How to: Magnetic Alignment Board

[Joe Nunes]

Today I put together a magnetic metal build board with an alignment grid. This can be a useful construction aid when gluing model parts together such as mounting tire/wheel assemblies to the chassis, as an example. 
 

I found a suitable piece of wood for the base in my shop. A 1/16” x 1” x 48” piece of aluminum angle, and a 1/16” x 8” x 18” piece of smooth flat steel plate was purchased at Lowes. I had the Devcon 2 part epoxy, Testors Dull Cote, and the wood screws in the shop. 
 

First thing I did was cut the aluminum angle to obtain the two side pieces for the wood board. The cut edges of the two aluminum angle pieces were filed/sanded smooth and the corners were rounded and sanded smooth. Don’t ask why I ended up doing this. Locations for the hold down wood screws were put on the two angle pieces in preparation for drilling the screw holes through the aluminum angle. 
 

Next up the flat steel plate was cleaned using a Dawn spray cleaner and then alcohol. The cleaning process proceeded marking the steel plate grid using an ultra fine permanent marker.  Didn’t have a black marker on hand to use so I used a red marker which I did have. 
 

The alignment plate is going to just sit in the shop overnight to make sure the ink is dry. Tomorrow I will clean some fingerprints off the alignment grid, and spray the alignment grid/top of the plate with Testors Dull Cote to protect the inked grid lines and then let that dry. 
 

While the alignment grid is drying I will attach the two aluminum angle pieces to the wood board using the Devcon 2 part epoxy and some wood screws. Then the alignment plate will be epoxied to the wood board against the aluminum angle pieces. 

 

I will be using two types of small magnets with the alignment board. One type is the cabinet magnet, which has a strong pull against the steel plate, and the other type is a square magnet that has less of a pull against the metal plate.  
 

Joe
 

 

[Straightliner59]

Excellent idea, Joe! I may have to go pick up some of that angle stock. I have everything else, here, already. Good thinking, buddy!

[Ace-Garageguy]

Interesting idea. Keeping things square is always desirable.  

[Joe Nunes]

The angle pieces and the steel flat plate have been epoxied to the wood board and the screws attached through pre-drilled holes. I used plenty of weight to hold the steel plate flat while the epoxy cured overnight.  The plate is flat to the board and ready for use.  I also found four rubber “feet” which were screwed to the underside of the wood board.  That’s about it, folks!  Now I just need to get back to the bench and work on a model build so that I can use this tool…?

Joe

[paul alflen]

Simple and easy construction, Joe. This should be in the Model Cars Magazine. How about it, Greg?

[Joe Nunes]

I am glad you like the build tip, Paul. Thank you for the kind compliment. ?

Joe

[Perspect Scale Modelworks]

This is an excellent idea. Practical and relatively easy to make. What are the aluminum angle pieces used for?

[Straightliner59]

4 hours ago, Perspective Customs said:

This is an excellent idea. Practical and relatively easy to make. What are the aluminum angle pieces used for?

They provide a vertical "fence", and a 90 degree angle in the corner, that also provide alignment for cementing two pieces at right angles. I hope that made sense!?

[Joe Nunes]

Thanks, Daniel!  ?

Joe

[Perspect Scale Modelworks]

17 hours ago, Straightliner59 said:

They provide a vertical "fence", and a 90 degree angle in the corner, that also provide alignment for cementing two pieces at right angles. I hope that made sense!?

Makes perfect sense. Thanks!

[BeakDoc]

Useful!!!!!

Thanks for posting this, Joe.

[Mr. Metallic]

Thank you for this quick and helpful tutorial.

[Andrew McD]

Looks like a cool tool.  I would be interested to see an example of it in use.

[Joe Nunes]

Last photo within first post:  magnets holding body secure and magnets holding rear bumper square to the body.  Another use would be using the magnets to hold wheel/tire assemblies square to the chassis/axle assembly. Other uses up to the model builder.  ?

Joe

[Andrew McD]

20 hours ago, Joe Nunes said:

Last photo within first post:  magnets holding body secure and magnets holding rear bumper square to the body.  Another use would be using the magnets to hold wheel/tire assemblies square to the chassis/axle assembly. Other uses up to the model builder.  ?

Joe

Thanks Joe, I should have studied the photos a bit more. ?

[thegeneralbushdiy]

Thanks for this tutorial!