Magnetic swarf

[steamdaveParticipant @steamdave]

Many folk use magnetic bits such as magnetic DTI holders and the like on their machines. In time there must be a build up of magnetism in the machine which in turn attracts the ferrous swarf.

I've studiously avoided the use of magnetic equipment on my machines until recently when I started using a magnetic holder for a DTI.

So, how do people de-magnetise their machines, or do they not bother?

Dave
The Emerald Isle

[steamdaveParticipant @steamdave]

[mark costello 1Participant @markcostello1]

Never had a problem.

[Tony Pratt 1Participant @tonypratt1]

Not a problem

Tony

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

Not aware of a problem after 17 or more years with lathe and Mill.

I use a stick magnet in a copper tube to pick up ferrous swarf to get rid of.

Howard

[Jon LawesParticipant @jonlawes51698]

That sounds very much like a non-problem.

[steamdaveParticipant @steamdave]

OK. Thanks for putting my mind at rest.

Dave
The Emerald Isle

[Brian WoodParticipant @brianwood45127]

Cast iron does not hold residual magnetism in the same way as steel does which may explain why it is not noted as a problem with DTI mounts on such surfaces.

Regards Brian

[Joseph Noci 1Participant @josephnoci1]

Irritatingly, I have had chuck jaws ( the hard type) become magnetic and then it's a pain clearing the fine swarf from the jaws when inserting the workpiece. Likewise tool steel lathe cutters, and some milling cutters and even the hard steel capscrews in the tool-holder. This only occurs in the hard steel bits on the lathe – I have never had issues with the lathe structure. I am not sure how, for example, the chuck jaws, become magnetic but they do so repeatedly. I demag all the bits with a homebrew demagnetiser, and all is well for a few weeks. There is that high-school science trick where you align a hard steel rod say North/South, hold it so and smack the one end with a hammer a dozen strokes – it becomes magnetic – maybe I should stop smacking the lathe so hard….

Joe

[SamsarandaParticipant @samsaranda]

Are you sure that your lathe is pointing North/South then? Dave W

[Tom SheppardParticipant @tomsheppard60052]

Yes, it is hung from a rope so it aligns magnetically.

[old martParticipant @oldmart]

I have never noticed any adverse affects, in fact using lots of magnets when machining cast iron helps to control the mess.

[Author]

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