Hello, I am currently planning on constructing an electromagnet.

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the construction of an electromagnet intended for entertainment purposes, specifically for hanging or climbing. Participants explore the materials, wire gauge, core type, and other specifications necessary for building a functional electromagnet capable of supporting significant weight.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks advice on the appropriate material for magnet wire, wire gauge, and core type, suggesting a soft iron core but requesting specific recommendations.
  • The same participant expresses a desire for guidance on the number of windings, core radius, and current needed for the electromagnet.
  • Another participant suggests purchasing a pre-made electromagnet from EftonScience, describing its specifications and lifting capacity, while humorously noting its strong adhesion.
  • A later reply indicates that the original poster prefers to build the electromagnet themselves for the sake of the building process, rejecting the suggestion to buy a pre-made version.
  • There is a humorous exchange regarding the existence of multiple EftonScience locations, indicating some confusion or jest about the company's name or presence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as one suggests purchasing a pre-made electromagnet while the original poster insists on building their own. The discussion includes differing perspectives on the approach to constructing the electromagnet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's request for specific materials and specifications indicates a lack of prior knowledge about electromagnet construction, which may affect the depth of technical discussion. The conversation also reflects varying levels of interest in DIY versus commercial solutions.

Chronothread
Messages
51
Reaction score
0
Hello, I am currently planning on constructing an electromagnet. Its purpose is entirely for entertainment. I was hoping to make two of them that I could attach handles and switches to so they could be used for hanging/climbing underneath some random thing. If possible, it would be useful if they could hold up at least 300-400 pounds to make sure they don't fail if the person using them were to apply force the wrong way with some sort of accidental movement. I was just wondering what material of magnet wire, gauge of wire, and type of core should be used. I'm guessing some sort of soft iron core, but I'd like specifics if possible. As for the wire, I don't know enough about wire yet to figure it out without asking. And although I can probably figure the rest of the magnet out pretty easily myself, if you'd like to throw in some recommended amount of windings, radius of core, or amount of current I'd be happy to hear. Thank you for time.
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
If you'd like to save yourself a lot of hassle, you can just go to EftonScience (I believe that it's the renamed version of 'Edmund Scientific Company'). They (used to, at least) have an electromagnet that's about 2" in diameter by 1" high, runs on a couple of D-cell batteries, and can lift 200 lbs.. It also has an eyelet bolt built in for attachment purposes.
A couple of those things would stick you to a ceiling beam so tight that Spidey's dear old Aunt May herself couldn't pry you off with a Teflon spatula.
If you insist upon building your own, however, I can be of no help to you. Sorry.
 
Yah, part of the entertainment is the building process, so I would like to actual make it myself, but thanks for the suggestion.
 
Danger said:
...you can just go to EftonScience
Either you live in Hogtown or there is more than one Efton Science in the world.
 

Similar threads

Need an electromagnet to play Chess
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
5K
Undergrad Two ways of constructing electromagnetism, which is correct?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Where is the strongest intensity of an electromagnetic field produced by a solenoid?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Electromagnetic field vs electromagnetic wave "radiation"
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
How Do Electromagnets Repel Each Other in a Zero-Resistance Environment?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
EMF (Electromagnetic Field) & EHS (Electromagnetic Hyper Sensitivity)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Electromagnet Coil Performing Poorly
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
Electronics Would This Setup for a Ball Bearing Accelerator Work?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Undergrad Iron core barely boosting field strength
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
8K
High School Designing a current sensor for 50mA up to several dozen Amps
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K