ever since I was a child, magnets have held a fascination for me. I've been
....[snip]....
My question is does anyone know of other sources either for ...
magnets that I may be missing out on? ....

Every microwave-oven tube has TWO quite-strong cylindrical magnets.
You have to tear the tube apart to retrieve them, but if you'll stack
6-8 of them with opposing poles on a loose-fit wooden dowels with some
kind of stop on the ends, I'll guarantee you that any kid who sees the
toy will practically wear it out playing with it. (Even sitting on
the shelf it looks magical, what with the magnets "floating" in air.)

--Myron.
--
Five boxes preserve our freedoms: soap, ballot, witness, jury, and cartridge
PhD EE (retired). "Barbershop" tenor. CDL(PTXS). W0PBV. (785) 539-4448
NRA Life Member and Certified Instructor (Home Firearm Safety, Rifle, Pistol)