shop bench magnifying glass

H

HSC ///

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Nov 7, 2012
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not the small one with a high power and shallow depth of field.
but something I can pickup and give me magnification for the small details relevant to knifemaking

pls let me know what you use.

thanks
 
I picked up a head strap magnifier from Harbor Freight. It has 2 lens with different magnification that you can switch to and a small loupe that you can swing down when you really want to zoom in. Works really good for a 5 dollar item.
 
NC Biker said:
I picked up a head strap magnifier from Harbor Freight. It has 2 lens with different magnification that you can switch to and a small loupe that you can swing down when you really want to zoom in. Works really good for a 5 dollar item.
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I'd second this idea. Having both hands free and not fighting to focus your eyes through a seperate magnifier is nice.
 
The real thing is called an "Optivisor."
They are available in various strengths.
 
I'll check it out but was hoping for something I don't have to wear.


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I have 2 goose neck magnifiers with accompanying goose neck lights. They have a 4 inch lens that can be positioned most anywhere. I'll check for a name tomorrow.
 
Fred.Rowe said:
I have 2 goose neck magnifiers with accompanying goose neck lights. They have a 4 inch lens that can be positioned most anywhere. I'll check for a name tomorrow.
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Thanks. Curious what the power magnification is
 
I use one thats mounted to the table . google - Fluorescent Illuminated Magnifier
 
The fluorescent goose neck or flex arm lights are quite useful. They do tend to have a good bit of aberration toward the sides.

An Optivisor is really good for closer inspection. The different "power" lenses move the focal length forward, so you are looking at the item closer and closer. Pick one that is comfortable and enlarges enough for your needs. The numbers go from #2 to #10 - #2 is 1.5X and has a 20" focal length, #10 is 3.5X and has a 4" focal length. The most useful for many people is the #4 or #5 with 2X and 2.5X magnification, and 10" and 8" focal lengths.

I wear one eight or more hours a day and they are so comfortable I forget I have it on.
 
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remember, the higher the magnification, the shallower the depth of focus is, and the closer you need to be to the object. i use the cheap harbor freight model because it can switch magnifications, and also optivisors. if you search " gooseneck magnifier " and "arm magnifier" on ebay there area lot of them available. some clamp to the desk, some even have a rolling stand.
 
I use the "cheap piece of crap" because I wanted to try a magnifier to see if it was something I might like without dropping $40. It works for me. I don't see a reason to upgrade at this point, maybe I will when my "cheap piece of crap" bites the dust. :D
 
The amount of clarity is the main difference. 2.5X is the same whatever it is on. On some magnifiers that is clear and on others it is more blurry. Also, most lower cost magnifiers have only clear viewing in the very center of the lens. If you put on an optivisor of the same lens number, you would be amazed. The same goes for loupes and hand magnifiers.

It is sort of like the folks who just buy readers ( reading glasses) at the dollar store for a buck or two. Yes, they help, .. but they do not really compare with properly fitted glasses to your prescription.
 
Brock47 said:
Does anyone actually grind using these things?
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YES!!!! Using the lower power, and getting up close to the edge the Optivisor really helps an old man like me. I can remember when I was "young 'n dumb 'n full of cu..." those "old men" would ask me to read motor serial numbers - at that young age I felt they must be about half blind. Now I need extra light as well.

Ken H>
 
Ken H> said:
YES!!!! Using the lower power, and getting up close to the edge the Optivisor really helps an old man like me. I can remember when I was "young 'n dumb 'n full of cu..." those "old men" would ask me to read motor serial numbers - at that young age I felt they must be about half blind. Now I need extra light as well.

Ken H>
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OMG I can relate to this quote so much! I use to think it was crazy my grandmother use to ask me to thread her needle. A easy task for a young set of eyes!
 
Ken H> said:
YES!!!! Using the lower power, and getting up close to the edge the Optivisor really helps an old man like me. I can remember when I was "young 'n dumb 'n full of cu..." those "old men" would ask me to read motor serial numbers - at that young age I felt they must be about half blind. Now I need extra light as well.

Ken H>
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Speaking of the need for extra light , I keep a flashlight near by always and have one on my key chain for the menu's in dark restaurant .
 
My vision is starting to fail me, recently... especially in the morning and at night. I use very weak reading glasses around the shop(3pr stashed strategically). I have both the optivisor and the cheap version. Big difference, but I find I still get use out of the cheapo. My fluorescent lamp with magnifier get's used quite a bit, too.
 
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