Large Magnets !?

Question

I need about 8 large magnets for a project. Roughly 6-8 inches long and 4-6 inches wide. Thickness not big deal but at least 1/2 inch. But at the same time I cant afford 100+ each for them. Any suggestions on a good location, or maybe someone heres has some (used/new is ok).

Answer 1

You don't say how powerful they need to be. Iron or steel produces a relatively weak magnet. Ones from rare earth materials are much more powerful, but expensive.

Rare-earth magnets are strong, permanent magnets made from alloys of rare earth elements. Rare-earth magnets are substantially stronger than ferrite or alnico magnets. The magnetic field typically produced by rare-earth magnets can be in excess of 1.2 teslas. Ferrite or ceramic magnets typically exhibit fields of 50 to 100 milliteslas. Because rare earth magnets are extremely brittle, they are usually nickel-coated to protect them from breaking and chipping, hence their typically shiny, corrosion resistant nature.

Do a search for "rare earth magnet buy"

Answer 2

Make your own,Get all the metal in the correct shape/wrap a large diameter(ie 12ga) wire around each piece/and hit it with a car battery for a second presto.

Answer 3

Here are some good sites that sell magnets I'm not sure if they sell magnets to your specifications but here goes nothing

http://www.supermagnetman.net

http://www.unitednuclear.com (click on the magnets button)