Microwave transformer electromagnet questions..
Microwave transformer electromagnet questions..
(OP)
Hi Guys, Sorry I'm a noob and know next to nothing about electromagnet theory and construction. 
I am tasked with constructing a device that can be towed along a dirt road to pick up railway dog spikes (approx 115mm X 15mm X 15mm steel weighing up to 150 grams)
I have a plan in mind for microwave transformers with the secondary coil removed attached to a @1000mm square plate then the plate insulated from the trailer.
Will multiple electromagnets work attached to the same plate?
What is the ideal voltage? I see lots of YouTube vids with anything from an AA pencil battery to a 12V car battery.
Jas.

I am tasked with constructing a device that can be towed along a dirt road to pick up railway dog spikes (approx 115mm X 15mm X 15mm steel weighing up to 150 grams)
I have a plan in mind for microwave transformers with the secondary coil removed attached to a @1000mm square plate then the plate insulated from the trailer.
Will multiple electromagnets work attached to the same plate?
What is the ideal voltage? I see lots of YouTube vids with anything from an AA pencil battery to a 12V car battery.
Jas.





RE: Microwave transformer electromagnet questions..
RE: Microwave transformer electromagnet questions..
A metal detector won't pick anything up from the ground as I need this device to do.
RE: Microwave transformer electromagnet questions..
Transformers use 'E' and 'I' shaped soft iron interleaved laminations; you would have to separate these to fit only the E sections through the coil bobbin to get any magnetic flux outside the transformer. But all this is likely to do is attract the metal plate. Most of the flux will be contained in the plate: to produce an external field beyond the plate you need to have a gap in the plate, e.g. two smaller plates extending the transfomer laminations (think of the poles of a horse shoe magnet) I suggest you look at the electro-magnetic grab crane pickup used by auto wrecking yards!
RE: Microwave transformer electromagnet questions..
RE: Microwave transformer electromagnet questions..
USA and Australia almost speak the same language, I'm surprised you didn't think I meant a pickup truck.
I thought an electromagnet setup would be easy enough but unfortunately it isn't my field of expertise.
Liteyear: Loony huh?
RE: Microwave transformer electromagnet questions..
based on permanent magnets in side a roller, there are other designs suitable for highway cleaning
RE: Microwave transformer electromagnet questions..
"120 pounds lifting force"
One might have to find a local vendor of similar products.
RE: Microwave transformer electromagnet questions..
One of those sweepers looks much simpler and easier than powered magnets.
RE: Microwave transformer electromagnet questions..
http://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Duty-Forklift-Magnet-M...