How to Make an Electromagnetic Floater

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

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An electromagnetic floater is a device that floats metal objects between two magnets. The two magnets create a force between them and allow the objects in the middle to appear as though they are floating. The force of the gravity pulling down equals the force of the magnets pulling up. To make this electromagnetic floater, you must have basic knowledge of soldering.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Steel wire
Plastic cases
3 1/4-inch diameter by 1/4-inch thick Earth magnets
2 1/2-inch diameter by 1/8-inch thick Earth magnets
Long nail about the length of the plastic cases
Hot glue gun
Soldering iron
1 6-volt battery
Copper wire
Vinyl tubing
Drill

Step1

Twist the steel wire and the copper wire together to make a long tube shape as tall as you want your floater to be.

Step2

Slide the plastic tubing over the wires. Leave about 6 inches of wire exposed on both sides.

Step3

Drill a hole in the top of both boxes large enough for the Earth magnets to fit. The 1/4-inch magnets are for the bottom and the 1/2-inch magnets are for the top. Glue the magnets into the holes.

Step4

Drill a hole in the top of the bottom plastic box and then through the bottom of the top plastic box for the plastic tubing. Run the plastic tubing through the holes. The best way to continue forward is with your floater laying sideways on a table. Do not try to stand the floater up until all of the components are added.

Step5

Wrap the metal wire from the top plastic box around the nail, from the head of the nail to the tip of the nail, and then place the nail into the plastic box.

Step6

Solder the end of the metal wires to the Earth magnets. Attach the 9-volt battery to the other end of the metal wires in the bottom case. Secure any loose components with hot glue. Close the metal cases and set it upright.

Tips & Warnings

Do not connect the 9-volt wire until all of the other wires have been attached. Trying to attach the wires already connected to the 9-volt wire results in a mild shock.