# Easy way to switch build plates **URL:** \ **Category:** Snapmaker 2.0 (3-in-1)\ **Created:** [September 3, 2020, 11:54am UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939 "2020-09-03T11:54:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![wje](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3ec8ea/32.png) [@wje](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/wje)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2020, 11:54am UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939/1 "2020-09-03T11:54:50Z")
If you change between 3D, laser, and CNC with any frequency, it’s a bit of a pain to do all those bed screws. Haven’t seen this rather obvious solution posted, so: Get some of those thin ‘refrigerator magnet’ strips, there are many listed on AZ, but check the thickness. Thin is good. Attach to the back of each laser plate and to the CNC plate. Leave your machine set up for 3D and just plop the other plates onto your magnetic 3D plate. Even the CNC plate doesn’t get enough force on it to move it. Only possible downside, you might have minor leveling issues, but so far the strips I used have been fine, apparently dimensionally consistent enough. And, for something like CNC engraving, a thousandth here and there makes no real difference. Laser prints are coming out fine also. ---
**Author:** ![brvdboss](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9f8e36/32.png) [@brvdboss](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/brvdboss)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2020, 1:02pm UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939/2 "2020-09-03T13:02:56Z")
Could you post some pictures of that setup. Seems like a convenient solution. ---
**Author:** ![wje](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3ec8ea/32.png) [@wje](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/wje)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2020, 1:31pm UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939/3 "2020-09-03T13:31:38Z")
Sure, I’ll try to post them this weekend. It’s really pretty simple. ---
**Author:** ![brvdboss](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9f8e36/32.png) [@brvdboss](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/brvdboss)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2020, 2:15pm UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939/4 "2020-09-03T14:15:33Z")
Great, thanks! Looking forward to it. I think I get it, but pics always help 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![wje](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3ec8ea/32.png) [@wje](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/wje)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2020, 7:57pm UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939/5 "2020-09-04T19:57:22Z")
Ok, here are some pics. Works fine for me. If you want to go more fancy and expensive, get a couple of 3D print sheets from Snapmaker and epoxy to them. Assuming I can actually post the pics… ---
**Author:** ![wje](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3ec8ea/32.png) [@wje](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/wje)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2020, 7:57pm UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939/6 "2020-09-04T19:57:44Z")
![IMG_0680](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/uploads/snapmaker/original/2X/d/d7ab06be66ecbd4d4200dd4989d229b4c56f015f.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![wje](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3ec8ea/32.png) [@wje](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/wje)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2020, 7:58pm UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939/7 "2020-09-04T19:58:01Z")
![IMG_0682](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/uploads/snapmaker/original/2X/9/9613c75b90f9bdbbe29a9df9b2b1a9ccfdde9fa7.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![wje](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3ec8ea/32.png) [@wje](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/wje)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2020, 7:58pm UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939/8 "2020-09-04T19:58:12Z")
![IMG_0679](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/uploads/snapmaker/original/2X/6/65bc6553c71a451e98e8c4558bcb5721bda194cf.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![wje](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3ec8ea/32.png) [@wje](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/wje)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2020, 7:58pm UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939/9 "2020-09-04T19:58:45Z")
I only picked the strips you see because AZ offered next-day delivery, and they were pretty thin. ---
**Author:** ![brvdboss](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9f8e36/32.png) [@brvdboss](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/brvdboss)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2020, 11:22pm UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939/10 "2020-09-04T23:22:10Z")
Thanks for posting the pics! ---
**Author:** ![hoaschter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ba8739/32.png) [@hoaschter](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/hoaschter)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2020, 11:44pm UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939/11 "2020-09-04T23:44:59Z")
Looks interesting! 🙂 But be careful screwing the clamps into the CNC wasteboard… You can damage the heated bed with the screws. ---
**Author:** ![wje](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3ec8ea/32.png) [@wje](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/wje)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2020, 12:43am UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939/12 "2020-09-05T00:43:54Z")
Right, which is why I leave the build plate on, which I advise. ---
