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Magnets for Cavity Cover?
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Author:  jwscheda [ Mon May 07, 2012 7:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Magnets for Cavity Cover?
Hey all,

So, I was working on my cavity cover today, and botched a countersink. Not a terrible thing, I can make a new one, and I got to thinking. I used some small 0.125"dia by 0.125" tall magnets for another project, and was wondering if I could use those to attach the cavity cover instead of screwing it on? They're quite strong, it wouldn't fall off.

My concern was interference with the magnetic pickup, or tone/volume controls, acoustici-phonic preamp circuit board, or any of that type of circuitry. I wouldn't think so, since they're so small, but you never know so I figured I'd ask. If it''s doable, I could totally salvage the work I've done on the cover so far, plus, it would be really easy to take off and on without a screwdriver if I have to swap some components. Thanks!


John
Author:  jwscheda [ Mon May 07, 2012 7:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Magnets for Cavity Cover?
Awesome.
Author:  Shaw [ Mon May 07, 2012 10:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Magnets for Cavity Cover?
So how do you take them off? Are we talking these rare earth super magnets? I have some very little one and they still have some serious pull...Mike
Author:  John Coloccia [ Tue May 08, 2012 6:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Magnets for Cavity Cover?
A permanent magnet won't affect the electronics of the guitar. It's funny you bring this up. I was thinking about it just a day or two ago. I decided against it for 3 reasons.

1) I'm concerned that the magnet can end up close enough to someone's pocket to mess with their credit cards
2) The obvious way to remove the cover is to leave a little notch. I think that looks ugly and is a place that will constantly be collecting grime from rubbing up against your clothes all the time.
3) The look of screws seems "right" to me. I like the mix of the wood with the hardware. It makes it seem more solid to me.

That's my opinion and why I decided against the idea. If none of that bothers you or you have a different opinion, go for it.

FWIW, I use magnets to hold my paint booth door closed. I figured that if I ever needed to get out in a hurry, I didn't want to be fumbling with latches :)
Author:  jwscheda [ Tue May 08, 2012 2:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Magnets for Cavity Cover?
I'm not too worried about credit cards. There is a little notch from matching up the cavity cover, so it would pop right off, and since it's on the back and not usually showing, it's not really a big deal for me.

You're right though, the wood and hardware need to mix nicely, so I'm leaving the ends of the magnets showing, at least that's the plan. They're so useful, I figured this would be a good application. Plus, I have the 9v inside the cavity (granted it will last a good long while) but on the off chance I need to replace it quick, I won't need a screwdriver.

Thanks!
Author:  John Coloccia [ Tue May 08, 2012 4:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Magnets for Cavity Cover?
I see...you're just cutting out the bad countersink. Ha ha. Nice solution. Lucky it happened on the first one :)

I don't know how you're making your covers and cavities, but there are a number of ways to get matching male/female router templates, and then making the covers and cavities becomes a trivial task.
Author:  jwscheda [ Wed May 09, 2012 9:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Magnets for Cavity Cover?
Hah yeah, lucky it was the first one.

And yeah, it was an afterthought, "Jeez I really should have made a template for this job" haha. Another one of those learn as you go things. Virgil was right, not a matter of "What do I need to do," more of a "What should I not do" or "What I should have done" sort. Well, either way I'll know for next time for sure. :)
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