I melted a HF welding magnet during pre-heat today. I was kinda surprised, so I cut it open. Many of you may already know this, but I never realized they're plastic of some sort with just a circular magnet inside.

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/181425/fullsize/ranger%20033.jpg

And they melt LOL
http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/181426/fullsize/ranger%20035.jpg

These things are cheap, so I'm not complaining. Just FYI...........

Out of curiousity, does anyone know if ALL welding magnets are like this?

haha now I'm even more glad I got all mine on sale for a buck each! Gotta admit tho, they stick pretty good for how they're made.

I've only used them for tacking, then removed them for the final welds. Huh.

I've only used them for tacking, then removed them for the final welds. Huh.

Same here, the magnet has an effect on the puddle. It distorts the molten metal.

Same here, the magnet has an effect on the puddle. It distorts the molten metal.


Not only that, but the magnetic flux distorts the arc as well. Makes it fly all over the place. That's why I don't even risk a magnetic ground. (ok, so I work on small stuff allot).

Anyone have a good way to clean off all the metal grinding crap off these things. I know I shouldn't drop 'em, but they always seem to atract every metal filing I have in the shop.

Anyone have a good way to clean off all the metal grinding crap off these things. I know I shouldn't drop 'em, but they always seem to atract every metal filing I have in the shop.

compressed air over the trash can

Anyone have a good way to clean off all the metal grinding crap off these things. I know I shouldn't drop 'em, but they always seem to atract every metal filing I have in the shop.

Just a quick brush (in one direction) with a wire brush takes the stuff right off. I'd be worried about a high speed filing getting in an eye if using compressed air.

I'll try that stuff but the large ones I have the filings seem to move to the next side with most everything I try.

Anyone have a good way to clean off all the metal grinding crap off these things. I know I shouldn't drop 'em, but they always seem to atract every metal filing I have in the shop.
I use a shop rag.

Anyone have a good way to clean off all the metal grinding crap off these things. I know I shouldn't drop 'em, but they always seem to atract every metal filing I have in the shop.

Your gonna laugh....Try This!! (http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000302CAI.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg)

Works Great!!!

Take a big old speaker magnet, wrap in a rag or put inside a ziploc bag. pass it over the welding magnet. the pieces stick to it, then take it to the trash and turn rag/baggy inside out.
filings will be in trash, and big magnet will be clean'
Brian

If ya feel silly buying play-doh, buy a bucket of drywall compound. Let it set up and then break it, and the metal shavings and slivers will chunk out with the drywall compound.

I goop 'em one night and let them dry for a day. The next night, I toss them into the corner of the garage and the impact takes most of the compound out. Clean with a wire brush, and then sweep up...

Makes a mess, but works well.

Randii

I have some that I bought from Airgas and they didn't like the heat from welding either. I know you are only supposed to use them for tacking, but I needed to hold a plate vertical while I welded arround a stud. I noticed that the magnet started to pop and pieces flaked off.

I arced the rivet with the stick welder, that thing makes a cool popping noise!

drill a hole in the center of the arrow, slap them back together with the magnet in the middle and wrench down on a bolt to hold it all together. that plastic stuff is just filler. the magnet is being transferred through the edge pieces.