>3) Finally, are there any kits/plans available to build your own ...
>or does someone have one they built which works?  And perhaps related -
>let's assume I build one, does anyone have an idea of the inductance
>and/or DC resistance I would need to not pop the breaker and/or cause
>glowing wire?   Let's assume US 120V 60Hz.

My father made his own. He had a transformer (had about 1 sq inch core cross 
section IIRC) from which he removed all the E & I cores so it was an open 
winding, then connected it to a model toy power transformer that had an AC 
output of around 16V. Worked very well, move magnetised tool into centre of 
winding with power on coil, and withdraw slowly, taking about 5 seconds to 
move it a couple of feet from the coil, and then turn power off. 

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