need a magnet

we are looking for a magnet 24" or larger

screw some hard drive magnets to a 2x4

I don't know what you're using it for, but I'd stick hard drive magnets end-to-end for most uses.

What kind of magnetic pull/drag do you need? ie: what do you need to lift with it? This will dictate if you need a commercial magnet or a home made creation. Based on information on this forum about building a home made magnet with a plastic bucket, one is being built from the top and bottom of a 55 gallon drum, a trash can lid, and hard drive magnets that attaches to a skid steer and allows the release of the metal pulling a cable. It is 2 ft. in diameter. The limits of this creation are based on the ability to pull the cable to release the load. Adding a pulley will increase the ability to release heavier loads, but doubt it will ever pick up a combine. Please provide more information and someone should be able to help.

Don't waste your money on one of these unless you really need it and are buying the right one. Harbor freight sells them and they are junk.

22" Magnetic Floor Sweeper Debris Sweeper Scrap Metal Nail Pickup with Release | eBay

Ummmh,

I think Scrapman is looking for the real McCoy....the scrapyard version electromagnet. Weighs in at about 2000lbs and takes 240V DC....will pick up....lots. Is pretty much indestructible, with the main body being cast iron and the magnet potted in something just about like cast iron.

But there's some good ideas been floated for low cost versions....

Jon.