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Thread: Magnifiers for Fine Work

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
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    Lafayette, CA
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    Magnifiers for Fine Work

    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

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
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    SE Michigan
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    I use the Optivisor. Have several lenses for different magnifications. Works well with glasses.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    San Francisco, CA
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    10,304
    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.
    Last edited by Jamie Buxton; 10-26-2021 at 11:44 AM.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Central Michigan
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    1,508
    Plus one for the Optivisor and they have them with lights...
    Richard Poitras
    Central, Michigan....
    01-02-2006


  5. #5
    Join Date
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    SE PA - Central Bucks County
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    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-Mag...srpt=LAMP&th=1

    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  6. #6
    One more variety: safety glasses with a diopter, available through Fastcap, maybe some other brands have done so as well.

    jeff

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Location
    Huntsville, AL
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    109
    Another +1 for the Optivisor. Available with various magnification optical glass lenses that can be swapped in and out depending on your use.

    OptiVISOR1_Left2_Small.jpg

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

  8. #8
    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.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Columbus, OH
    Posts
    3,063
    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.
    Last edited by Brian Tymchak; 10-26-2021 at 5:14 PM.
    Brian

    "Any intelligent fool can make things bigger or more complicated...it takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." - E.F. Schumacher

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Lewiston, Idaho
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    28,504
    I bought and use this lighted magnifier from Lee Valley. https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop...p?item=17J3030
    Ken

    So much to learn, so little time.....

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Lake Gaston, Henrico, NC
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    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-Lig...G26R&srpt=LAMP

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

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
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    1.5 hrs north of San Francisco, CA
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ken Fitzgerald View Post
    I bought and use this lighted magnifier from Lee Valley. https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop...p?item=17J3030
    I like the related bushings. I turned bushings for.mine so I can put it in any dog hole. Great addition.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
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    SE PA - Central Bucks County
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ken Fitzgerald View Post
    I bought and use this lighted magnifier from Lee Valley. https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop...p?item=17J3030
    That's very similar to the example I linked to above from Amazon and the type I would likely choose.
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Lafayette, CA
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    204
    Great information...Thanks to all! I will look into the Optivisor and the Lee Valley product.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Quorn United Kingdom
    Posts
    773
    A task I find my magnifier useful for is removing splinters

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