Sawdust on the Floor

OK guys, here is a test for you. What the heck is this thing pictured at the left?

To be totally honest with you I had no idea either until I did some research on it. This strange looking device is actually a magnet that can be turned on or off, by simply turning the knob on the top of the “MagSwitch”.

What the “MagSwitch” gives us woodworkers is the ability to position and lock into place any jig that we may have for the table saw, band saw, drill press, shaper table, or any other tool in your shop with a metal top, with one hand. No more of the trick of trying to position a jig or straight edge while at the same time trying to clamp the jig down with a clamp, a task that sometimes seems to require more hands than most woodworkers have.

To adapt the “MagSwitch” to your jig, simply drill either a 20 MM or 30 MM hole in the base your jig. That’s it, the modification is done. To use the jig insert the “MagSwitch”, into the hole, position the jig where you want it and turn the Switch on to active the magnet. The 20 MM style gives you 90 Lbs of hold force, while the 30 MM provides over 120 Lbs of holding force.

I already have a couple of magnetic tools in my shop, one is dial indicator on a magnetic base that I use to check the run out on things like the blade of the table saw, the other is a magnetic feather board. While the magnetic feather board has fantastic holding power, it is a real pain to position it correctly since the magnetic can not be turned on or off. The magnet grabs and holds on, as soon as the feather board comes near the metal base. I really like the feather board, but I am tired of fighting with it to position it. Now if I could figure out a way to modify it so I could use the “MagSwitch” with it………

The other neat thing about the “MagSwitch” is that it can be moved between your jigs, so the cost of the switch will not dig into your pockets deeply. You will probably only need one or two Switches in your shop. Oh, yeah there is one bad thing about the “MagSwitch”, currently they are over sold. But the good news is that they should be available the first part of December. So get in line, behind me and reserve yours.

To watch a short video demonstration of this new product, click on one of the hightlighted links above. Then in the middle of the page click on the Video tab. Enjoy!

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