New!  Fixture Face Clamps

These clamps attach to any mount location on any fixture.  They can be used to clamp an assembly to the fixture or to spread a component away from the fixture.  These resolve the common problem of fuselage sides needing to be braced against the fixture when they naturally want to lean away from it.  Everything shown to the left is included.  These are unfinished and require finish sanding and application of a wood finish before use.  No cutting or drilling is required.  Includes two face clamp assemblies. Brass tubes are 2" long which allows capacity of approximately 1".  They are short enough to not stick out from from the back of the fixture where you will be snagging them.  You can replace the tubes with longer readily available 3/16" tube if you need more capacity.  Multiple clamp heads can be mounted to a single tube to use them as more conventional bar-type clamps.  In that capacity they can also be mounted to a fixture and spaced in pairs to hold fuselage formers and similar items at the correct spacing. Fixture Face Clamps to right are finished with linseed oil (Tried & True Original Wood Finish).

Price: $16.75 before discount when purchased with a fixture set.

Includes:

Magnetic Fixtures

All fixtures are made of very high quality birch aircraft plywood using steel-pole magnets for a secure hold to your steel building board.

• Fixtures include all magnets and magnet-mounting hardware.

• Proven basic fixture pattern is unchanged from the original system with the exception of the 9-1/2” fixture which has been widened to six magnets for additional stability.

• Vertical Press notch is eliminated from all fixtures for a no-break forward edge.

• A repeating mounting-hole pattern on all fixtures allows the attachment of a variety of accessories such as Vertical Presses, Press Bridges or shop-made items.  The hole pattern is identical on all fixtures so accessories such as bridges can inter-connect between fixtures of different sizes.

• Multiple items such as vertical presses can be mounted to a fixture.

• Fixture Sets

Vertical Presses

Vertical presses are made from high quality hardwood.

• Vertical Presses include steel thumbscrew, mounting hardware and hardwood clamp pad.

• Presses are shaped, drilled and tapped.

• Vertical Presses are twice the height of the original presses providing more thread and less play in the press bolt.

• Presses are attached with black oxide hardware that looks good with any finish.

• Vertical Presses

Press Bridges

Press Bridges are made from aircraft plywood.  They are available in any length up to 20" in 1/2" increments.  Joiners are available to create longer bridges.

• Press Bridges include one pair of bridge spans (makes one bridge), spacers, bridge mounting hardware, magnets and magnet mounting hardware.

• Presses are made from hardwood and aircraft plywood.

• Presses include steel thumbscrew, assembly hardware and hardwood clamp pad.

• Use Press Bridges to clamp assemblies to the building board in multiple locations.

• Press Bridges can support wings, stabilizers or the entire model off the board.

• Press Bridges

Brass Press Bolts

2-3/4" knurled brass press bolts are made by a local machinist specifically for my fixture system.  They look great and are much easier to use than the standard thumb screws. Brass Press Bolts

Magnetic Fixture Sets

A "set" is ten or more pairs of fixtures.

Sets include all magnets, hardware, instructions, tips and drawings.  Vertical press assemblies are included as indicated.  Two sizes of longer bolts are provided to mount additional magnets to fixtures for added holding power when using vertical presses.

Finishing

These are kits that require finish sanding, finishing and assembly before use. No cutting or drilling is required.  My fixture sets are a solid investment that will last a lifetime if they are properly finished and cared for.  Almost any finish can be applied. I like Deft Satin Brushing Lacquer for furniture but you can also use latex, enamel, polyurethane, Danish oil, any rattle can paint or other finish that will work on wood which is just about everything available.  The fact is I don't know of any finish that can't be used on wood.

The included fixture set instructions also detail my technique for applying a furniture lacquer finish.

I have recently discovered a finish I like even better than lacquer for use on hardwood pieces.  It is the simplest thing imaginable to apply, looks extremely good and is non-toxic.  It is a wipe-on finish made of linseed oil and beeswax called Tried & True Original Wood Finish.  The finish feels "waxed" all the time.

