Make a Moving Magnetic Carving

05/13/2010 07:44:00 Larry Wolterstorff

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Clever use of magnets is a fun conversation starter

I developed this magnetic toy carving to use up scraps of wood that are too small to use for canes, but too nice to throw away. It’s sure to get a person’s attention at a carving show or school demonstration.

The carving can be virtually any design, but I create a ball with a carved face to represent the man in the moon. Magnets keep the carved face spinning and casual observers guessing how it's done.

I use 1/8"-thick by 7/8"-diameter rare earth magnets. I use four magnets in the carved face and eleven magnets in the base. If you use alternate-sized magnets, adjust the drilled holes accordingly.

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Comments (11 posted):

RUssL. on 05/13/2010 08:11:36

Very clever and amusing! Russ

BobD on 05/13/2010 09:08:55

It's the very first video I directed, shot, edited, narrated, and produced Bob

bigEd_H on 05/13/2010 17:57:54

Cool carving. I see an Academy Award in your future, Bob. :D

JimSawyer on 05/14/2010 15:03:14

So Bob..... Is there going to be an article in WCI detailing the workiings of this gotta do project?

hwallen48 on 05/15/2010 00:38:56

Very Cool , thanks Bob Good job!!

Gulf Coast Handyman on 05/15/2010 08:50:26

Very cool idea, Great job Bob ! Dave

Mottles on 05/18/2010 18:57:33

Hi Bob, Congratulations nice little video! Larry Wolterstorff is a friend of mine and just a great guy. I was so pleased to see his article come to completion in Woodcarving Illustrated. Both he and you are to be complimented on both the article and the video. Wonderful pictures, graphics and text. I called and talked to him today to congratulate him on the article. He said that he is already getting feedback from folks. I'll see him this Saturday at our Prescott Wood Bee Carvealong and will have my copy with page open for an autograph. We have Show & Tell as part of our Carvealong and Larry promised to have his 'Magnetic Carving' for us to see. Larry has many interactive carvings and at club funtions his table always has both adults and children gathered around it. Larry gets so much enjoyment out of watching people enjoy playing with his interactive carvings and puzzles. I'm so pleased and proud you have one of Larry Wolterstorff's carvings in you magazine. Sincerely, Kathy Robbins

Kremlock on 02/07/2011 15:42:56