Awesome Magnets

Magnetic Games demonstrates a neat effect that happens when placing tiny magnets between larger magnets and a surface made from pyrolytic graphite, a material which is weakly repelled by them. Think that spinning bit is cool? Check out more maglev magic here.

This unique wall or table clock uses the power of magnetic levitation to float its hour hand (er, hour sphere) off its surface, creating a dramatic and minimal display as it casts a shadow on the wooden surface beneath. Want the exact time? An LED matrix display hides beneath the wood.

Using a spoon, some nuts and bolts, and a few strong Pot magnets, Magnetic Games shows us how to build a desktop catapult which can launch projectiles with the push of a thumb. The more powerful the magnets, the further it will throw objects. Original design here.

What happens if you spin an array of super strong electromagnets at crazy speeds over a sheet of copper? Veritasium checks out a magnetic levitation device being developed to help understand how to build Elon Musk’s much talked about Hyperloop transportation system.

Neodymium magnets can be useful, but they can also be dangerous, as some are so strong that nothing will stand in their way. Magnetic Games shows off one such magnet. Buy one if you dare from Supermagnete, or ramp things up with The Monolith.

ThinkGeek presents a unique take on the traditional hourglass with a version that’s filled with magnetic filings instead of sand. As the tiny metal particles fall to the bottom, they stand up forming unusual organic shapes. Keep in mind that it’s not for actual timekeeping.

TaoFledermaus was playing around with some small magnets and decided to see what their movements would look like when captured at 4,000 fps with a prototype Chronos 1.4 camera. The resulting video reveals some of their strange and wonderful behaviors.

The Mag-Lev Audio turntable uses magnets to make the platter float for the ultimate in vibration isolation. It also has an orange LED, a UPS to make sure the platter won’t fall when the power goes out, a Pro-Ject 8.6 tonearm and an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge.

There’s nothing more to Stan Krzyzanowski’s video than a bunch of random metal objects being dropped one by one onto stacks of rare earth magnets, yet somehow it was compelling enough to hook us right from the start and make us watch all 99 seconds anyhow.

Drinkware with magnetic bottoms paired with an electromagnetic base, which allow them to hover. Choose from a cocktail mug, a beer mug, a coffee cup or a dessert cup. You can also just get the base in case you’re willing to attach magnets to your existing cups.

Physics Girl and Arc Attack might sound like a superhero and her evil archnemesis, but they’re just everyday geeks who love science. Here, they show us how to rip an aluminum soda can to shreds using a powerful electromagnet, along with a couple of other fun experiments.

This unique timepiece from Y. Kimura and Seahope Ltd. features a display which tells time using blobs of liquid metal. The metal moves freely, then magnets under its face pull them into place to display the current hours and minutes. Comes in silver, black, or gold.

Destin of Smarter Every Day shows off a fascinating technology which allows magnetic fields to be printed into custom configurations. With this tech, engineers at Polymagnets can now “program” magnets that do exactly what they want them to do.

Magnetic Games shows off a cool, but dangerous setup that uses small nail-like projectiles that have been charged with the same magnetic polarity as their launcher, resulting in “darts” that launch solely under the power of magnetism. Don’t try this at home.

YouTuber Dustin Skye got one of those Levitron floating tops, but no, defying gravity wasn’t enough for him. He had to go and get all fancy on us, and put on a big show, complete with fog effects. He’s also likes to play with fire.

Runtimate’s magnetic belt and armband and their matching pouch, smartphone holder and water bottle let you carry small items while you work out. Their magnets can each hold up to almost 9lb., ensuring that your items won’t bounce around while you move.

Beyond Slow Motion picked up a stack of colorful Magination magnets, then captured how dropping a single one into the mix causes them all to pull together toward each other. By adding some water and colored powder to the mix, the effect is even more impressive.

99% of fridge magnets fall off if they’re holding more than a couple of sheets of paper. Finally, we’re getting some magnets that don’t suck. SuperMags have 5.7 lbs. of holding power and can handle up to 16 sheets of paper or even tools.

If you like the MagnoGrip, check out the Mag-Vest. It’s a flexible vest with large ceramic magnets that let you stick your tools in front of your chest. It also has a breathable mesh back, pockets and slots for pens and a hammer.

A while back, Joey Shanks shared footage of some magnetic “thinking” putty as it engulfed objects. YouTuber Ian Parks has turned the idea into a bit of an obsession, releasing several videos of the unusual goo engulfing magnetic objects.

After an earlier demonstration using copper wire, magnets and a battery to create a model railroad, YouTuber AmazingScience shows how to not only make a longer track, but to get the train to ride on the outside of the coil.

As much fun as it is to play with these tiny neodymium magnetic spheres, they’ve been taken off shelves because they’re a choking hazard to kids. Here, Will It Blend? host Tom Dickson gets rid of his set in the most spectacular way possible.

Watch what happens when two super-strong neodymium magnets are let loose to smash into one another, causing an impressive amount of destruction. And this is why you never put your hand between one and a piece of metal.