>
>

Ed has a cool project in mind, but I don't quite know where my undergrad
texts are right now...

> I am attempting to create a work holding device or jig to hold some stuff
> while I work on it with hand tools.
>

One thing you seem to be running into is magetisms inverse-squared
relationship between force and distance. So the force between the jaws
holding something 1/8 the of an inch thick is 4x weaker than holding
something 1/16th of an inch thick.
You might think of it from the other direction-- how much force do you want
for holding your work, and how thick will it be? That'll tell you how
strong your magnets need to be. A typical clamp generates about 400 lbs or
more of force, and if your piece is 1" thick and your vise faces are 3x5
inches, you'll need a metric boatload of Gauss to make the vise work.
Might give these folks site a try:
https://www.kjmagnetics.com/blog.asp?p=how-much-will-a-magnet-hold

They have a calculator that shows a 3x5x1 inch magnet of their strongest
material seems to get you to the ballpark
https://www.kjmagnetics.com/calculator.asp?calcType=block

Thanks for sharing this, bucko. Seems like a fun adventure to be on