How many turns in my electromagnet?

[oxidus5886]

Hi,

I am making a DIY electromagnet.

I'm using 2 9v D Cell Batteries as the power source and a 15mm diameter iron core.

I am looking to make the magnet as powerful as possible.

My questions are as follows:

1. Should I connect the batteries in series or parallel?
2. What gauge wire should I use? I know that thicker gauge wire offers less resistance so is it better to go with thicker wire?
3. I guess the main question is thicker wire and less turns or thinner wire and more turns?
4. Also for the given gauge how many turns do i need and at what point would the magnet become saturated?

I know i must seem like I don't know much and it's completely true. I have been scouring the web and am unable to find a simple enough answer. I would be the first to admit my maths isn't the greatest so some of the answers I have already found have flown right over my head.

Any help you guys could offer would be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks,

Oxidus

 

[Carl Pugh]

Google 3 volt electromagnet.

9 volt batteries should not be used.

1 1/2 volt D cells may be used. Probably parallel would be best.

Very small wire is usually best.