Re: Sextupteron

Just to point out, at least a few others are doing these magnetic joints with "regular" rostock and kossel designs. I think the consensus has been that it is much more cost effective to get cylindrical magnets and use stainless steel balls (not magnetic). I'm not clear how this affects the holding power of the joint, but the N52 cylindrical magnets I just received in the mail seem pretty awesome.

Just to elaborate and provide further info: (correct me if I'm wrong)

-you wouldn't want the sphere and magnet to touch directly, but to be very close
-scuffing up one part of the sphere allows for a better surface to jb weld (epoxy) the sphere to the tube or effector
-one guy used jbweld and coated the sphere in vasoline, then molded it to the shape of the sphere to make a nice connector
-you don't want to drill a magnet
-it is difficult to drill a stainless steel ball

I went with short cylinders so I could add more as I felt needed. I got 100 7/16in spheres for about $15, and 50 N52 magnets for $22. Probably overkill, but still much less than most of the other options discussed. It would be nice to find inexpensive threaded balls, but I've yet to find anything close to the pennies the non-magnetic stainless steel cost.