Magnifiers

EDCeeker

EDCeeker

Joined
Apr 9, 2006
Messages
732
Want to really be able to see what's going on on the edges when I'm sharpening. Been thinking of picking up a pair these: Donegan OptiVISOR. An acquaintance has a pair of something like those, and I like the way they work. They have an optional "OptiLoupe" (I think it's called) that is an additional 2-1/2X that can be flipped down over one side.

Thing I'm wondering is: What's the optimal magnification and focal length to go with for blade sharpening? I'm thinking either 2x at 10" or 2.5x at 8". I'm leaning toward the former, for wider utility, and I can always use the flip-up/-down loupe if I want to see extreme detail.
 
I've got one with the 2.5X. The 8" focal distance puts the work a bit too close for normal sharpening. I use a Hastings Triplet (7X ) if I really want to examine an edge.
 
Seems like a little overkill. That looks like it's for a jeweler, etc.
I use a small hand loupe once in while, to check progress on a nick,
but wouldn't want that apparatus on my head all the time..
 
I use a simple magnifying glass. I am thinking about a microscope, I like vintage things, and I am thinking that a vintage scope (~no more than 100-200X) would be a really cool tool for the bench.
 
JB in SC said:
I've got one with the 2.5X. The 8" focal distance puts the work a bit too close for normal sharpening. I use a Hastings Triplet (7X ) if I really want to examine an edge.
Click to expand...

I've used one of these for over 25 years. Once you get used to wearing it they are great. I set the hood just high enough so I can see through the lens, but can also look under the lens to see in normal size.
 
Whatever you get, make sure it has quality lenses that are clear, scratch resistant and don't distort. They're superb for detail work - especially for older eyes like mine but they take a bit of getting used to.

We can get "made in china" ones with multiple mag options and LED for <$30, but the quality of the magnifying lenses is horrid.
 
I was looking at something like this.. 3x with 5x sweet spot.
May not be enough magnifying power..

Lumifier Flex Tabletop Magnifier - Black $34.99 (Target)

41MQHQSDN5L._SS260_.jpg
 
440hard said:
Seems like a little overkill. That looks like it's for a jeweler, etc.
I use a small hand loupe once in while, to check progress on a nick,
but wouldn't want that apparatus on my head all the time..
Click to expand...

Same here. IMO, when I'm sharpening I don't need to have constant magnification so would prefer to not have some object strapped to my head. Occasional spot checks are all I need, and for that I have a single lens 5x magnifier I use most of the time, and a 3 lens 5x, 7x, 9x model I use when I want a bit more magnification. (The 5x is larger, sturdier, has a larger viewing area and longer focal distance- it's more comfortable to use.)
 
antonio_luiz said:
Whatever you get, make sure it has quality lenses that are clear, scratch resistant and don't distort.
Click to expand...
That's one reason I've settled on the Donegan OptiVISOR: The lenses are described as "optical glass." Plus they note somewhere they grind them out to the edges such that you get a distortion-less image throughout the range-of-view.
 
GregY said:
Same here. IMO, when I'm sharpening I don't need to have constant magnification so would prefer to not have some object strapped to my head.
Click to expand...
The reason I find these attractive is that you can move your head, eyes, hands, the piece, etc. naturally, just as if you weren't using a magnifying device at all. Because they're binocular, you retain stereo vision and, thus, some sense of depth-of-field. But most importantly: I stand while sharpening. I can position these such that I can look under them while sharpening, then, when I bring the piece up to examine it, just look through them.

Thanks for the comments, everybody.
 
For Visor types, check out Harborfreight.com, search "magnifier".

Prices are $3 to $10, buy several. :)
I have them in the kitchen, garage, bathroom.
 
How many years did I spend with one of these in my jeans pocket? Well, about 10 years before survey instruments went electrical. Now that glass gets used for almost every close-up chore when my aging eyes can't quite make out the detail. I've got a 4" 'detectives' glass in my desk drawer but usually I'm not sharpening at my desk so one like this is close by for edge inspections. Relatively cheap for a decent double glass lens one, 3X & 6X work for me.
3138_300.jpg
 
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