I purchased mine from Lee Valley Tools but it is available from other places.  As I said, it's pricey but a little goes a long way.  One pint of it can easily finish any fixture set listed here several times over.

You might not like it on the plywood fixtures.  On hardwood the finish soaks very deep into the wood.  Because plywood is cross-grain every other lamination with a glue layer in between the oil doesn't soak in evenly.  It tends to darken edges of the outer lamination end grain. Some people will like that look and others won't.  If you really care then you should get a scrap piece of plywood, drill a few holes in it, finish sand it then apply the finish.  Wait a few days before you decide.  The edges will continue to change color while the oil cures so you may even want to wait a couple weeks before you decide if you'll like that look.

General Guidance on Selecting a Fixture Set

Many builders tend to order fixtures much taller than they need or will use.  Ideally you want fixtures that are the same height as the fuselage at the fixture location.

If the fixture is much taller than the fuselage then it gets in the way and you'll find yourself bumping into it.

The tallest fixtures I have used to now are 7-1/2" tall.  That includes building the 1/4 Scale SR Batteries Fokker Eindecker.  I tend to use a lot of the smaller fixtures (1-1/2" and 2-1/2") for a variety of purposes while my tallest fixtures collect dust.

What works best for me is having more of the sizes I use frequently rather than spreading my set out such that I have a few of a lot of sizes.  In other words, I'd rather give up the 11-1/2" fixtures that I don't use for more of the 2-1/2" fixtures that I use often.

You know what you build better than I do.  If you contact me and have a good idea of what you will build then I'll do my best to suggest what will work well for you.

Pricing

Current Special

1. 5% off fixtures sets in addition to existing discounts.
2. Free Sanding Block with 220 and 180 grit sandpaper.

The sets listed below are suggestions broadly based on the notion that you build models in a given range.  I pack them per order so there is no reason you can not adapt any set to your needs.  If you build models that range wildly in size then you can add, remove or swap fixtures in any set or create your own set from scratch.

If you have any questions, need help or want to order anything other than a stock fixture set please do not hesitate to email me.

• Shipping to all 50 states including APO/FPO addresses is as indicated.  Please contact me for international shipping rates.

• All fixtures accept vertical press attachments.

• Sets include magnets to assemble all included fixtures.

• (50) 12-lb Magnets in addition to any set: $45.00.

• (100) 12-lb Magnets in addition to any set: $70.00.

• Contact for order information.

Ordering and Payment

I accept payment by Google Wallet or check by mail.  Orders are shipped the next business day after payment is received.  Personal checks are held to clear before shipment.  I do not accept PayPal.

Magnetic Fixture Set Details

Small/Medium Scale Set

$150.00 $142.00 + shipping.

This set includes twenty fixtures in four sizes.  The set builds model aircraft sizes from 1/2A to .40 size and possibly some .60 sizes.  This is also the set I recommend to sailplane builders as most sailplanes do not have tall fuselages.

Set Contents:

Purchase the Small/Medium Scale Magnetic Fixture Set

Domestic (US 50 States, Territories, APO/FPO, etc.) $154.35 - Small/Medium Scale Magnetic Fixture Set Only (Domestic) $197.10 - Small/Medium Scale Magnetic Fixture Set +50 Magnets (Domestic) $220.85 - Small/Medium Magnetic Fixture Set +100 Magnets (Domestic)   Prices include shipping.

International $201.95 - Small/Medium Scale Magnetic Fixture Set Only (International) $244.70 - Small/Medium Scale Magnetic Fixture Set +50 Magnets (International) $268.45 - Small/Medium Scale Magnetic Fixture Set +100 Magnets (International)   Prices include shipping.

Standard Fixture Set

$214.00 $203.00 + shipping.

This set includes twenty-four fixtures in six sizes.  This set builds the most common sizes of R/C and control line model aircraft.  If you occasionally build larger models then consider adding a second pair of 9-1/2" fixtures or a pair of 11-1/2" fixtures.

