Degaussing tools

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Rich Feldman
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Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 6:59 pm
Real name: Rich Feldman
Location: Santa Clara County, CA, USA

Degaussing tools

Post by Rich Feldman »

This is not about tools for degaussing, it's about degaussing of tools when their magnetization is a nuisance.

It's common for files, drills, screwdrivers, ferrous workpieces, etc. to become slightly magnetized when used within the Earth's field.
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Traditional demagnetizing protocol is to apply an alternating field, then gradually reduce its amplitude to zero.

For narrow parts, that can be done with an ordinary solenoid like this 120-V coil from an electrical contactor. Like most, it includes sheet metal yoke and pole pieces to concentrate the field inside the hole. Slots interrupt the two largest shorted turns.
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With coil energized, I inserted the twist drill until its tip emerged on the other side. Then backed it out over a period of at least a dozen AC cycles. The swarf fell off with a gentle shake.
All models are wrong; some models are useful. -- George Box
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