Magnifier?

SC_Dave

SC_Dave

Joined
Jul 29, 2010
Messages
188
What's the best magnifier to buy in order to have a good look at my knife edge. I am have trouble getting an edge that just wipes the hair off. I think if I can get a good look at my edge it may give me an idea of what I'm doing wrong or what I need to do more of. I don't do much posting here but I do a LOT of reading, this place is my brain trust. Thanks guys.
David
 
For that level I'd recommend a 30x or higher lens. I think 30x is still going to be a little small for spotting burrs that are going to keep you from the level you're talking, but it will still help you see how the metal as a whole is changing. Overall though, I'd recommend something over 30x to actually get a good view of the edge, and not just a highly magnified view of the bevels and everything around them.

They sell pocket-scopes and what not online that go up to 100x for under $20 a lot.
 
I have seen 100x on amazon that are under $15.00

They are made of plastic and seem cheap. With that said, they work really well for obseving knife edges. I have a cheapie that even has a built in light. Surprisingly they work pretty good.
 
SC_Dave said:
What's the best magnifier to buy in order to have a good look at my knife edge. I am have trouble getting an edge that just wipes the hair off. I think if I can get a good look at my edge it may give me an idea of what I'm doing wrong or what I need to do more of. I don't do much posting here but I do a LOT of reading, this place is my brain trust. Thanks guys.
David
Click to expand...

I normally use a 3X hand lens. You can use higher, but the amount of blade you see at any one time decreases as the magnification increases. I find that a 3X used under a high intensity lamp allows me to see a fair amount of edge with enough detail to see what I am doing right or wrong. YMMV
 
I like using a 5X from Radio Shack . This gives me all the detail I need . They have others that go up to 15-20X but as Knarf says it lowers the viewing area and eye relief gets critical . Yet, its a must have and use with a bright light or sunshine . DM
 
Get a loupe that is around 10x or greater. They work great, I got one from one of my clients who had some canon loupes. The set I got from HF was terrible...made in india and wasnt powerful enough. Check out this one from Amazon, cheap and will probably do the job.

http://www.amazon.com/Close-up-View...N4/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1289781346&sr=8-11

Hope I am not breaking any rules by posting this...just trying to help you out...so I would think this wouldn't be breaking the rules.
 
I have tried a Bunch of magnifiers. First, get a 10x Belomo. It has a great neck strap that is incredibly handy. It also has great optics, which is a hell of a lot more important than high magnification. Next, go to Amazon and get one of their 45x led lighted magnifiers. They are well worth the money. I just ordered another magnifier that's not here yet, but I'm excited to get it. It looks a Lot like the $15 Radio Shack 60x -100x plastic pocket microscope. The Radio shack one sucks, because it's light sucks. I've been told the one from Amazon has Much better light, which is really important.
 
Thanks guys I really appreciate the info, just want to buy the right thing the first time.
David
 
10x jewellers loupe at a jewellery supply store. Next time you're at a mall or something ask the jeweller where they get theirs.
 
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