Rare-earth magnets are great for holding frequently used accessories near my power tools. For instance, I attach an Allen wrench to the frame of my bandsaw with one of these handy magnets.

Unfortunately, the magnet isn’t always sure if it wants to stay home on the bandsaw or travel with the wrench. I considered permanently gluing the magnet to the tool, but came up with a better idea.

I cut a circle from a scrap of veneer and glued this circle to the magnet with cyanoacrylate glue. This makes the magnetic pull stronger on the back side of the magnet, opposite the veneer. I put that side against the bandsaw. Now, the magnet always sticks to the bandsaw and not to the wrench.

Drawing by Jim Richey.

Drawing by Jim Richey

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