Here’s how this is gonna go down
This is a very simple project. Breakdown:
- Put a carriage bolt through a magnet
- Glue on some rubber
- (optional) Sand blast to remove shine.
Assumptions – Your cutting board:
- has a hole in it
- is reasonably lightweight
Here’s the 3.5 minute video. I don’t say much, but I do make a fridge magnet.
Supplies
- Roll of thin rubber
- 3″ Ceramic CUP Magnets
- CA Glue
- 1/4 x 20 carriage bolts & nuts: (shop local!) LENGTH: For my 5/8″ board, I used 1.25″ carriage bolts. Adjust to match your
- Cheap sandblaster (optional) – For these size of projects, you don’t need a huge air compressor.
These are affiliate links. Read my stance on them here: https://www.keithstestgarage.com/affiliate-usage/
Stick the Rubber
Cut & Attach Rubber
- Using an X-Acto knife (affiliate link), place the magnet on the rubber, then cut a disc w/ a hole in it to match the ceramic portion of the magnet.
- Use CA glue to stick the rubber on the magnet.
- Put some weight on it, and let it dry for about 1 minute.
Tip: Cure any uncured blobs of CA-glue squeeze-out using baking soda. Just shake it around in the magnet area and dump the baking soda out. See my video at timestamp 1:42 to see what I’m talking about.
Assemble the Hardware
On the carriage bolt,
- Install first nut, leaving about 1/2″ of bolt sticking through
- Add the magnet
- Install second nut
Check this: be sure the bolt doesn’t protrude past the business end of the magnet.
Verify the length works for your cutting board, then tighten things up.
Sand Blast (optional!)
I’m not a fan of shiny chrome-y-ness, so I sandblasted it using this cheap $25ish sand blaster.
You don’t need a huge air compressor for small projects like this.
Tips:
- Use fine sandblasting media. You can get this from your local monument shop. Fine sand works better in the cheap sand blaster, and it provides more of a matte (rather than pitted) finish.
- Don’t blast the bottom of the magnet.
- Clean sand off the bottom of the magnet before using on your fridge. (unless you want scratches on your fridge)
Refrigerator Magnet Complete.
What other things can you hang w/ a properly strong magnet? Small pots & pans? A pizza peel?