Interesting repelling magnets on spinning wheels

I don't read (or speak) Japanese, but I think what we are looking at in this video are two spoked wheels with magnets on the ends -- each wheel having the opposite pole from the other. Some interesting and unexpected motions result!

Amazon's very cool Industrial & Scientific section has a huge selection of magnets if you are inclined to do some experimenting of your own.

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Levitron - floating top supported by magnets

The Levitron top floats in space -- supported only by magnetic waves and the balance imparted by the spinning top. This is the upscale version of the Levitron featuring a cherry wood housing and brass leveling legs. Very nice.

From the product description

Classiest Levitron Anti-Gravity Top - Elegant, wood housing with brass-tone leveling legs. Unique base design amazes onlookers as the high-flying top levitates mysteriously above the opening in the center! Strong magnetic forces hold the top and lifter plate securely in place for easy carrying and storage. A Self-Starter is highly recommended for purchase with Leviton Cherry Wood. Ease in setting the top is essential for not damaging the elegant cherry wood.

Here's the link to the Levitron in cherry wood and brass.

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The Magnet Levitation Activity Kit

Here is a neat combination kit featuring interesting experiments with magnets.

From the item description:

The Magnet Levitation Activity Kit is chock full of great things which will help you explore magnetism. You'll learn about magnet properties and strength. You'll build a magnetic pendulum and observe oscillations. You'll enjoy seemingly to defy gravity as you achieve magnetic equilibrium and balance magnets in weird ways. And all the while, you'll be learning about the properties and wonders of magnets. Oh, all the while, the Magnet Levitation Activity Kit will be ramping up your knowledge and experience with magnets so you can build the final project: a model maglev train.

Here is the link for the The Magnet Levitation Activity Kit.

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Magic Penny Magnet Kit

British pennies have a property US pennies don't - they are magnetic. This Magic Penny Magnet Kit come with everything you need to do some cool tricks with these magnetic coins.

From the product description:

The Magic Penny Magnet Kit has everything you need to do make pennies spin at 1,000 revolutions per minute, build rim-standing sculptures and levitating pyramids, move pennies up ramps and over bridges as if by magic, and much, much more. Over 30 projects await you.

Here is a link for more info on the Magic Penny Magnet Kit

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Galileo Gravitator with four different floating planets

This is an attractive magnetic planet levitation device. Well...model planets, anyway. You get the idea.

From the product description

This unique, eye-catching model depicts celestial gravitation and comes complete with four spheres, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars and the Moon. Just place the planet of your choice directly below the gravitational source and watch it float and spin in mid-air. The Gravitator glows beautifully in the dark, creating a radiant nighttime conversation piece or a handsome nightlight, while the Antique Gold frame will embellish any desk, table or bookcase.

Here's a link to the Galileo Gravitator with four floating planets

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Magnetic Accelerator Kit -- ZING!

How about a simple, fun, and unexpected mechanical toy that uses strong magnets in a novel way? Yes, I say. Yes.

This simple kit allows you to put together a small magnetic accelerator.

From the product description:

Set the metal ball at the end of the track and watch as the energy transfers and multiplies down the track of magnets and metal balls until finally the last ball zooms off. The Magnetic Accelerator Kit is a great study for science fairs, but is just at home on your desk (just be careful what it sits near - these magnets are STRONG).

Here the link for the Magnetic Accelerator Kit.ZING!

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Magnets and Magnetic Toys in One Place

Earlier this week I announced that a Solar-Powered Toys section was added to The Automata / Automaton Store. While working on the new section, I realized I had overlooked more than one important category of mechanical toy.

So, without further ado, I would like to inform you that there is now another new section devoted entirely to Magnets and Magnetic Toys. It turned out to be a surprisingly big section! Shown here is a levitating top made with cherry wood. Magnets, rotational motion, wood, levitation...OK, this meets and surpasses my criteria for cool.

As with the Solar Toys section, the new Magnetic Toys section can be found under the main heading of Mechanical Toys in the left side navigation list of the store.

Visit the The Automata / Automaton Store to check out the huge selection of magnet-based toys.