I've been doing it for over fifty years. No static cling!
Bugs

On Fri, 18 Mar 2005 07:39:14 -0500, Al Haunts
wrote:

Here's a (maybe) dumb question. Will prolonged use of a magnetic
indicator base on the ways or cross slide of a machine tool cause the
machine itself to become magnetized?? Swarf is enough of a PITA
without it really clinging to the iron parts. Seeking the voices of
experience on this one.

Regards, Al.

It doesn't have to be prolonged - the
transfer of magnetism occurs the first time the base is both
in contact and switched on.

Fortunately the magnetic properties (coercive
force is the main parameter) of cast iron are so poor that
there is not enough remaining magnetism to be a problem.

High speed steel is a different kettle of fish. A
single switched on contact will leave the piece weakly
magnetised. It is still a long way from being a useful
permanent magnet because mechanical shock (bashing it with a
hammer!) will get rid of most of this remaining magnetism.

Jim