Magnets Discussion and Help thread

[Underwatercuber]

You have to know that magnets quality(that mostly means strenght) is very different. I have two Valks with N35 4x2mm. One from cubicle and one done by me with HQ magnets. The strenght of magnets differs. I have learned that big cheap packages of N35 4x2 from ebay do not guaranty you the strenght on the paper.

You do realize that the cubicle doesn't say what strength magnets they use... they could literally be any strength but then don't tell us.

 

[Underwatercuber]

Does anyone know how magnets would feel in a Yuxin White 2x2?

Like magnets in any cube. It stabilized and makes it click into place how else would it feel?

 

[Competition Cuber]

Like magnets in any cube. It stabilized and makes it click into place how else would it feel?

Like, how would 4x2 n35s, 3x2 n52, 4x1 n42s (and any others to, those are just examples) feel in a white?

 

[Underwatercuber]

Like, how would 4x2 n35s, 3x2 n52, 4x1 n42s (and any others to, those are just examples) feel in a white?

No idea I don't have a white do you want it to be a really subtle feel or more clicky feel?

 

[Competition Cuber]

No idea I don't have a white do you want it to be a really subtle feel or more clicky feel?

idk, never mind. Thanks for replying though!

 

[One Wheel]

In order to magnatise a 6x6 what magnet configuration is required ? Can't seem to get my head around it. Earlier in this thread it was mentioned that only 144 magnets are required, however I used 120 to do my 4x4. Can't think off-hand how many I used in my 5x5

4x4 and 5x5 should each take 96. For even-layered cubes double along the center slice, then treat the inner wings as the midge of the next-lower-order odd cube. Odd-layered cubes should have one magnet in each third of a corner piece and each half of an edge piece. Does that make sense? I can try to draw up a diagram if that would help.

 

[JohnnyReggae]

4x4 and 5x5 should each take 96. For even-layered cubes double along the center slice, then treat the inner wings as the midge of the next-lower-order odd cube. Odd-layered cubes should have one magnet in each third of a corner piece and each half of an edge piece. Does that make sense? I can try to draw up a diagram if that would help.

Not quite making sense, but that could be because it's early and I've just woken up.

In my 4x4 I used 96 magnets in the edges as each edge piece has 4, and then another 24 in the corners. I think for the 5x5 I used 4 in the center edge and 2 in the outer edges ... need to take it apart to double check.

I wasn't going to bother with magnets in my 6x6 and 7x7 but I recently bought a 2nd hand Aoshi that has been modded with different springs. It is so loose and begging for magnets that I think I should give it a go

 

[mitja]

4x4 and 5x5 should each take 96. For even-layered cubes double along the center slice, then treat the inner wings as the midge of the next-lower-order odd cube. Odd-layered cubes should have one magnet in each third of a corner piece and each half of an edge piece. Does that make sense? I can try to draw up a diagram if that would help.

As One Wheel said treat inner slice edges like a 4x4( double magnets) then treat them like a 5x5 midge. That's 144 magnets. You had problems with number of 4x4 magnets, first be sure you understand 4x4.

 

[JohnnyReggae]

As One Wheel said treat inner slice edges like a 4x4( double magnets) then treat them like a 5x5 midge. That's 144 magnets. You had problems with number of 4x4 magnets, first be sure you understand 4x4.

I have an idea about magnetising a 4x4 have done 2 already. I just wasn't sure on the config for a 6x6. So if I understand correctly ..... 4 in each middle slice edge = 96, 2 in each outer slice edge = 48, totals 144 for the edges ? Then another 24 for the corners = 168 total ?

 

[One Wheel]

I have an idea about magnetising a 4x4 have done 2 already. I just wasn't sure on the config for a 6x6. So if I understand correctly ..... 4 in each middle slice edge = 96, 2 in each outer slice edge = 48, totals 144 for the edges ? Then another 24 for the corners = 168 total ?

It might help to think of it in terms of slices rather than pieces. Along the inner slice there 4 magnets in each edge. Each of the other two slices each only has two. Where your numbers are off is that the inner edge pieces only need 3 each.

I've done an Aoshi, and you may have figured this out, but it bears mentioning that there is one spot along the center slice that is not wide enough for 4mm magnets. I doubled magnets that were advertised as 3x1 n50 to make 3x2. I don't think they were the strength advertised, but I recommend at least 3x2 n52 unless you can find something a little stronger that will fit. Secondly, it's a pain to fit the magnets in there, especially when you're putting the second magnet in a given piece. I ended up using the tip of a plastic knife (like a picnic knife) to keep the magnets separate, and that worked ok.

I really wish I had stronger magnets in the inner slice, but other than that my initial poor impressions were mostly due to the fact that the cube needs to break in differently with magnets. It has continued to get better, and I'm overall really happy with it now. Good luck!

