DIY Electromagnet: How to Make or Buy One for Lifting Up to 178 Pounds

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility and safety of creating or purchasing an electromagnet capable of lifting a person weighing 128 pounds (58 kg). Participants explore the specifications of an electromagnet with a pull force of 178 pounds (80 kg), including power requirements and safety considerations for personal use. The conversation includes both DIY approaches and commercially available options.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires whether any 12V power source can be used for the electromagnet or if specific amperage is required.
  • Another participant clarifies that the listed weight for the magnet refers to its holding force on a flat surface, not its attraction from a distance.
  • Concerns are raised about the effects of dynamic loads on the required holding force, emphasizing that movement would necessitate a stronger magnet than static weight alone.
  • Suggestions are made to experiment with weaker magnets and smaller loads before attempting to lift oneself, to ensure safety during the learning process.
  • A manual-release lifting magnet is mentioned as an alternative, with a link provided for reference.
  • One participant expresses budget constraints regarding purchasing a suitable magnet and questions the necessary rated force for climbing a steel beam.
  • A later reply humorously suggests that climbing a ladder might be a safer alternative to climbing a steel beam.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of safety and the need for a stronger magnet when in motion. However, there are differing opinions on the feasibility of using specific electromagnets for personal lifting and the appropriate rated force required for different scenarios.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the rated force of a magnet can vary based on surface conditions and load positioning, highlighting the complexity of safely using electromagnets for lifting applications.

stephenkohnle53
I want to make an electromagnet that can carry me or buy one. I weigh 128 pounds (58kg) and I found an electromagnet with a pull force of 178 pounds (80kg).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EWHSF3K/?tag=pfamazon01-20
Can I attach any 12v source to power it or does it need a specific amperage. And could I make a electromagnet from scratch that could do that, and if so how. If I made one myself I would definitely only use it a couple feet off the ground so if I fall I wouldn't be hurt. But if I bought one Id go up 10 feet since it should be more reliable and I would wear protection. And could I get both for a combined total of $80- $120
Also if I can't safely do any of this I would like to know how so I can make a weaker magnet for lifting something else
 
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stephenkohnle53 said:
I want to make an electromagnet that can carry me or buy one. I weigh 128 pounds (58kg) and I found an electromagnet with a pull force of 178 pounds (80kg).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EWHSF3K/?tag=pfamazon01-20
Can I attach any 12v source to power it or does it need a specific amperage. And could I make a electromagnet from scratch that could do that, and if so how. If I made one myself I would definitely only use it a couple feet off the ground so if I fall I wouldn't be hurt. But if I bought one Id go up 10 feet since it should be more reliable and I would wear protection. And could I get both for a combined total of $80- $120
Also if I can't safely do any of this I would like to know how so I can make a weaker magnet for lifting something else
You do understand that the weight listed for that magnet is the Holding Force, right? That means it will stay stuck to a thick ferrous surface with about that amount of weight pulling on it, not that it will attract to a thick ferrous surface from some distance away with that force.

I didn't see a resistance or current listed at 12V for that magnet. Do you see it in the specs anywhere?

And are you familiar with mechanical release magnets? That would be an alternative to using an electromagnet.

Finally, do you understand how a non-static load would affect the required Holding Force for such a magnet? If you move at all while being held up, the magnet will have to be significantly stronger than just your static weight.
 
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Everything berkeman said, plus be aware that the magnet will only hold its rated force when pulling on a smooth, flat surface. And when the load is exactly centered on the magnet. You should experiment with a weaker magnet and smaller loads before lifting yourself. That way your learning experience can be painless.

A good source of electromagnets, with voltage and current requirements, is McMaster-Carr: www.mcmaster.com.
 
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This is the type of manual-release lifting magnet I had in mind, BTW. I'm not sure how much they cost:

https://www.magnetics.com/products/mg/PowerLift_PNL0250.jpg
PowerLift_PNL0250.jpg
 

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BTW I do know that static forces change if I move and the rated force of a magnet is different than it may function under certain conditions. BTW the magnet mentioned above me is $243 on amazon, it looks good but I doubt I can afford that. Christmas is coming so my budget is a bit varied so it can sometimes go that high. If i got that magnet I would need two so I can hang with one hand then lift with another so I can't get that. However, hypothetically what rated force do you guys think I would need at my weight assuming I am climbing a steel beam, I will be back at 1:00 to talk more
 
stephenkohnle53 said:
BTW I do know that static forces change if I move and the rated force of a magnet is different than it may function under certain conditions. BTW the magnet mentioned above me is $243 on amazon, it looks good but I doubt I can afford that. Christmas is coming so my budget is a bit varied so it can sometimes go that high. If i got that magnet I would need two so I can hang with one hand then lift with another so I can't get that. However, hypothetically what rated force do you guys think I would need at my weight assuming I am climbing a steel beam, I will be back at 1:00 to talk more
I'm not sure we can help you with steel beam climbing on the PF. Sounds a bit dangerous. Maybe climb a ladder instead? :wink:
 
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