Needle cases

[Alan Arnup]

I spent a little time in the shed today and made a few magnetic needle cases which are very popular with the embroidery ladies in my area.

I glue a 6x3mm rare earth magnet in the base which allows them to pick up dropped needles and pins, in addition they can be used to store toothpicks, small tablets or a spare banknote.

[John K Jordan]

I spent a little time in the shed today and made a few magnetic needle cases which are very popular with the embroidery ladies in my area.
I glue a 6x3mm rare earth magnet in the base which allows them to pick up dropped needles and pins, in addition they can be used to store toothpicks, small tablets or a spare banknote.

Nice cases! I especially like the one made from gum nut tree.

Do these open by unthreading the hardware at the top at the ring?
I've never made one with hardware, just with wood turned like a lidded wooden box but with a wide flange where the top slides on and off.

JKJ

[Alan Arnup]

Hi John,
Yes, they are threaded at the top, very easy to turn and easy to
assemble. Just have to have a steady hand when directing hot melt glue
into the base cap to hold the magnet in place.

[John K Jordan]

Hi John,
Yes, they are threaded at the top, very easy to turn and easy to
assemble. Just have to have a steady hand when directing hot melt glue
into the base cap to hold the magnet in place.

Thanks! I found some kits online - I want to try some of those. I like the positive threaded closure and the ring for fastening. The magnet is a nice touch. I wonder if epoxy would work - I tend to use it on almost everything these days.

I've made a bunch without hardware, as I mentioned, like little wooden boxes. In case you are interested, here are some I did a few years back.

382891

Before I made these I had no idea needle cases were so popular! I wanted to try some with threaded lids but my hand chased threading skills are not yet ready for prime time! I think your method with the hardware would be fun to try. Thanks.

JKJ

[Len Mullin]

Alan, wouldn't gluing a magnet into the base, make it difficult to get the needles out of the case? It would have to, it would be what the needles rested on when stored in the holder. Plus, when you wanted just one needle, wouldn't all the needles be stuck to each other because of the magnet? They look great by he way.
Len

[Alan Arnup]

Alan, wouldn't gluing a magnet into the base, make it difficult to get the needles out of the case? It would have to, it would be what the needles rested on when stored in the holder. Plus, when you wanted just one needle, wouldn't all the needles be stuck to each other because of the magnet? They look great by he way.
Len

Hi Len,
The rare earth magnet is placed at the bottom of the base cap. The hot melt glue is then dropped on top of the magnet to approx. two thirds of the depth of the cap. That thickness ensures the magnet stays in place and is sufficient to avoid the needles becoming magnetised. At no stage do the needles touch the magnet or become a problem. Hope this allays your fears.

Alan

[Clint Bach]

John,

What did you search for? I haven't been able to find them. What is the kit called? Link maybe?

Clint

[John K Jordan]

John,

What did you search for? I haven't been able to find them. What is the kit called? Link maybe?

Clint

I can't remember what I searched for but I found several kits I thought would work. This, for example, should work the same with a longer tube. https://www.pennstateind.com/store/PKSEPILL.html

Maybe this one: https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/60/698/Apprentice-Toothpick-Holder-Kit or one of the other kits on this page with a threaded top: https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/t/60/Key-Rings (some are large diameter, some smaller)

Or here: http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=proj-supp-keyrk

This one uses a 10mm drill: http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=packard&Product_Code=154960&Category_Code=proj-supp-keyrk as do these: http://www.woodturningz.com/Secret_Compartment_Keychains.html I see they sell the 10mm tubes in 10" lengths.

When I get time I'll probably buy several and try them (ha, probably not till August!). Maybe Alan will mention where he bought the hardware.

JKJ

[Alan Arnup]

Sorry, just noticed this when looking over some of my activities. I get my "Secret Compartment Kits" from Mayama Gems in Myaree Western Australia. Cost, including G.S.T. is $2.01 each.

[Mick Fagan]

Alan, presumably this is the kit you allude to?

https://www.mayama.com.au/product/secret-holder-key-ring-toothpick-holder/

Which looks pretty identical to the one JKJ mentions in his second link.

I thought you may have purchased them from Pop's Shed as they are sort of local to you (and me).

http://www.popsshed.com.au/Product_Main.aspx?cid=47&scid=162&pid=427

Mick.