Counterweight magnets

[A McEwan]

Hi all,

I'm trying to find old speaker magnets or similar to use as Dobsonian counterweights (wrapped in foam padding of course). But I can't seem to find them easily!

Anyone know of a good source for these or similar ideas?

Thanks,

Ant

[anthony]

I got some from these guys a while back

http://e-magnetsuk.com/magnets/clamping_magnets/car_roof_top_magnets.aspx

[A McEwan]

Thanks! I'm exploring their ranges now.

Ant

[lennylovit]

Mag bace for a DTI ,you can turn the magnet on and off to move it LENNY

[A McEwan]

Thanks. But what's a DTI? And what's a mag bace?

Cheers.

Ant

[Digz]

I'm curious as to why you want to use magnets? Would it not be easier and/or cheaper to buy some cheap weights from Argos or somewhere similar or do you need them to be magnetised to stay in place?

[Crebles]

Bloke I met used a couple of heavy square magnets to balance his big Dob. Apparently they're used by car body repair mechanics. You might want to try there.

[Steve Ward]

Thanks. But what's a DTI? And what's a mag bace?

Cheers.

Ant

Magnetic base for a dial test indicator .... http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-axminster-magnetic-base-prod22663/

[A McEwan]

Thanks for the link!

Why magnets? Because they're much more convenient that other types of weight. No buckles to undo or catches to unlock or Velcro to peel. Just lift, move and replace. Work like a dream. I used to use them with my 8" f6 and it's the simplest way there is to rebalance with changes in angle of viewing and eyepiece weight.

Ant

[kirkster501]

 I use these guys.  Very efficent and friendly. I bought some large magnets to use for Dob counterweights.  I just bought the largest iron ferrite ones  I could findand wrapped them in electrical tape.  Jobs a good 'un

http://www.first4magnets.com/

[Kirscovitch]

How heavy should these magnets be???

[Gweedo]

I've heard about people using magnets for attaching taxi signs on cars - apparently they already come coated with rubber to prevent scratches to car bodywork.