an interesting idea for a frag rack
- Thread starter shiveley
- Start date
bored4long
New member
I love it! Looks like a fun, simple project that would be useful for all. Would be a great addition to a MARS 'DIY' day.
All we gotta do is find a good cheap source for magnets (rare earth required?) and a good media (epoxy?) to use for covering the magnet that goes in the water.
All we gotta do is find a good cheap source for magnets (rare earth required?) and a good media (epoxy?) to use for covering the magnet that goes in the water.
bobbyblank
New member
Wow, $20! I have all that crap in my garage 
. I made some DIY racks from acrylic and suction cups, but those are way nicer. I buy all my neodymium magnets from HSC Electronic Surplus. One of my favorite parts stores for my robotics, They are at 4837 Amber Lane, off college oak dr. Great place if your into electronic do-dads and surplus.
. I made some DIY racks from acrylic and suction cups, but those are way nicer. I buy all my neodymium magnets from HSC Electronic Surplus. One of my favorite parts stores for my robotics, They are at 4837 Amber Lane, off college oak dr. Great place if your into electronic do-dads and surplus.
bored4long
New member
hmmm, college oak? Is that close to Tap Plastics? I have been meaning to get to Tap. Maybe I can hit both stores on one trip and see what they have. I did a search for magnets on their website and not enough information is provided to determine which magnets would work. One thing we would need to determine is how strong of a magnet is required to give us the support we need through a 3/8" - 3/4" aquarium.
kdblove_99
New member
yeah college oak is a side street in between madison and auburn blvd.
If your on madison turn right at smart and final and thats college oak
If your on madison turn right at smart and final and thats college oak
bobbyblank
New member
I had some free time today and i just made 3 racks. 2 small and 1 large. As soon as the paint dries, i will post some pics. they look AWSOME. Only problem, i have no plugs 
bored4long
New member
lol. Bobby, I'll trade you plugs for racks! I guess I should make some plugs!
bobbyblank
New member
I used krylon paint. I have them setup on a 10g tank for the pics. They very sturdy, held up full primer and glue cans no problem and the cans are 8oz each . I also have supports on the large one since it sticks out so far. Going to let everything cure before use.
. I also have supports on the large one since it sticks out so far. Going to let everything cure before use.
shiveley
Active member
wow, you do fast work, and they look great as well! Well done! Maybe you should be the one selling those instead of the guy with the website. Hell, I'd buy one from you. and to think, I just posted that late this afternoon and you've already made several...truly amazing.
one question though, are those magnets epoxy sealed?
one question though, are those magnets epoxy sealed?
bobbyblank
New member
Check my first post...HSC Electronic supply
Haha, thanks shiveley. Looks like if mark makes me some plugs, ill have to hook him up with one since i have none right now
. I did not seal the mag in epoxy, i did use epoxy to attach them though. I havent figured out how to seal them without them sticking into the mold 
. I am not sure if you have to seal them, i dont know how bad they can carode in water. Im sure we could work something out 
, maybe frags for my new rack .
bored4long
New member
Nice job, Bobby. I think it would be necessary to seal in epoxy (just try and find a retail aquarium product that uses exposed magnets), but I'll try to find some source that says one way or another.
Also, just for the sake of a true test, those racks should to tested on a minimum of a 3/8" thick glass, since most tanks they will be on are at least 3/8" and probably 1/2" thick.
Its a great start.
Bobby, how much were each of those magnets that you used?
Also, just for the sake of a true test, those racks should to tested on a minimum of a 3/8" thick glass, since most tanks they will be on are at least 3/8" and probably 1/2" thick.
Its a great start.
Bobby, how much were each of those magnets that you used?
bobbyblank
New member
Ya, Im sure they will have to be epoxyed but i havent figured out how to yet 
. Ya know, im not sure how much, I had all the goodies in my garage from other projects. As for 1/2 glass, the small rack might work, but i doubt the large one would work, ill test them tomarrow when everything has cured. 3/8 would be fine, i know my frags dont weigh as much as 16oz of primer .
. Ya know, im not sure how much, I had all the goodies in my garage from other projects. As for 1/2 glass, the small rack might work, but i doubt the large one would work, ill test them tomarrow when everything has cured. 3/8 would be fine, i know my frags dont weigh as much as 16oz of primer .
bored4long
New member
Found this source for magnets: http://www.magnet4sale.com/xcart4/home.php?cat=249. Not sure how their pricing compares to Bobby's local source, but atleast all the details and pricing is listed on the website.
This one appears to offer the most bang for the buck, but still not sure if it is strong enough to hold a frag rack up with 1/2" thick glass.
http://www.magnet4sale.com/xcart4/product.php?productid=16466&cat=357&page=2
This one appears to offer the most bang for the buck, but still not sure if it is strong enough to hold a frag rack up with 1/2" thick glass.
http://www.magnet4sale.com/xcart4/product.php?productid=16466&cat=357&page=2
bobbyblank
New member
Well took the epoxy and stuck it in the freezer for 15 minutes to thicken it up, then dipped it into a container filled with it and let cure. worked great and totally sealed the magnet while still holding with 100% strength. If anyone is interested in a trade, ill whip up some more.
