How to magnetize carnifex?

[hivefleetkerrigan]

How do you magnetize carnifex? Do you put one magnet on the arm and one in the socket? Do you put a magnet on the arm and just metal on the socket? If the second, what metal do you use?

[No One]

Drill out the socket, magnet. Clip off the end of the arm, magnet. Make sure polarities all match up. There's a pretty good video tutorial by miniwargaming (and I'm sure others).

[yoritomo]

I’ve never actually magnetized a carnifex (I just bought half a dozen instead) but I have magnetized a good deal of my Tau army and this is what I’ve learned.

How strong your bond needs to be is based on three things: the weight of the bit, the distance from the magnet to the end of the bit, and if there is any structural support for the bit.

I believe the weight is self explanatory. A heavier bit needs a stronger magnet.

The distance from the magnet to the end of the bit must also be considered. Ideally the magnet should be in the center of the bit. If not than the apparent weigh of the bit increases exponentially as the end moves away from the magnet. So your 1 ounce bit could put the same force on the bond as a 4 ounce bit just because it is twice as far away (this is a gross oversimplification, but you get my point). Worst of all this produces a torque force on the bond. Magnets are notoriously bad at countering torque forces, that’s why you see a lot of droopy guns.

One thing that does help is any existing structure to the model that affects the bit. Most people think of a friction fit in this case (i.e. friction holding the two pieces together), but even a groove that can help with the aforementioned torque is extremely helpful.


Knowing all of this, I would look to see if you can pose the carnifex with the forearm touching the torso and place the magnet there. This would put the bond in the center of the bit and the ball and socket joint would provide additional stability. Unfortunately, outside of the devourer and deathspitter arms this may be impractical.

Another way to magnetize your carnifex is to place the magnet in the ball and socket joint. This works well for the scything talons, but without strong magnets your heavy guns may be droopy. You will certainly need to put magnets on both the arm and inside the socket if you take this approach.


One think to remember, if you do go with a two magnet bond, you must keep track of your magnet’s poles. One a magnet is in the socket it takes a Herculean effort to get it out. Do yourself a favor, plan ahead and know what magnetic poles go where.

[bolk]

youtu.be/w8Tkw7ttTIo