"Bill Schwab" wrote in message
nk.net...
DeepDiver wrote:
"Dave" wrote in message
ups.com...

Are some of these heavier than others? I want one that absolutely won't
fall over... You can't keep the darned magnet turned on all the time...
unless maybe I should try turning the magnet half on???


Stability has nothing to do with weight (or, more precisely, mass). It
has to do with the center of mass (center of gravity) of an object, and
the forces acting upon it. So a very wide and short, lightweight
indicator stand base will be less prone to tipping over (i.e., more
stable) than a very heavy base that is tall and narrow.

True by the strict definition, but if "stability" is being used in a more
generic sense, then stiffness will be a factor, and the amount of material
involved will make a difference.

In fact, I doubt stability is a design criterion, otherwise, they wouldn't
need the magnet to hold it in place.

Bill, please go back and re-read the original post. He was asking
specifically about stability (in the strictest definition). His problem
wasn't lack of rigidity or positional accuracy in the holder, but rather
that the base would tip over when not in use.

- Michael