<VV> Re: home magnaflux

[djtcz at comcast.net]

The various dye penetrant type checking kits pretty insensitive, but are better than nothing on steel and iron.  They are about the only choice for aluminum and other non-magnetizeable materials.

I have not used Dry powder magnaflux, but observed it being used and was not impresssed with its sensitivity.   Have done a bit of 'wet method" magnaglow, which is very sensitive.  We had the real equipment, and ran the particle bath constant loss, however I believe it could have been done with a blacklight from Home depot, purchased fluorescent powder, and isopar solvent (clear oil).  Magnetizing could probably be done with many feet of stout wire wound into coils and a suitable junk transformer.  One of those $10 DC current meters is a great way to confirm successful magnetization, and demagnetization at the end.  Just remember the coils indicate the direction of the cracks that will be revealed, and some parts (notably gears) must be magnetized several directions and times.  It helps to know where Cranks and rods tend to crack.

A crank that "rings funny" is VERY badly cracked.


> Subject: Magnaflux-for Corvair 
>> 
> Any thoughts on a decent magnaflux set up to use at home? Prices vs. 
> performance. Looking at checking gears, spindles and the like. 
>