Set Contents:

Purchase the Standard Magnetic Fixture Set

Domestic (US 50 States, Territories, APO/FPO, etc.) $215.35 - Standard Magnetic Fixture Set Only (Domestic) $258.10 - Standard Magnetic Fixture Set +50 Magnets (Domestic) $281.85 - Standard Magnetic Fixture Set +100 Magnets (Domestic) Prices include shipping.

International $269.95 - Standard Magnetic Fixture Set Only (International) $305.70 - Standard Magnetic Fixture Set +50 Magnets (International) $330.45 - Standard Magnetic Fixture Set +100 Magnets (International)   Prices include shipping.

Large Fixture Set

$275.00 $261.00 + shipping.

The Large Scale set includes twenty-eight fixtures in seven sizes.  This is a great set for those who build a variety of model sizes that will fit in most passenger vehicles or SUVs.  It can easily handle 1/2A to 1/4 scale model aircraft.  The Large Scale set is my most popular set by far.

Set Contents:

Purchase the Large Magnetic Fixture Set

Domestic (US 50 States, Territories, APO/FPO, etc.) $273.35 - Large Magnetic Fixture Set Only (Domestic) $316.10 - Large Magnetic Fixture Set +50 Magnets (Domestic) $340.85 - Large Magnetic Fixture Set +100 Magnets (Domestic) Prices include shipping.

International $320.95 - Large Magnetic Fixture Set Only (International) $363.70 - Large Magnetic Fixture Set +50 Magnets (International) $388.45 - Large Magnetic Fixture Set +100 Magnets (International) Prices include shipping.

Giant Scale Fixture Set

$376.00 $356.00 + shipping

The Giant Scale set includes twenty-eight fixtures in seven sizes.  This set is designed for those whose build large model aircraft.

Set Contents:

Purchase the Giant Scale Magnetic Fixture Set

Domestic (US 50 States, Territories, APO/FPO, etc.) $372.85 - Giant Scale Magnetic Fixture Set Only (Domestic) $415.60 - Giant Scale Magnetic Fixture Set +50 Magnets (Domestic) $440.35 - Giant Scale Magnetic Fixture Set +100 Magnets (Domestic) Prices include shipping.

International $433.95 - Giant Scale Magnetic Fixture Set Only (International) $476.70 - Giant Scale Magnetic Fixture Set +50 Magnets (International) $501.45 - Giant Scale Magnetic Fixture Set +100 Magnets (International) Prices include shipping.

Full-Range Set

$472.00 $448.00 + shipping.

This set includes thirty-six fixtures in nine sizes — four of every size 90° fixture I make.  Also included is hardware and magnets for four Monster Presses.

Set Contents:

Purchase the Full-Range Magnetic Fixture Set

Domestic (US 50 States, Territories, APO/FPO, etc.) $464.85 - Full-Range Magnetic Fixture Set Only (Domestic) $507.60 - Full-Range Magnetic Fixture Set +50 Magnets (Domestic) $532.35 - Full-Range Magnetic Fixture Set +100 Magnets (Domestic) Prices include shipping.

International $525.95 - Full-Range Magnetic Fixture Set Only (International) $568.70 - Full-Range Magnetic Fixture Set +50 Magnets (International) Prices include shipping.

Large Full-Range Set

$649.00 $616.00 + shipping.

This set includes fifty-four fixtures in nine sizes — six of every size 90° fixture I make.  Also included is hardware and magnets for four Monster Presses.

See the photo for the Full-Range Set and imagine it with more of everything.

Set Contents:

Purchase the Large Full-Range Magnetic Fixture Set

Domestic (US 50 States, Territories, APO/FPO, etc.) $632.85 - Large Full-Range Magnetic Fixture Set Only (Domestic) $675.60 - Large Full-Range Magnetic Fixture Set +50 Magnets (Domestic) $700.35 - Large Full-Range Magnetic Fixture Set +100 Magnets (Domestic) Prices include shipping.

