Swarf caps

[mklotz]

In a previous post...

http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/m...1056#post73670

I mentioned that magnetic pickup tools will collect all matter of ferrous swarf in use and can be a real pain to clean. I suggested that the tip of the tool be covered in Saran wrap or similar during use. Cleaning then is nothing more than peeling away the wrap over the trash can.

While that system works and I've used it for many years, it is a tad fiddly. I had time on my hands so I decided to make something a bit tidier and professional.

I made two caps from 1/2" PVC bored out to be a friction fit on each of the pick-up tools. I wanted something thin for the end of the cap so it would provide minimum separation between the magnet and whatever was being retrieved. In addition, the retriever on the left has a built-in LED light so the cap end needs to be transparent.

I used some modelmakers' transparent styrene I had on hand. Used to make windows in architectural models and miniature RR layout buildings, it's only 0.009" thick. Loctite super glue bonded it to the PVC sleeve and the excess was cut away and filed flush.

The result works well and now I don't have bits of food wrap floating around the work bench.