Mighty Mag Magnetic Base Modifications?

The ad to which you just pointed with that URL says that it is die-cast zinc, not aluminum.

And the epoxy is probably used to hold the magnet material in.

The "too hard to drill" is probably some form of a ceramic magnet -- perhaps the neodynium ones which are so strong.

But even if it were an old alnico, those also were too hard to drill -- at least with normal drill bits.

The lack of other flat surfaces should give you the clue that they are not intended to stick to a surface.

I don't have one, so I don't know which styles of indicators will mount easily on it, and which will not.

But from the description, there are several ways to mount indicators already provided on the device.

Do you have a question, instead of a list of observations? If so, perhaps you could state the question in the body, instead of the rather nebulous:

"Mighty Mag Magnetic Base Modifications?"

which was only in the "Subject: " header.

Enjoy, DoN.

Clark, what exactly do you want to know? I have one of those and use it a fair amount. I have never found it confusing. Try mounting a standard mag base vertical piece in the mighty mag's v block, then grab your dial indicator in the normal way, point it any which way you like.

GWE

I think it's recommended that these magnets not be machined on account of the dust being pretty poisonous. They also die at a relatively low temperature.

They sure are cool magnets though:D

I am trying to measure the crossfeed position on a lathe, with the indicator on top of the magnet and pointed in line with the magnet.

Because I cannot drill and tap the magnet, I am going to have to weld a stud to a bracket and epoxy the bracket to the top of the magnet.

On one end of the MM is a 1/4-20 tapped hole. Mine has a thumbscrew on it with a red plastic head. This engages the lug on the back of standard dial indicators. It is simple to remove the 4 screws and rotate the lug on your indicator 90° if your indicator isn't inline. Here's a pic:

So I think all you need is a lug-back indicator and you're in business.

That help?

Grant

I use a lug-back indicator on my lathe that is mounted to a shaft. The shaft slides through a block of aluminum which holds 2 mighty-mags inline with, on either side of the shaft c/line. Just use the 1/4-20 end hole(s) and the 3/8 hole(s) at opposite ends to secure the mag(s) to the block. Been using that for 17 years. Dang, ought to get a dro.

mj

Your lathe is mounted to a SHAFT? :-)

Actually, I suggest you get a digital camera and shoot a picture. If you can't host it, put it in the dropbox and post the actual URL to it. It sounds interesting, but I can't figure out what you mean from your writing.

GWE

The Starrett 196 series works well in them. \

Jim Wilkins

Sent to dropbox. First time I've used it, so we'll see, or not.

m

Ah. That would be

-- it took me awhile to find it without a name, but eventually I did. Now I see! That's pretty clever, does it work well? I have a cheap magnetic back for a long-throw dial indicator, does a similar function except not as easy to adjust.

GWE

michael wrote:

Sorry about the (non) link. I had to leave before getting confirmation of files being posted. Yes, it works quite well. I'm using a 2" travel indicator and have over 12" adjustment range of the shaft. With 2 magnets it does not get accidentally moved very easily.

mj