International This set exceeds the 20-pound weight limit for flat rate US Postal Service shipping.  Contact me for shipping arrangements.

System II Magnetic Fixtures and Accessories

• Items added to a set are discounted at the same as the set.  The set price may also be reduced to the next greater discount.

Magnetic Fixtures

Fixtures are made from the highest quality birch aircraft plywood.

Fixtures are shaped and drilled.  They require finish sanding, finishing and assembly before use.

Fixtures are sold and priced per pair.

4-Magnet Fixtures 2-3/4" Wide
1-1/2"	2-1/2"	3-1/2"	5-1/2"	7-1/2"
$10.25	$11.50	$12.75	$15.50	$21.50
Includes	2	3/16" Aircraft Plywood Fixtures.
	8	Magnet Assembly w/Steel Poles.
	4	10-24 x 1" Steel Phillips Bolt w/Hex Nut.

 

6-Magnet Fixtures 3-5/8" Wide
9-1/2"	11-1/2"	13-1/2"	15-1/2"
$30.00	$36.00	$38.25	$40.25
Includes	2	3/16" Aircraft Plywood Fixtures.
	12	Magnet Assembly w/Steel Poles.
	6	10-24 x 1" Steel Phillips Bolt w/Hex Nut.

Magnets

All magnets include a pair of steel poles (steel plates).  Use with poles to apply strong horizontal clamping to a structure.  Remove the plates for normal duty use such as holding ribs vertical to the board or pressing leading and trailing edges against ribs during glue-up.

Plates may be permanently glued to the magnet or held in place magnetically.  Magnets have a hole that will fit up to a 10-24 bolt.  10-32 hardware is too large for the hole.

• 50 sets: $50.00 or $45.00 when ordered with any fixture set.
• 100 Sets: $85.00 or $70.00 when ordered with any fixture set.

Steel Building Boards

I do not sell building boards.  In order for me to ensure you receive the board in undamaged condition I would need to sandwich it between sheets of plywood.  The cost of that and shipping would be multitudes higher than purchasing the board locally.  If you really want me to ship a board then I will but you will probably pay several hundred dollars for a $50.00 piece of sheet metal.

Solid Brass Knurled Head Vertical Press and Press Bridge Bolts

• 2-1/2" for Press Bridges: $6.00/pair.
• 1-3/4" for Vertical Presses: $5.00/pair.

Brass press bolts give the entire system a touch of class — particularly when the wood pieces have a nice satin finish.

I have searched for these bolts for years and my conclusion is that nobody makes them.  So I did something about that.

An excellent local machinist made 2-3/4" bolts for me.  They are beautifully machined with coarse knurled heads.

These bolts can be used with either vertical presses or press bridges.  The knurled head allows you to turn the bolt in and out much faster than the standard thumb screw.

Vertical Press Assemblies

The thumbscrews shown with Vertical Press Assemblies are being discontinued.  They are replaced by a black oxide hex bolt (second from the left) which works better, looks nicer and is slightly shorter but still provides full range with no gaps.

Kit: $12.00/pair. Apply vertical downward or upward clamping force. Presses are made from a variety of high quality hardwoods such as maple and cherry. Presses are shaped, drilled and tapped.  They require finish sanding and finishing before use. Includes: Quantity Item 2 Hardwood Vertical Press 2 Hardwood Clamp Pad 2 10-24 x 1-5/8" Black Oxide Hex Head Steel Bolt 4 6-32 x 5/8" Black Oxide Steel Socket Cap Bolt 8 #6 Black Oxide Steel Flat Washer 4 6-32 Black Oxide Steel Hex Nut 1 7/64" Hex Key* * One 7/64" hex key is included per order.  Additional hex keys are $1.75 each.

