Magnetic Holder Downer for Laser Cutter

thingiverse

You can use the magical power of magnets to hold down 3mm or 6mm sheets on the bed of a laser cutter. Thin enough to clear the Z-axis height probe if you have one, strong enough to hold down warped material by arranging it so the highest part is on the outside edge. There are two sides that are 3mm / 1/8th inch high and two 6mm / 1/4 inch high. Place this appropriate side over the material being cut. Eight of these magnets are enough for any job. They fit the common 1.26" neodymium magnets I used from Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B071ZKQ2X5/ and https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B072PT36LL/. The magnet should just barely miss contacting the bed, it will be difficult to remove if it touches the bed, especially the thicker magnets or if the bed is solid. To make these magnets, cut from 3mm hardboard or MDF. Glue together with wood glue, overlapping them as shown in the photos. After the glue dries, CA glue or epoxy the magnet inside and use baking soda and CA glue around the bottom edge to prevent it from being pulled out, although this probably isn't necessary. There's a hole for bolting in the magnet if needed, but then it won't clear the Z-axis probe.