Magswitch vs. Machinists magnetic base

[Mitch Barker]

20 mm mag-jigs are about $25 at woodcraft. However I can get magnetic bases from Enco for about $12. Would the ENCO magnetic base be strong enough to use, for example, for a TS feather board?

In case you are not familiar with a magnetic base (scroll to bottom of page):

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=368&PMITEM=625-0385 (http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=368&PMITEM=625-0385)

Thank,

Mitch

[John Harden]

They're more than strong enough. I have two or three of them from Enco with 140+ pounds of pulling force.

You can also pick them up at Harbor Freight for next to nothing.

Mag Switches are WAY overpriced.

[Jamie Buxton]

The mag-switch has convenient mounting holes, and is a nice shape for jigs. The mag base I have is strong, but wouldn't be easy to integrate into jigs.

[Dan Mitchell]

FYI, HF has magnetic dial indicator bases w/holders for $9.99, regular price. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=5645

[Myk Rian]

Be aware that magnetic bases have a tendency to slide when lateral forces are applied. That's why I don't use them for feather boards. They're great for straight up/down forces.

[Mike Heidrick]

I own a pair of HD Ridgid's branded orange Magswitch featherboards. They work really well and do not slide easily at all. WAY too expensive though. I would love a few magswitches in 30mm to play with for jigs .

[glenn bradley]

Agree the price you pay for the convenient form-factor is about double what i would pay on a good day. The "machinist" magnets do have a clumsy profile so it would be a judgment call. If they won't get in the way, I would use them. If you need the more tailored shape, pony up.

P.s. I have an orange and a black universal feather board and love them. Prices vary on the black but the orange is about $40 IIRC.