Standard Press Bridges

Standard Bridge: $10.00 plus $0.55 per inch of bridge length. Standard Bridge Press Assembly: $5.00 each. One Pair Bridge Spacers with Mounting Hardware: $2.50.  Allows attachment to a third fixture or bridge pier.  Two pairs of spacers are included with each bridge.  Order extra spacers if you purchase a long bridge and need to attach it to more than two fixtures or piers. Press Bridges are made from aircraft plywood.  They require finish sanding and finishing before use. Press Bridges allow you to create a variety of fixturing setups that are beyond the capabilities of vertical presses. Apply clamping pressure at as many locations as you can fit a press assembly. Bridges can mount to any two or more magnetic fixtures.  The fixtures do not need to be the same size. More than one bridge assembly can be mounted to a pair of fixtures. Specify bridge length when ordering.  Bridges can be any length up to 20" in 1/2" increments.  The specified length is the distance from fixture face to fixture face. The overall length of the bridge is approximately 2" longer than the specified length.  Overall width at the base of the fixtures is the specified length of the bridge plus the width of both fixtures. When calculating the price, use the specified length of the bridge, not the overall length. Ensure your board is long enough for your bridges before ordering. 12" Bridge example: Specified length: 12" (distance from fixture face to fixture face). Overall Bridge Length: 14". Overall Base Width using 4-magnet fixtures: 17-1/2". Overall Base Width using 6-magnet fixtures: 19-1/4". Price: $10.00 + $0.55 x 12 = $16.60.  Does not include Bridge Presses. Bridges Include: Quantity Item 2 3/16" Aircraft Plywood Bridge Spans — Makes one bridge 2 Pair 1/8" Aircraft Plywood Spacers 4 6-32 x 1" Black Oxide Steel Socket Cap Bolt 8 #6 Black Oxide Steel Flat Washer 4 6-32 Black Oxide Steel Hex Nut 4 Magnet Assembly w/Steel Poles 2 10-24 x 1-5/8" Steel Phillips Bolt 2 10-24 Steel Hex Nut 1 7/64" Hex Key* * One 7/64" hex key is included per order.  Additional hex keys are $1.75 each.

Bridge Presses Include: Quantity Item 1 Hardwood Press Core 2 Aircraft Plywood Press Caps 1 10-24 x 2" Steel Thumbscrew 4 #2 x 3/8 Black Oxide Steel Sheet Metal Screw 4 #2 Black Oxide Steel Washer

Press Bridge Pier

$14.00 Press Bridge Piers are made from aircraft plywood.  They require finish sanding, finishing and assembly before use.  Piers are 15-1/2" tall. Use to prevent bowing of longer bridges or any time the force from multiple presses causes the bridge to bow with resulting loss of clamping force from some presses.  Generally used inside a structure where a fixture won't fit. Bridge Piers Include: Quantity Item 1 3/16" x 1" x 15-1/2" Aircraft Plywood Bridge Pier 3 Pair 1/8" Aircraft Plywood Spacers 6 6-32 x 1" Black Oxide Steel Socket Cap Bolt 12 #6 Black Oxide Steel Flat Washer 6 6-32 Black Oxide Steel Hex Nut 4 Magnet Assembly w/Steel Poles 1 10-24 x 1-5/8" Steel Phillips Bolt 1 10-24 Steel Hex Nut 1 7/64" Hex Key* * One 7/64" hex key is included per order.  Additional hex keys are $1.75 each.

Looking to the Future

Some things that I am developing and hopefully will be able to produce economically.  Clearly some of my ideas are due to over-exuberance (obviously-insane people may call my ideas the result of a manic episode but the voices have pretty good ideas sometimes).  Some of these ideas may not be worth the effort or expense.  I'm willing to give most things a shot.

On the other hand, some of the best ideas may seem like the silliest until you try it and it becomes the least costly and the most useful.

• Variable Angle Fixtures.  Similar to those I built previously but more developed and having the capability to mount standard vertical presses.

• Round Fuselage Fixtures.  So far I'm coming up empty on this one.  All round fuselages are a different kind of round.  I can't think of anything universal and making specific fixtures for specific fuselage stations on specific models is whatever the opposite of practical is.  I'm open to ideas.