_+|-_|_+|- -|+_|__
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Corners outer wings inner wings
Note the rotational symmetry: the bottom right is the same as the top left. In a 6x6 there are three independent sets of magnets for three slices. Each set will interact with other magnets in that set, but never the magnets of the other sets.

 

[JohnnyReggae]

It might help to think of it in terms of slices rather than pieces. Along the inner slice there 4 magnets in each edge. Each of the other two slices each only has two. Where your numbers are off is that the inner edge pieces only need 3 each.

I've done an Aoshi, and you may have figured this out, but it bears mentioning that there is one spot along the center slice that is not wide enough for 4mm magnets. I doubled magnets that were advertised as 3x1 n50 to make 3x2. I don't think they were the strength advertised, but I recommend at least 3x2 n52 unless you can find something a little stronger that will fit. Secondly, it's a pain to fit the magnets in there, especially when you're putting the second magnet in a given piece. I ended up using the tip of a plastic knife (like a picnic knife) to keep the magnets separate, and that worked ok.

I really wish I had stronger magnets in the inner slice, but other than that my initial poor impressions were mostly due to the fact that the cube needs to break in differently with magnets. It has continued to get better, and I'm overall really happy with it now. Good luck!

_+|-_|_+|- -|+_|__
__|_+|- -|+_|_-|+_
Corners outer wings inner wings
Note the rotational symmetry: the bottom right is the same as the top left. In a 6x6 there are three independent sets of magnets for three slices. Each set will interact with other magnets in that set, but never the magnets of the other sets.

Thanks for the detailed and lengthy reply. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it but it is starting to make sense I was confused by the 3 magnets in the inner edges, because on the 4x4 I had 4.

ITO magnets I have a few different 3x2mm but none as strong as N52. I think the highest I have are some N42's.

 

[One Wheel]

Thanks for the detailed and lengthy reply. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it but it is starting to make sense I was confused by the 3 magnets in the inner edges, because on the 4x4 I had 4.

ITO magnets I have a few different 3x2mm but none as strong as N52. I think the highest I have are some N42's.

I'm pretty sure you only needed 3 for the 4x4 too. If all you've got for 3x2 is n42 I do recommend getting something stronger. I used 4x2 n35 everywhere other than the middle slice and it's a very nice subtle magnetic feel. You definitely want something more on the middle slice.

 

[Matthew H.]

I have some strong neodymium magnets (definitely not n35 and probably n50) but I always wondered if the math would be "technically" correct for a case like this:
You want a weak magnet feel but you have strong magnets. When you look at the disassembled edge and corner (assuming you are doing the mod on a GTS2 or Valk 3) you add some material (like cardboard idk) to add some "thickness" or "gap" between the magnets so that although they are strong magnets, you get a weak magnetic feel.

 

[One Wheel]

I have some strong neodymium magnets (definitely not n35 and probably n50) but I always wondered if the math would be "technically" correct for a case like this:
You want a weak magnet feel but you have strong magnets. When you look at the disassembled edge and corner (assuming you are doing the mod on a GTS2 or Valk 3) you add some material (like cardboard idk) to add some "thickness" or "gap" between the magnets so that although they are strong magnets, you get a weak magnetic feel.

Non-mathematically, yes. That would work. I've never tried adding gap that way, but in theory it should work. Two cautions that I would note for that plan though: first, magnet strength decreases very rapidly with distance (with the square, maybe?) So you don't want to add much space. Definitely not as much as a piece of corrugated cardboard, possibly not even as much as cardstock. Second, anytime you add a spacer you are adding a joint that can fail, so if you decide to do that be very careful that everything is well glued, or you'll end up with loose magnets.

 

[Matthew H.]

Non-mathematically, yes. That would work. I've never tried adding gap that way, but in theory it should work. Two cautions that I would note for that plan though: first, magnet strength decreases very rapidly with distance (with the square, maybe?) So you don't want to add much space. Definitely not as much as a piece of corrugated cardboard, possibly not even as much as cardstock. Second, anytime you add a spacer you are adding a joint that can fail, so if you decide to do that be very careful that everything is well glued, or you'll end up with loose magnets.

It was just an idea and yes it is extremely ineffective on actually doing it properly.

 

[One Wheel]

I just noticed that one of the reviews of the SS pearl megaminx on theCubicle mentions putting magnets in it. Is it a relatively easily magnetizeable design? I know the Dayan and Galaxy would be virtually impossible to magnetize in the normal way, but if this one can be I'm sorely tempted to splurge on one. I've got a modded Dayan that I'm reasonably happy with right now, but every once in a while I'll get in a groove where I can see ahead, and it feels like I'm tearing it limb from limb because of lockups/catches when I try to up my tps.

