Magnetic chuck question

[calstar]

I got this(one exactly like it, same condition but has the handle knob) for free, didn't know what it was until I scraped paint from the label today in a storage space I have(not at my house), Brown & Sharpe # 618 permanent magnetic chuck. How does it work, just flip the handle/switch and it becomes magnetized? I didn't have an iron piece to to try it when I was there, any help/info appreciated, did some cursory google search but found no explanation of how it works.

thanks, Brian

Edit: Just found this thread by searching this site, didn't do it before i posted :whistle:, explains how it works and how to fix 'em.

http://www.hobby-machinist.com/show...leshooting-Questions?highlight=Magnetic+chuck

 

[Bill Gruby]

Yes, just flip the handle same as the indicator bases.

"Billy G"