking. When they're not on top of the tablesaw,
they're clamped to one of the metal sides of the tablesaw.

mm

mapdude

in reply to "Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> on 01/05/2008 10:06 PM

04/05/2008 8:22 AM

I was patient and picked up two of the Rigid brand off of eBay for $23
each. Took me about 2 weeks of waiting using an automated search to find
them.


dale martin wrote:
> I have the "standard" Magswitch featherboard, I paid $45 IIRC.

Lr

"Leon"

in reply to "Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> on 01/05/2008 10:06 PM

02/05/2008 8:09 AM


"Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Upscale" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> I have both, side and top version. It works by having two magnets in each
>> feather board. They work in tandem (to hold in place) or one is rotated
>> so
>> that the two magnetic fields cancel each other out, thus releasing it.
>
> One more question:
> If I leave it in the off position with the fields opposing each other,
> will that cause the magnets to depolarize over time?

It should not. Supposedly a "good" magnet will always retain its
properties.

ji

jbd in Denver

in reply to "Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> on 01/05/2008 10:06 PM

02/05/2008 11:57 AM

"Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> wrote in
news:[email protected]:

> just received my new magswitch featherboard (30mm Pro version) I'm
> still waiting on the vertical featherboard attachment. So far this
> thing is awesome.
>
> It says in the instructions to leave it in the off position when not
> in use, not sure why. Does anyone know how this thing works?
>

On sale this month at Woodcraft too....
** Posted from http://www.teranews.com **

dm

dale martin

in reply to "Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> on 01/05/2008 10:06 PM

01/05/2008 10:02 PM

I have the "standard" Magswitch featherboard, I paid $45 IIRC. I have
only used it on my tablesaw, non-Top-Coted surface, though occasional
Johnson's paste wax, and no problem with moving at all while in use.
I'm very happy with it. I was going to buy the Ridgid model which
looks pretty much the saw 'cept for being orange instead of black but
when I went to the local orange BORG they had sold the one they had. I
checked back a few times and didn't see any in stock so I ordered one
online. Later they showed up in a different location at the same BORG.
I've thought about picking up a second one for use on the jointer or
bandsaw 'cause I'm lazy and don't want to walk the ten feet to the
tablesaw. When not in use I leave it "on" and adhered to the side of
my tablesaw so it's easy to find and use. I too have recently taken a
kickback to the gut and don't care to experience it again anytime
soon, or ever.

Dale

On May 1, 7:44=A0pm, "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> wrote
>
> > just received my new magswitch featherboard (30mm Pro version) I'm still=

> > waiting on the vertical featherboard attachment. =A0So far this thing is=

> > awesome.
>
> I bought the smaller "Ridgid" magswitch model and, although I like the siz=
e
> and flippable 'two direction' design, I am less than impressed with the
> magnetic holding power, especially on a TopCote slick surface. (I think
> Rockler sells this one as the "Universal" model, as they appear to be
> identical enough to be made in the same Chinese factory).
>
> I tested the 30mm Pro model you have at Rockler and it seemed to be a good=

> deal stronger, but it also seemed a bit too big to use on a jointer when
> jointing a 90 degree edge, something I find handy on longer stock. Will yo=
ur
> model fit on a 6" jointer, and does a surface slicked up with the likes of=

> TopCote impact the stronger magnets holding power like it does the Ridgid'=
s?
>
> (yeah, I know ... probably another lesson in 'you get what you pay for'
> ....)
>
> --www.e-woodshop.net
> Last update: 3/8/08
> KarlC@ (the obvious)

Uu

"Upscale"

in reply to "Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> on 01/05/2008 10:06 PM

02/05/2008 3:03 AM


"Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> wrote in message
> It says in the instructions to leave it in the off position when not in
use,
> not sure why. Does anyone know how this thing works?

I have both, side and top version. It works by having two magnets in each
feather board. They work in tandem (to hold in place) or one is rotated so
that the two magnetic fields cancel each other out, thus releasing it.

Sk

"Swingman"

in reply to "Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> on 01/05/2008 10:06 PM

01/05/2008 9:44 PM

"Garage_Woodworks" <.@.> wrote

> just received my new magswitch featherboard (30mm Pro version) I'm still
> waiting on the vertical featherboard attachment. So far this thing is
> awesome.

I bought the smaller "Ridgid" magswitch model and, although I like the size
and flippable 'two direction' design, I am less than impressed with the
magnetic holding power, especially on a TopCote slick surface. (I think
Rockler sells this one as the "Universal" model, as they appear to be
identical enough to be made in the same Chinese factory).

I tested the 30mm Pro model you have at Rockler and it seemed to be a good
deal stronger, but it also seemed a bit too big to use on a jointer when
jointing a 90 degree edge, something I find handy on longer stock. Will your
model fit on a 6" jointer, and does a surface slicked up with the likes of
TopCote impact the stronger magnets holding power like it does the Ridgid's?

(yeah, I know ... probably another lesson in 'you get what you pay for'
....)

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 3/8/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)






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