• Wing Jig.  The only real thought I've put into this is that I should put some serious thought into it one day.  The little bit of thought I have dedicated to a wing jig has pretty much centered around it being like any other wing jig you've ever seen except held in place with magnets instead of being clamped or bolted to the workbench.  In other words, what makes it work is the jig itself, not the magnets.  I plan to venture into the frontal lobes again soon and see if there's anything more there.

• Fancy Clamp Pads.  Intended to slip over thin edges such as on formers.  Standard clamp pads can slip when clamping force is applied.  One work-around now is to put a non-slip surface on the bottom of clamp pads such as sticky shelf lining.

• Firewall Setup fixture.  Will be able to set and clamp any flat plate at a compound angle.  Primarily intended to lock in down and right-thrust during fuselage construction.

• Model Aircraft Setup Kit.  This will be pricey having multiple inclinometers, bubble levels, etc.  What I'm envisioning is an all-encompassing setup kit for all flying surfaces simultaneously.

• Wheel chocks.  To be made in two or three sizes.

• Articulated pen-light holder.  Very low cost but extremely useful.  Mounts to any fixture through a vertical press mounting hole.  Instead of trying to rig up a flashlight that won't stay where you want it, you will be able to quickly mount an inexpensive flashlight, rotate it exactly where you need it and free up your hands to work.  Used for those times you're trying to drive a small screw and can't see what you're doing because there's no light.

• Spring-Loaded Magnet Dispenser.  (Think Pez dispenser). So far this one looks like it will cost more to make than it's worth.  It's for the guy who has everything and can't figure out how to spend his riches.  If that's you, please don't despair.  I can help!

• Master Set.  This is something I've wanted to do for a long time.  A Master Set will come in a fitted box made of cherry having dove-tailed joints.  The interior is felt lined.  The boxed set contains the Large Full-Range set, 100 magnets in addition to all magnets required to assemble the set contents.  The set also contains four variable angle fixtures, two each of six different size Standard Press Bridges, two each of two different size Super Bridges, compartments for each size and type of hardware, a full color instruction book with about fifty pages of photo-illustrated magnet system building techniques and other goodies I haven't thought of yet.  Obviously it would contain all the stuff listed here that doesn't exist yet.  The top of the box would have an embedded magnetic plate with a thin solid-wood veneer to lessen the magnetic hold.  The idea is a place to park magnetic items to be used in your current project.  You will drool over this set until you finally decide to get smart and take out a second mortgage on your home to afford your own numbered Signature Master Set.

• Steel Building Board.  I really would like to complete this system with a high quality steel board.  In my dreams it is available in several sizes:  12" x 32", 18" x 48" and 36" x 72".  Those sizes are off the top of my head but basically a range of boards that are appropriate for small though giant scale models.  The boards would have a very accurately etched or machined grid and be rust-proof.  The steel would be approximately 1/8" thick and flat within thousandths of an inch over the entire board.  In the same dream I live in the Bahamas with fourteen super-models who cater to my every whim.

Other uses for Magnetic Fixtures

Magnetic fixtures are also suitable for building pieces that are best clamped horizontally or vertically such as small boxes, doll house furniture, rolling stock, miniatures, etc.

This is where I have to leave you to determine if these tools are appropriate to help you create your works of art.

• Please contact me for order information or if you have questions.

Note to Micro Builders

My fixtures are not the right tool for small stick models - the magnetic force is too strong.  If you build rubber power or park-flyer size models then you can use loose, rectangular, ceramic magnets.  They are square and have the correct strength even to bend and hold fuselage sides.

3/8" x 7/8" x 1-7/8" ceramic magnets are stronger than ceramic latch magnets having the steel plates removed.  They are not nearly as beefy as a four or six-magnet fixture.  These larger ceramic magnets can stand on end with enough force to stay square while gluing formers between fuselage sides of small flying models.

I seldom use metal plates on loose magnets when the magnet will be against the model because the plates can dent the wood and they make the magnet much stronger than necessary in most cases.  My advice is try building with loose magnets first and try lighter duty fixtures if you need more concentrated force.

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