They have some really cheap (and weak) round coin like magnets at Chiang Mai Plastics, but I'm looking for something much stronger. Has anyone actually seen some first hand or know for sure where I can get them?

Does it have to be round? Can you use VERY powerful kidney shaped ones about an inch long and half inch wide?

I guess you mean Neodym magnets. Chiang Mai Plastic also have some but if you want so see a complete variety google for "neodym magnets". But be careful: They are quite dangerous. Some 20 x 5 mm ones caused me serious bruisings at my hands simply by playing around with them.
You'll see you can order them by post from factories in Bangkok.
FolkGuitar, don't make it too exciting --- sounds like some HD scrap by-product ... But where to get them ...?

I've seen some round and other shaped magnets in Mae Sai. Bought a few and fun to play with and strong magnetic field.

Have a couple of kidney size ones I play around with. Seem to have a temporary good affect on my arthritis in my fingers. As wondering about where to get more or perhaps a stronger one.

Yes, they need to be round as I use them in woodturning projects. I'm really hoping to find a source local (Chiang Mai) and not have to order them.

I know computer hard drives have strong magnets in them, but for some reason I forgot to bring all my old broken HD's with me when I retired here several years ago. Must be my old age.

Use to teach science in an international school. Odered magnets from link below. Ones I ordered were 5 cm diameter 1 cm thick. Strong and slightly dangerous. Only time I spoke to them over the phone, perfect English. Shipped the next day.

http://www.icelandicmagnetics.com/

I have a few of the neodymium magnets from old hard drives too but to find the size and dimensions you require, I suggest you contact a manufacturer / supplier. I know of one in the UK: http://e-magnetsuk.com/ but I've seen them also on Amazon.com

I suggest Neodymium because they are more durable and have a stronger magnetic field than their Samarium - Cobalt counterpart, though both are 'Rare Earth' magnets. Neodymium is my choice for the design spec of vertical axis wind turbines, which are already in use and they have an design life of 25 years. Make sure the ones you choose are coated or sealed in a casing as they break easily and corrode fast when in their natural state.

FolkGuitar, don't make it too exciting --- sounds like some HD scrap by-product ... But where to get them ...?

That's the ones! I ask for old broken drives, really small capacity ones that don't merit fixing and reselling. I might have to pay 100-200 baht for one, but that gives me two good magnets. I've discovered that the older drives have larger, stronger magnets than the newer ones. There are a few shops in the first computer building to the west, outside the moat, that have sold them to me, and a couple of places in Panthip Plaza too.

Thanks everyone for all the info provided. If I can't find them locally, then I will try the website here in Thailand. I know of several places in the states that sell them online, but these types of magnets are typically treated as hazardous cargo as far as shipping internationally if I'm not mistaken. Besides, I'd really like to find and support local shops any time it's possible.

Brother is a wood turner. Just curious how you use them in that craft.

Building a magnet turbine?

I use them for Refrigerator magnets, self closing salt box lids, shop tool holders or just about anything else I can dream up.

I use them for Refrigerator magnets, self closing salt box lids, shop tool holders or just about anything else I can dream up.

These uses hardly require the strength of rare earth magnets. You'd have to use small ones because you can damage your fridge with some of these things. Larger ones have been known to break people's fingers when 2 magnets are joined.

I use them for Refrigerator magnets, self closing salt box lids, shop tool holders or just about anything else I can dream up.

These uses hardly require the strength of rare earth magnets. You'd have to use small ones because you can damage your fridge with some of these things. Larger ones have been known to break people's fingers when 2 magnets are joined.

Hmm

Intriguing

Maybe he wants to keeping his invention secret

Or maybe he's used them before and knows their capabilities and convenient use around a wood shop for holding metal tools so they don't get lost.

Either way, if you know of a place locally that has some, I'd love to know.

Building a magnet turbine?

I was thinking perhaps a magnetic rail gun....

Building a magnet turbine?

I was thinking perhaps a magnetic rail gun....

Normally use electromagnets for that with a very large capacitor bank discharging into it. Was thinking of building one myself.