Magnetic Fixture Sets

The sets listed below are suggestions broadly based on the notion that you build models in a given range.  If none of the stock sets meet your needs you can create your own custom set. 

Go to the Fixtures, Accessories and Parts page to get started making a custom set.

If you have any questions or need help please do not hesitate to contact me.

All stock sets include a built-in 5% discount.

Small Fixture Set Go there	Small/Medium Fixture Set Go there	Medium Fixture Set Go there	New Standard Fixture Set Go there	Large Fixture Set Go there

• All fixtures accept vertical press attachments.

• Sets include magnets to assemble all included fixtures.

• Sets without magnets also do not include magnet-mounting hardware.

• The 5" Fixture Extension is recommended for use with only the 6-Magnet 7-1/2" Fixture.  Use with other fixtures at your discretion.

• Florida Residents add 6.5% sales tax.

• Contact with questions or order information.

Special

All fixture sets currently include a free sanding block faced with Norton 220 grit paper on one side and 180 paper on the other side.

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.

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.  If you're like me and build models wildly ranging in size then the Large Fixture Set is the most flexible set.

	Small Set	Small/Medium Set	Medium Set	Standard Set	Large Set
Sailplanes (Box-type fuselage)
1/2A - .15
.25 - .40	*
.50 - .60
.75 - .90		*
1.20
Quarter Scale			*
1/3 Scale				*	*
Anything Bigger					???

* The included fixtures are tall enough to build typical fuselages of models in this engine range but will not be tall enough to align wings of biplanes and parasol wings.

In general where two sets can build the same plane, one set may be marginally capable while another set may have more fixtures giving your greater flexibility and more options.  For example, the Standard Set can build 1/3 scale planes but if that was the type plane I primarily built it is not the set I would buy as it would be pushing the capabilities of the set.  Instead I would purchase the Large 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.

• Everything I know about selecting a steel building board

Other Useful Magnets

A magnet that I like a lot is larger and more powerful than the magnets I carry.  These magnets are ceramic block type measuring approximately 3/8" x 7/8" x 1-7/8".  The part number from The Magnet Source is CB60.  There are several variants of this magnet.  One of the versions has two counter-sunk holes (Part No: CB60/2H) so it can be mounted using screws.

I have them attached to various tools to hold their tools.  For example, I mounted one to my drill press to hold the loose chuck key.

For building purposes they are excellent for holding ribs of large scale aircraft.  I used a bunch of them to hold the ribs for the SR Batteries Eindecker I built.

You can purchase these magnets at home improvement centers such as Lowe's or Home Depot.  I also found them at Harbor Freight for about half the price of the previous mentioned stores.

If you want a bunch of them (I suggest about 50 if you build large models) then contact The Magnet Source and be sure to ask them how many you need to purchase to get a price break.  Their prices drop pretty significantly when you order a quantity.

These and the magnets I carry are pretty much the only ones I use when building.  I do have some small ceramic block magnets that I'm sure I'll use when building smaller models.  I'll know for sure when I started building some of the small kits I have.

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