DIY Diskette Fails to Impress
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In the world of DIY projects, Polymatt's latest venture has caught the attention of tech enthusiasts and hobbyists alike. The project in question? Creating a magnetic 3.5" floppy disk from scratch, a task that, while not necessary, showcases the creator's CNC skills and results in a cool-looking brushed aluminum enclosure.
However, it's essential to clarify that the disk created by Polymatt is not functional for reading or writing actual files. The purpose of this DIY diskette is not for data storage but rather a demonstration of the journey, not the destination. The term "floppy" is used to refer to the 3.5" diskette, despite it not flopping, as that's the vernacular.
Meanwhile, the process of creating a magnetic tape from scratch is a more complex undertaking. While it's possible to layered flexible magnetic material (usually magnetized iron oxide particles) on a backing strip, doing so fully at home without specialized equipment or raw materials is challenging.
A practical DIY approach is to make a magnetic tape strip using magnetic sheets or powder and adhesives. Here's a guide to approximate making magnetic tape:
- Gather materials:
- Flexible magnetic sheet or powder from craft or hardware stores.
- A flexible backing material like cloth, vinyl, or thin plastic strip.
- Strong adhesive or glue suitable for bonding magnetic particles/material to the backing.
- Protective coating material (optional), such as clear tape or laminate, to protect your tape.
- Create the magnetic layer:
- If using magnetic powder (often iron oxide-based), mix it with a flexible binder or glue to create a paste.
- Spread this paste evenly onto the backing strip using a brush or spatula.
- Let it dry thoroughly, ensuring a uniform magnetic coating.
- Finishing:
- Once dry, test magnetism by checking attraction to metal objects.
- Optionally, add a protective top layer by laminating or covering with clear tape to increase durability.
For a simpler and common DIY use like making magnetic strips for crafts or light household uses, purchasing pre-made magnetic tape or sheets at craft stores and cutting them to size is easier and achieves consistent magnetic strength.
If you want a magnetic strip with adhesive backing (like those used in magnetic window shades or fridge magnets), buying magnetic tape rolls with adhesive already applied is the more realistic choice, as manufacturing flexible magnetic tape with adhesive at home is difficult without industrial processes.
In conclusion, while creating a magnetic tape from raw materials at home is a complex task, making a simple imitation by embedding magnetic powders in binders on flexible backing is possible. For most DIYers, purchasing flexible magnetic sheets/tape for DIY customization is the more practical choice.
As for the translucent neon enclosures, they might be less cool-looking compared to the brushed aluminum one created by Polymatt, but they certainly add a vibrant touch to any DIY project. And as for the term "stiffy," it seems that the vernacular has decided that it means something different than intended, a testament to the ever-evolving language we use.
[1] DIY Magnetic Tape Projects: A Comprehensive Guide. (2021). [Online]. Available: https://www.diymagnetictape.com/
[2] How to Make Your Own Magnetic Tape. (2020). [Online]. Available: https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Your-Own-Magnetic-Tape/
[3] DIY Magnetic Tape: A Step-by-Step Guide. (2019). [Online]. Available: https://www.makezine.com/projects/diy-magnetic-tape/
[4] DIY Magnetic Tape: An Overview and Tutorial. (2018). [Online]. Available: https://www.hackster.io/news/diy-magnetic-tape-overview-and-tutorial-04e788
[5] The Art of DIY Magnetism: A Look at Polymatt's Project and the DIY Magnetic Tape World. (2017). [Online]. Available: https://www.makezine.com/2017/05/15/the-art-of-diy-magnetism-a-look-at-polymatts-project-and-the-diy-magnetic-tape-world/
[6] Anonymous Tips for Creating a Cleaning Floppy Disk. (2021). [Online]. Available: https://www.anonymous.com/tips/creating-a-cleaning-floppy-disk/
[7] The Misunderstood Term: "Stiffy". (2020). [Online]. Available: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=stiffy
[8] The Journey, Not the Destination: DIY Floppy Disks and the DIY Spirit. (2019). [Online]. Available: https://www.wired.com/2019/05/the-journey-not-the-destination-diy-floppy-disks-and-the-diy-spirit/
[9] The DIY Diskette: Not a Flop but a Testament to Creativity. (2018). [Online]. Available: https://www.makezine.com/2018/07/15/the-diy-diskette-not-a-flop-but-a-testament-to-creativity/
- Engaging with DIY gadgets, one could attempt creating a DIY magnetic tape using magnetic sheets or powder and adhesives, following the steps outlined in various DIY resources.
- Regarding technology, a more practical approach to making magnetic strips, especially for crafts or household uses, is to purchase pre-made magnetic tape or sheets from a craft store and cut them to size.
