Magnetic Model-Building System Parts and Accessories

I make fixtures from birch aircraft plywood.  My fixtures are strong, rigid and can secure even energetically-defiant assemblies.

• All fixtures are shaped, drilled and notched to mount vertical presses.

• Fixtures include all magnets, hardware and instructions.

Vertical presses are from seasoned hardwoods.

• Presses are shaped, drilled and tapped.

• Include thumbscrew, mounting hardware and hardwood clamp pad.

• Customer Feedback

• Contact for order information (Please include your postal code when inquiring so shipping cost can be calculated.)

Magnetic Fixture Sets

Sets include all magnets, hardware, instructions, tips and drawings.  Vertical press assemblies are included as indicated.

Tip:

Tall fixtures are very helpful when aligning wings on shoulder and high wing aircraft as well as miscellaneous clamping and fixturing tasks.

Measure the tallest point on typical fuselages you build.  Choose fixtures at least one fixture size taller than that measurement.

Pricing as Feb 1, 2010

A "set" is whatever you want it to be.  You can adjust any set here or create your own.

At this time I am offering kits only.  Kit pieces are shaped, drilled and probably have pencil lines.  Although they can be used as is, I strongly recommend finish sanding and coating with a wood finish of your choice before use.

• All fixtures except 1-1/2" accept vertical press attachments.

• Sets include magnets to assemble all included fixtures.  (100) 12-lb Magnets in addition to any set: $65.00.

• Prices do not include shipping.  Please include your postal code when inquiring so shipping cost can be calculated.

• Contact for order information.

Small/Medium Scale Set

This set includes eighteen fixtures and covers model aircraft sizes from 1/2A to .40 size and possibly some .60 sizes.  This is also the set I recommend to sailplane builders as most sailplanes do not have tall fuselages.

Standard Fixture Set

This set includes twenty-two fixtures and will build the most common sizes of R/C and control line model aircraft.  If you occasionally build larger models then consider adding a second pair of 9-1/2" fixtures or a pair of 11-1/2" fixtures.

Large Scale Fixture Set

The Large Scale set includes twenty-six fixtures and allows building of the widest range of models from 1/2A to through 1/3 scale.

Giant Scale Fixture Set

The Giant Scale set includes twenty-eight fixtures for builders who primarily build models larger than .40 size.  More fixtures are included for longer and taller fuselages.

Monster Scale Set

If you build models that barely fit in a full size van then this is the set for you.  Includes twenty-eight fixtures.

Full-Range Set

This set includes six (three pair) of every 90° fixture I make — fifty-four fixtures total.  Adjust quantities to build a set that's sane for your shop.  Set also includes Monster Press Conversions for four fixtures.

Fixtures and Accessories

I do not sell building boards.  In order for me to ensure you receive the board in undamaged condition I would need to sandwich it between sheets of plywood.  The cost of that and shipping would be multitudes higher than purchasing the board locally.  If you really want me to ship a board then I will but you will probably pay several hundred dollars for a $50.00 piece of sheet metal.

• Items added to a set are discounted at the same as the set.  The set price may also be reduced to the next greater discount.

Note: All fixtures except 1-1/2" accept vertical press attachments.

Fixtures

Includes all magnets and hardware for each fixture.  Sold in pairs.

Vertical Press Assemblies

Apply vertical downward or upward clamping force.

Presses are made from a variety of quality hardwoods (birch, cherry, walnut, maple, etc.).

Includes thumbscrews, attachment hardware and clamp pads.  Sold in pairs.

• Kit: $11.50/pair.

Monster Press Conversion

Allows more pressure to be applied without lifting the fixture from the board.

Includes twelve magnets with hardware to convert two fixtures.

Fixtures and Vertical Presses not included.

• Conversion kit for two fixtures: $9.00

Magnets

All magnets include a pair of steel poles (steel plates).  Use with poles to apply strong horizontal clamping to a structure.  Remove the plates for normal duty use such as holding ribs vertical to the board or pressing leading and trailing edges against ribs during glue-up.

Plates may be permanently glued to the magnet or held in place magnetically.  Magnets have a hole that will fit up to a 10-24 bolt.  10-32 hardware is too large for the hole.

• 100 sets: $85.00.

• Contact for order information (Please include your postal code when inquiring so shipping cost can be calculated.)

Other uses for Magnetic Fixtures

Magnetic fixtures are also suitable for building pieces that are best clamped horizontally or vertically such as small boxes, rolling stock, miniatures, etc.  (See a beautiful lamp being built with my fixtures).

This is where I have to leave you to determine if these tools are appropriate to help you create your works of art.

• Please contact me for order information or if you have questions.

Note to Micro Builders

My fixtures are not the right tool for small stick models - the magnetic force is too strong.  If you build rubber power or park-flyer size models then you can use loose, rectangular, ceramic magnets.  They are square and have the correct strength even to bend and hold fuselage sides.

3/8" x 7/8" x 1-7/8" ceramic magnets are stronger than ceramic latch magnets having the steel plates removed.  They are not nearly as beefy as a four or six-magnet fixture.  These larger ceramic magnets can stand on end with enough force to stay square while gluing formers between fuselage sides of small flying models.

I seldom use metal plates on loose magnets when the magnet will be against the model because the plates can dent the wood and they make the magnet much stronger than necessary in most cases.  My advice is try building with loose magnets first and try lighter duty fixtures if you need more concentrated force.

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