Thread: Magswitch for bandsaw fence

The number refers to the holding force in pounds, so 60's will theoretically give you 60 pounds of holding force each. The holding force does depend on the magnet sitting on a decent piece of ferrous metal - so thinner metal may means you won't get as much force, and I believe it refers to the force perpendicular to the table (lifting straight up). They don't hold as much against a side/sheer force, which is what you're going to get in your fence.

I've only got 150's (table saw featherboards and jigs) so don't know how the 60's will do - I suppose it'll depend on exactly what you're doing with the bandsaw. The little ones may tend to slide if you're pushing big bits of timber against it.

The other thing to consider is the size of the magnets - the 150's are a fair bit bigger than 60's, so will eat more of your bandsaw table space.

Not much practical help I'm afraid!

Some numbers - this page has facts and figures.

Sheer working load of the 60 is 7kg, which isn't much. My coffee tampa gets 19kg for the morning shot...!
... but it seems that the 60, 95 and 150 all have around the same, so who knows! I'll play around with the featherboard and report back

I guess using magnets is one answer but perhaps a bit of a fiddle to line up.I made a version of this fence that cost nothing to make and works better than the factory fence that came with the saw.
Regards
John
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpbwH9510MY

I put a pair on a home made fence. As noted previously, they hold down, but offer little resistance to lateral movement. Worse, you have no warning of when the clamp is going to give.
They work great for the initial positioning, but need additional support.

Don

Thank you Don.
Do you remember which magswitch you used the 60 or 95 models?
Many thanks,
KenM

I have had them in a similar fence since 2008. I do know they are not 150's as I have a couple of those still in the package. The 150's are much larger.
I should add that I use this fence on an old old 36" saw, which can be a bit of a pain to work with. I know I apply more pressure on the fence than I do with my 14".
The fence was designed as a router table fence, not bandsaw, so it is longer than necessary by 1-1/2 to 2X.
If the fence were shortened to extend no further than the back of the beam, the magnets might well hold it fast.
I will work on this.

Don