 

[One Wheel]

Hey guys! Just a heads up. I have been in touch with the owner of Gaussboys Super Magnets ( gaussboys.com) and he's going to start carrying N50 4x2 and N35 4x2 magnets, which should be arriving any day now. (He also carries the N42 and N38 magnets too- these are the finest magnets I've ever seen!).
And just for us cubers, he's giving 10% off orders with this coupon code: DMCUBING, and now all orders over $10 ship free. The coupon is good now through the entire month of June!!!!

It's not a huge deal, as I'm only ordering about $15 worth of magnets, but should this coupon code work? I'm getting an error message saying that it's not valid.

 

[DMCubing]

It's not a huge deal, as I'm only ordering about $15 worth of magnets, but should this coupon code work? I'm getting an error message saying that it's not valid.

You have to set up an account first. It's free.

 

[One Wheel]

You have to set up an account first. It's free.

Aha! Thanks! I hadn't even noticed that you could set up an account.

 

[DMCubing]

Just thought I'd share a few findings with the group on all the GTS2 cubes I've magnetized thus far, nine of them. To cut to the chase, so far the best magnet, IMO is the N48 5mm x 1mm. WHEW!!!! Best cube I've ever made. Of course, I'll continue to experiment with a couple of other magnets. Anyway, here's what I added to my youtube tutorial video on making the GTS2 M. I give the prototype number, the magnet used, where I got the magnets, then finally a few notes on each cube:

PROTOTYPE
#1. N35 4x1.7 magnets365.com (their "4x2" is slightly undersized)
#2. (same as above, but stickerless)
#3. N38 4x2 gaussboys.com
#4. N42 4x2 gaussboys.com
#5. N38 4x2 gaussboys.com (center magnetized)
#6. N52 5x1 gaussboys.com (my first 5x1 cube)
#7. N35 4x2 gaussboys.com
#8. N48 5x1 apexmagnets.com
#9. (same as #8)

Findings:
#1 and 2, both feel pretty much the same. Theoretically, the stickerless version may feel just slightly stronger as the black plastic of the stickered version uses pigments that contain iron. The 4x2 magnets from magnets365 are slightly undersized, and if you like a light magnetic feel, these are excellent in this cube.

#3. Using an N38 4x2 gives a strong magnetic pullforce feel. Personally, I wouldn't use anything stronger than this. if you prefer to feel the magnets, or have an aggressive solve style, this magnet is perfect. Though the magnets feel strong, the cube's performance is still great.

#4. I tried N42 4x2 to see how they'd feel. Some people may actually like the magnets this strong, but I believe most people would not like this feel. Again, the cube remains smooth and performance is good, but this is a strong magnet, and thus, the magnets are obviously felt. Only use this magnet if you like the utmost in magnetic feel.

#5. This cube was another experiment. I wanted to try magnetizing from the centers to the edge pieces. Unfortunately, despite the somewhat strong strength from the N38 4x2 magnets, this project was a failure. The magnets were not strong enough to make any noticeable difference, and actually, they cannot be felt at all. In addition, I'd never recommend this method of magnetization as there is just too much that can go wrong when you're gluing magnets in such tight, enclosed, places.

#6. My first 5x1 magnet 3x3. Using 5x1 magnets is an innovation of Chris Tran. Here, I used N52 5x1 magnets from Gaussboys. The overall magnetic pullforce strength feels much like the N38 4x2 does, so it's on the stronger end of magnetic cube strength. This cube has promise, and if you like a stronger magnetic feel, it's worth trying out. About the 5x1 magnets- the added width expands, somewhat, the magnetic field. This imparts a slightly "mushier" bump. It's a bit hard to describe, but the bump feels less apparent. This (the 5x1 magnet) is very well worth trying out in other cubes as the effects of it are so good. You can watch this prototype cube being reviewed in Jay Lewis's video, here:

Jay is an awesome cuber worth checking out!

#7. Though an N35 4x2 cube, this one is a little stronger than my other N35 cubes because unlike my other N35 4x2 (which actually measure, 4x1.7), these magnets are full spec and actually do measure 4x2. I think for people preferring a medium magnetic pullforce strength, this is an excellent magnet. Magnets vary from one manufacturer to another, so other people's N35's might feel a little more subtle than this one. If you like a medium subtle magnet, the magnets365 magnets are good. And again, for a medium magnetic pullforce strength, the N35 4x2 from Gaussboys is the way to go.

#8 & 9. Here, in my latest GTS2 M, I used N48 5x1 magnets I got from Apex Magnets. This is, no doubt, THE BEST CUBE I'VE EVER MADE of all 50+ cubes I've magnetized thus far. This is an awesome cube and the N48 5x1 feels like nothing else I've ever used. I literally got chills when I first turned this cube. Yes, it's that good. In my opinion, this is the best magnet for this cube so far. The magnetic pullforce feel is just slightly weaker than an N35 4x2.

I'll continue to experiment using N35 5x1 magnets when they come in, and possibly some N42 and N45 5x1 magnets.