Magnifiers for Fine Work

[Izzy Charo]

Hello,
Wondering what folks wear to see fine work better...like dovetail marking lines, for example. Lots of options out there for optical magnifiers that fit over glasses (with and without attached LEDs)... are there any favorites among the group here?
Thanks,
Izzy

[Phil Mueller]

I use the Optivisor. Have several lenses for different magnifications. Works well with glasses.

[Jamie Buxton]

I use a binocular loupe. You may have seen them used by your dentist, or on surgeons in medical TV shows. For me, the advantage of a binocular loupe over a duckbill magnifier is that the focal point of the loupe can be farther from your face. That's nice if you're using power tools.

You can also now get binocular loupes with built-in lighting. Mine don't have that, but if I were buying again, I'd look for that.

[richard poitras]

Plus one for the Optivisor and they have them with lights...

[Jim Becker]

Another option to look at is a magnification/light that's on an extensible arm that you can use at the bench for close, detailed work. It's hands-free and also doesn't stay with you when you glance or walk away like something "on" your face would.

This is not a specific recommendation, but just one result from a quick search on Amazon...

https://smile.amazon.com/YOUKOYI-Magnifying-Metal-Swing-Magnifier/dp/B07F8R4GZ6/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=magnification%2Barm&qid=1635263547&qsid=131-3379554-0670841&sr=8-3&sres=B07RDMGTGW%2CB07F8R4GZ6%2CB088R54FB3%2CB00XNY XQHE%2CB01LMPNANK%2CB00BQDO1TG%2CB07B9DW48Z%2CB085 5LMLWY%2CB07KWBPGF2%2CB007DLVCV0%2CB076Q4N2DP%2CB0 1KVVM6UE%2CB01FXFNH60%2CB095C13X8Q%2CB097B5MGW1%2C B07Q8JRJ82%2CB0977MGCCJ%2CB00WIR5XAK%2CB07G91B4QX% 2CB08LK791B7&srpt=LAMP&th=1

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61EOEHN02uL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

[Jeff Roltgen]

One more variety: safety glasses with a diopter, available through Fastcap, maybe some other brands have done so as well.

jeff

[Rush Paul]

Another +1 for the Optivisor. Available with various magnification optical glass lenses that can be swapped in and out depending on your use.

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https://doneganoptical.com/product/optivisor/

[Robert LaPlaca]

Another vote for the Optivisor, best money I have ever spent. I find I can see better with the visor without my progressives on, YMMV.

[Brian Tymchak]

I have the OptiViisor and a pair of 3 do (1.75x magnification) reading glasses. I find myself reaching for the glasses much more often as I usually just need a quick on/ quick off usage.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

I bought and use this lighted magnifier from Lee Valley. https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/home/lighting/worklights/76037-led-magnifying-bench-lamp?item=17J3030

[Tom M King]

Not being a wearer of eyeglasses, other than always polarized sunglasses in the Sun, any of those things you wear on your head gives me a headache. I do have a couple of Brightech lighted (with LED's) magnifiers. One floor model, and one clamp-on.

https://www.amazon.com/Brightech-LightView-Magnifying-Rectangular-Magnification/dp/B06XGZCMRD/ref=sr_1_16?dchild=1&keywords=Brightech&qid=1635285277&qsid=130-3958307-4341038&sr=8-16&sres=B00WVOV3W2%2CB06VSX13DF%2CB06WCZWNR3%2CB088MH CPKN%2CB07F95S5H3%2CB075FGYWRB%2CB06WVH873X%2CB01K KZRF5C%2CB07MFLM3V5%2CB07XG6Z4VG%2CB0797F2FMX%2CB0 6XGZCMRD%2CB0869LKSQ5%2CB075NS4TSJ%2CB07MS11239%2C B07XC79V8W%2CB074QLWRDQ%2CB07MJ6LX76%2CB019R1A8HW% 2CB06XH9G26R&srpt=LAMP

That one Ken posted from LV looks like a Brightech. Every function of the Brightech's works well.

[Wayne Cannon]

I bought and use this lighted magnifier from Lee Valley. https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/home/lighting/worklights/76037-led-magnifying-bench-lamp?item=17J3030
I like the related bushings. I turned bushings for.mine so I can put it in any dog hole. Great addition.

[Jim Becker]

I bought and use this lighted magnifier from Lee Valley. https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/home/lighting/worklights/76037-led-magnifying-bench-lamp?item=17J3030
That's very similar to the example I linked to above from Amazon and the type I would likely choose.

[Izzy Charo]

Great information...Thanks to all! I will look into the Optivisor and the Lee Valley product.

[Brian Deakin]

A task I find my magnifier useful for is removing splinters

[Michael Schuch]

According to my Google account I have been using these for almost 6 years now. I do really like them. They come with 5 different lenses of different magnifications that can be easily swapped out. The arms that hold them on my head do a good job and don't interfere with my regular eye glasses but the kit also comes with a head band that can replace the arms for a bit more secure fit. I really like having all the different magnifications for different jobs. These do have an LED which I also appreciate. The lenses can be tilted in different positions and also can be moved closer or farther away from your eyes to get the perfect picture of what you are working on.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H8808H6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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[Joe Hendershott]

I have these $20 ones with light and different lenses for different power. Very happy so far. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZCH3SL4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Christopher Charles]

Hi folks,

Good thread. I'm curious for those who use the Optivisor--what magnification (= working distance) do you prefer? Also, is the working distance from the lenses or one's eyes? (Thinking of the 2x but 10" feels like it might be a bit close...). Would like a pair for scroll saw work (close) and possible a second for dovetails, etc. (not as close).

Thanks in advance,
Chris