I just checked eBay for Neodymium magnets and there are an enormous variety of sizes and shapes. Is any particular size recommended?
Measure 11 grams on the scale and then reset it to zero. Remove the 11 grams making the scale read -11. You can now weigh up to 311. Correct? Theoretically you can weigh up to 600 grams with a 300g scale using this method.
I use one that's about 2.5cm in diameter - it's perfect for kilos and larger bars but still works fine on a 10ozer. A smaller size is better for smaller bars if you want to see them slide down the bar.
I use one that's 3mm dia and 1mm thick. This is a very small magnet and you'll probably have to buy a small bundle, but they're only a few dollars. I use it by putting the magnet on the table and pushing the bullion against it and slowly pulling the bullion away from the magnet. If the magnet stays with the bullion, even slightly, it's a fake. Most fakes will fail this test. Another magnet test is to place the magnet on the bullion and then tilt the bullion at about 45deg or more and watch the magnet's reaction. The magnet should slowly slide down the bullion. It shouldn't stick to the bullion, or slide quickly down the bullion. However, you need to be aware that copper and some other metals also behave very similar to gold and silver with this test. I expect you'll be able to pick up the vast majority of fakes with one or two sets of scales and a magnet, and the knowledge of how to use these. I bought all the stuff I need to test most coins for about $20. It's also handy knowing how to measure the density of materials such as silver and gold, and this info can be also found on the internet.
I have made it by with an accurate scale and a magnet. I let a small magnet roll down the front of the silver as stated before. You can also purchase"The slide" Its a small magnetic slide that you can take with you and slide your silver down to see if it is real.
Thanks, im assuming you will need to buy 1x100g and 1x200g? Does the scale work with 100g or 200g alone?
A "tool" that I use for stacking is an excel spreadsheet. This helps me track price/oz, premiums paid, total ounces of AGW and ASW for old coins, etc. Obviously not a test for fake PMs but still a very valuable tool to have.
Ended up getting the scales, calibration weights and magnets from ebay. Unfortunately the local business just can't compete with items direct from Asia. Ie. A 100gram calibration weight $3.70 delivered from China. As I can't edit my original post, the following seems good enough for a beginner stacker. 300g x 0.01g scales for Silver and gold items Calibration weights - 100g + 200g* Rare earth magnets - 10mmx3mm N50 Spreadsheet of some type with a backup plan Storage - to vault or box or your own hidden plan *not sure how the calibration system works on these scales. 100g might be enough.
