Abstract: A horizontal planar movable surface forms a stage used as a work holder for optics, scientific instruments, microscopes and the like. The stage has a fixed lower plate with parallel grooves for bearings and a central groove for a ferromagnetic strip. A movable upper plate has corresponding parallel grooves to receive the bearings and powerful magnets over the ferromagnetic strip to pull the upper plate towards the lower plate without surface contact. A magnetic shield is interposed between the magnets and the work support surface of the upper plate to block most magnetic flux from work tools carried by the stage.