**Author:** ![DougJoseph](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/user_avatar/forum.snapmaker.com/dougjoseph/32/5995_2.png) [@DougJoseph](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/DougJoseph)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2020, 10:46pm UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939/13 "2020-09-10T22:46:44Z")
What thickness is this product? That dimension is covered up in the pic. I cannot tell if that is professional magnetic strips 6" x 1" x 0.08" … or 0.28", or 0.38"? .08 seems _very_ thin. And .28 seems _very_ thick. ---
**Author:** ![DougJoseph](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/user_avatar/forum.snapmaker.com/dougjoseph/32/5995_2.png) [@DougJoseph](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/DougJoseph)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2020, 10:47pm UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939/14 "2020-09-10T22:47:55Z")
> [@wje](#): > > Right, which is why I leave the build plate on, which I advise. I’m brand new so please forgive the confusion. By “the build plate” what is meant? Is this a 3D print thing? Or CNC thing? Or engraver thing? ---
**Author:** ![DougJoseph](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/user_avatar/forum.snapmaker.com/dougjoseph/32/5995_2.png) [@DougJoseph](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/DougJoseph)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2020, 10:58pm UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939/15 "2020-09-10T22:58:10Z")
Is this brand the same as you bought? If so, I’m having trouble finding a product listing of the dimensions shown in the product pic above. > **[Amazon.com : 5 PCs Magnetic Tape - Knife Magnetic Strip with Adhesive Backing...](https://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Magnetic-Tape-Adhesive-Magnets/dp/B07CWTQ573/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ref_=ast_sto_dp&linkCode=sl1&tag=httpdougjosne-20&linkId=aa1bb38c9d1d4b41edf214c171b2d9b7&language=en_US)** > > Amazon.com : 5 PCs Magnetic Tape - Knife Magnetic Strip with Adhesive Backing for Multipurpose Use as Magnet Tool Holder, Wall Knife Holder, Tool Rack, Knives Bar and Tool Stand for Garage and Kitchen Organizer : Office Products Update: I think I may have found the listing of the same product: > **[Amazon.com : Magnet Strips with Adhesive Backing - Magnetic Tape Roll - Knife...](https://www.amazon.com/Magnet-Strips-Adhesive-Backing-Magnetic/dp/B087Z5XY4B/ref=as_li_ss_tl?crid=3VK9PCUEJMU4W&dchild=1&keywords=magnetic%2Btape%2Badhesive%2Bstrips&qid=1599778790&sprefix=Magnetic%2BTape%2BAd,aps,154&sr=8-8&linkCode=sl1&tag=httpdougjosne-20&linkId=13616f0eea06a138e1c277134cb1799d&language=en_US)** > > Amazon.com : Magnet Strips with Adhesive Backing - Magnetic Tape Roll - Knife Magnetic Strip - Magnetic Tool Holder for Kitchen, Garage and Garden - Sticky Magnets for Crafts Strong : Office Products ---
**Author:** ![wje](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3ec8ea/32.png) [@wje](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/wje)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2020, 1:38am UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939/16 "2020-09-11T01:38:44Z")
Yes, that’s the one. But again, not critical, I just went for cheap, thin. Also I want to be sure people understand I leave the print sheet on, it’s steel, so the mag strips stick to it, and it protects the heated bed. I’ve done laser and CNC using this, both worked fine. ---
**Author:** ![DougJoseph](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/user_avatar/forum.snapmaker.com/dougjoseph/32/5995_2.png) [@DougJoseph](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/DougJoseph)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2020, 7:28am UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939/17 "2020-09-11T07:28:08Z")
Ah, I think I now understand. You remove the magnetic bed used for 3D, as it’s the part that has the heater in it, and you leave the sturdy metal bed that it’s normally attached to. Thank you so much. Great help! ---
**Author:** ![C.Harris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f9b8f/32.png) [@C.Harris](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/C.Harris)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2020, 9:25am UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939/18 "2020-09-11T09:25:53Z")
> [@wje](#): > > d on AZ, but check the thickness. Thin is good. Attach to the back of each laser plate and to the CNC plate. Leave your machine set up for 3D and just plop the other plates onto your magnetic 3D plate. Even the CNC plate doesn Do you have an example of something you CNC milled using the magnetic attachement? I find it hard to believe that when CNCing there isnt enough lateral force to shift the magnetically attached wasteboard ---
**Author:** ![wje](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3ec8ea/32.png) [@wje](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/wje)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2020, 11:27am UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939/19 "2020-09-11T11:27:33Z")
I did the sample that came with the Snapmaker, the cell phone holder. Came out perfectly. I’m sure if you took heavy cuts, you could shift it, but a 1.5mm end mill doesn’t exert much force. It provides enough grip for what I’m doing, mostly text engraving on panels. ---
**Author:** ![wje](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3ec8ea/32.png) [@wje](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/wje)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2020, 11:32am UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939/20 "2020-09-11T11:32:01Z")
No, leave the magnetic bed that has the bed heater, leave the 3D print sheet, the magnets adhere to the print sheet. [Next page](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/easy-way-to-switch-build-plates/8939.md?page=2)