Maybe it was the way I was doing things, but using the Magnet in the Water trough worked well, but a bear to clean.
I experimented with a few different styles of magnets and found that a pair of Rare Earth magnets worked great! I just keep some 2" wide packing tape next to the grinder and when I am ready to use it, I place the two Rare Earth magnets on the tape and stick it to the bottom of the wter trough. These magnets are extremely thin , approx 1/8",and are very strong. They collect all of the filings and when I am done, I just pull the tape off and wash it out with none of the filings sticking to the magnets since they are on the outside.
Don't know if this is a tip anyone can use, but I thought I would stick it out here anyway...
If someone has a good idea of how to mount the magnets, let me know.. ::)
I tape mine to the outside of the water tray, on the inside edge near the bottom. I used "gaffer's tape" which is a high quality cloth tape that resists moisture and has great adhesion.
Thanks Jeff...Hadn't thought about using that tape.....I guess I didn't state that I also place mine on the outside. Works great!
I am now experimenting with a dab of silicone, then press the magnets into it as it sets up, then remove the magnets while it finishes. So far it makes a flexible pocket to place the magnet and gives you easy removal when you want to....I will see how well it stands up to placing and removing the magnets.
I would tape it onto the bottom but it kept being pulled off by the frame when I would put the trough in place.
What I did do that works fantastic is, I put the magnet in a 2x3" plastic ziplock bags. I then take out the magnet and rinse the bag or just replace it.
I have thousands of the bags, I used them in the business I closed and have more than I will ever use.
I bet you can get some on ebay inexpensively
I epoxied mine smack dab in the middle - on the outside, at the bottom.
What does the magnet on the water trough do for you. I understand that it will attract the metal filings left from what you are sharpening but why is it needed to separate the metal out?
Brad, it keeps the stone a little cleaner. The stone is less likely to become glazed when the steel is pulled out of the water.
Oh ok. Thanks Jeff.
Just wanted to say that I epoxied 2 rare earth magnets on the end of my water container and it really seems to work. I used 2 - 3/4" dia. by 1/8" thk. magents and positioned them on the end, below the normal waterline where the stone enters the water. The first time I used it I was was really surprised that it looked like ALL the metal particles were stuck to the inside of the container. I just dumped the water and wiped them out with a rag.
Great modification to the system!