I have promised to make an electro magnet/solenoid for my grandson. Even though I used to make them when I was a kid, I am blowed if I can now get one to work effectively. Currently I have egg on my face! I took some wire from a transformer which is about 0.5mm dia and I am using a ferrite core. I have no idea what the wire gauge should be, nor the number of turns or the required current to give a magnet that will lift more than a couple of paper clips! Can anyone help me?
DD