"glueing neodymium magnets" Topic

Playing around with using neodymium magnets on the bottom of plastic bases. The bases are a little too deep so I'd like to uses bits of plastic card as a spacer.

Gel super glue seems to work fairly well but on my test model the magnet pops off after awhile. Would scoring the plastic card help or is there something I can use for a stronger bond.

Also, I thought I might try using spackle to fill the base for added weight. I've heard of rare cases where the mags rusted. Anyone know if this could have an adverse affect on the magnet?

or is there something I can use for a stronger bond.

I suggest UHU all purpose adhesive.

Thanks MajorB. I'll check that out.

I've used Gorilla Glue with success.

I recently did this with some slotta bases using 2 part epoxy. There was plenty of space in the underside of the base for a blob of epoxy deep enough to encompass the magnets.

Doug

I've never used a 2 part epoxy before. I have over 500 20 x 20mm bases to do. Does it take long to mix and does it have a fairly long working time? As it dries is there any shrinkage?

Barenakedleadies, it takes seconds to mix a small batch of 2-part epoxy. Dab of this, dab of that, stir ten strokes with a toothpick, you're good to go.

Different types of epoxy have different working times. I generally use '5 minute' epoxy, because I often have to hold or jig the items I'm gluing until the glue sets, so I prefer minimum setting time.

Even for a big job I find it no great trouble to mix a small batch of epoxy, use it up, mix another small batch, and so on until finished.

Ditto what zippyfusenet said about working with epoxy. "Standard" epoxy typically has a 2-hour working time; I use this instead of the 5-minute variety if I want a batch that will last a few minutes so I can apply it to several models. For the 5-minute variety, I use bottle caps to mix in, because much more than that and it will set up before I can apply it.

Responding to the original post, superglue is brittle and lateral pressure cracks bonds so if you tried it and were unsuccessful with it, this would be exactly why. If you do continue with the superglue, scoring or roughening surfaces makes the bond weaker because it interrupts the crystalline structure of the superglue. You want smooth surfaces for a good superglue bond, opposite of almost all other adhesives.

I think I used 15 minute epoxy when I did the bases, since I had a number to do at once. I probably got 5 or so done on each mix of quarter sized blobs of resin and hardener (and it was getting pretty gooey by the fifth). For mixing and applying the glop I use craft (popsicle) sticks, mixing it on disposable sheets of wax paper (of the individual sheet sort a deli might use); one box will last nearly forever.

Doug

Gorilla Super Glue Gel. That magnet is on there for eternity!