Bitzenburger Magnet

[Baffinland Archer]

An oddball question about the Bitzenburger fletching jig:

How long does the magnet last on these things? I've had mine for 8 years and there's no sign of any weakening of the magnet, however, I am curious to know if these things ever die.

Robert

[FerretWYO]

A rare earth magnent should not really loose it magnetisim. They are considered to be perminent.

[barley40]

I've been useing the same one for about 40 yrs. You're supposed to keep the clamp on all the time I believe to keep the magnet from failing.

[JRY309]

Mine came with a piece of flat stock on the magnet for when you are not fletching,I always put it back on when I'm done fletching.

[FerretWYO]

The flat stock is to help keep it from being damaged.

[JAG]

Mine are 20 plus years and still going strong!

[Bowmania]

I thought Rare Earth was a band from the 60's.  I know they didn't make mine and I've had it for 30 years.

Bowmania

[craig1955]

The flat stock helps maintain the magnets strength. Keep it on when the jig is stored.

[ottertails]

Keep either your clamp or the flat bar on when not in use to maintain the power of the magnet.
Mine are 25+ yrs & no problems.

[Jerry Wald]

The flat part in called the KEEPER. It's job is to keep a low reluctance path between the poles of the magnet (keeps it from weakening). A magnet gets weak if the magnetic lines path is through the air so the keeper gives it a driect and easy path...thus keeping it strong.

Keep the KEEPER on when ever it's not in use. It also keeps it from damage and getting dirty.

They are awesome magnets and is the most expensive part of the jig.

Jer Bear

[Steve O]

I swear, I learn something here every day...got to run to the workroom to put the darn clamp on the Bitz!

Anybody know where to get the piece of metal on the clamp the magnets hook to?  I have a clamp that is missing that piece.

[Ragnarok Forge]

Just put any piece of flat skinny steel against the magnet and it will cover the magnet.  Magnets can loose polarity / magnetism but normally rare earth magnets are good forever, no steel attached or not.  Once magnetized they stay that way.

[Paul Mattson]

I went and tossed all of my flat stock pieces.  I thought they were for shipping.  

[Old York]

The older AlNiCo magnets did lose strength over time if the keeper bar wasn't used, don't really see a problem with the Bitz, just leave the
clamp attached to the magnet.