old eyes and articulating arm magnifier options

[oley55]

Recent forays into processing 9mm brass and case head inspection has got me thinking I need to face the facts; "I'm partially blind in one eye and can hardly see out of the other!"

So I am searching for one of those lighted articulating arm magnifiers, but carousing on line I am having difficulty finding one with arm lengths that will serve my needs. They seem to be either 12-14" or 36+" (or there about). I have a cabinet located 29" above my bench and would like a magnifier that attaches to the bench but fits/stows under that cabinet, so the base to top of first swivel needs to be no more than 29". The short desk mount types don't seem like they will have the reach I'd like without having to reposition it.

Suggestions from other "near vision challenged" oldsters will be appreciated.

[shell70634]

Mine has a post on a swivel on the base that I just drop in a hole drilled into bench. I've a couple holes in convenient locations. I've had it for 30 years or so. Doubt if they still make it.

[Conditor22]

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=5+diopter+magnifying+lamp&hvadid=78683936471054&hvbmt=bb&hvdev=c&hvqmt=b&tag=mh0b-20&ref=pd_sl_2ie6psfdip_b

[oley55]

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=5+diopter+magnifying+lamp&hvadid=78683936471054&hvbmt=bb&hvdev=c&hvqmt=b&tag=mh0b-20&ref=pd_sl_2ie6psfdip_b

yea. I've been there many times trying to finger it out. Bugs me that many of them only provide measurements in cm's and they rarely provide individual arm lengths. I think I may have zeroed in on one. Not super cheap but not too, too expensive. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WWP4VKB/?coliid=IXJCXSRYXJDFO&colid=1AYNL0RG0CPK8&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it I like it because the controls are on the lamp head versus near the end the of the power cord. On the other hand I have been trying to move away from Amazon. But affordable options elsewhere are limited.

[oley55]

Mine has a post on a swivel on the base that I just drop in a hole drilled into bench. I've a couple holes in convenient locations. I've had it for 30 years or so. Doubt if they still make it.

good idea on the multiple "hole mounting points".

[Conditor22]

yea. I've been there many times trying to finger it out. Bugs me that many of them only provide measurements in cm's and they rarely provide individual arm lengths. I think I may have zeroed in on one. Not super cheap but not too, too expensive. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WWP4VKB/?coliid=IXJCXSRYXJDFO&colid=1AYNL0RG0CPK8&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it I like it because the controls are on the lamp head versus near the end the of the power cord. On the other hand I have been trying to move away from Amazon. But affordable options elsewhere are limited.

Looks like a newer version of the one I have on my bench :)

same thing ---$10 cheaper ($19 cheaper with coupon)
https://www.amazon.com/Bemelux-Magnifying-Swivel-Dimming-Bright/dp/B08DTNZPWS/ref=sr_1_13?dchild=1&hvadid=78683936471054&hvbmt=bb&hvdev=c&hvqmt=b&keywords=5+diopter+magnifying+lamp&qid=1612464395&sr=8-13&tag=mh0b-20

same price bigger lens
https://www.amazon.com/SMD-Desk-Clamp-Magnifier-Lamp/dp/B003R9UBD2/ref=sr_1_16?dchild=1&hvadid=78683936471054&hvbmt=bb&hvdev=c&hvqmt=b&keywords=5+diopter+magnifying+lamp&qid=1612464395&sr=8-16&tag=mh0b-20

$54.99 dimable
https://www.amazon.com/Magnifying-PHIVE-Magnifier-Adjustable-Workbench/dp/B07MYXSW5V/ref=sr_1_50?dchild=1&hvadid=78683936471054&hvbmt=bb&hvdev=c&hvqmt=b&keywords=5+diopter+magnifying+lamp&qid=1612464395&sr=8-50&tag=mh0b-20

[Vegas Vince]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]276935[/ATTA

May not need this but I will post it may help someone!

This is a spy camera from amazon & 32 in.tv / monitor from wal mart. Cost under $170.00.
enhancedvision.com but very pricey?

[Conditor22]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]276935[/ATTA

May not need this but I will post it may help someone!

This is a spy camera from amazon & 32 in.tv / monitor from wal mart. Cost under $170.00.
enhancedvision.com but very pricey?

I use a cheap borescope and an old tablet

some people use similar setups on their balance beam scales

[cwtebay]

I realize this isn't what you asked for, but I replaced my mag light mounted on my bench with this, and I have another pair in my shop. I've given a dozen or more of them for gifts also - almost everyone agrees that this is far superior because they magnify what you're actually looking at, the light is bright, the lens flips up when you're not using it, they're comfortable, and it comes with several different lens' for different applications. I believe they're around $20.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210204/aeb7dfdfd1db2880b65efee11d88a30e.jpg

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[Conditor22]

LINK???????? please

[cwtebay]

I fibbed, they're $15.95https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210204/d7d3ced9bb6984166b651282c7ab3696.jpg

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[MrWolf]

I cannot find then out of all the ones listed. Do you have a link or product number? There are a lot of them.

[Conditor22]

Thank you cwtebay

https://www.amazon.com/Magnifying-Hands-Free-Interchangeable-Replaceable-Lenses1-0X/dp/B0752B9YGV/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=BRAND+NZQXJZX+Headband+Magnifier+GlassES+ LED+Magnifying+LOUPE+HEAD+MOUNT+MAGNIFIER+HANDS-FREE+BRACKET&qid=1612484561&sr=8-12

[cwtebay]

I cannot find then out of all the ones listed. Do you have a link or product number? There are a lot of them.Search : "headband magnifier glasses" on Amazon. It's fairly recognizable from my photos and screenshot.

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[high standard 40]

My regular reading glasses are +3 and are often not enough. The solution I settled on was a pair of +5 reading glasses. I got mine on Amazon. I like it far better than the articulated arm magnifier that I have.

[Handloader109]

Grizzly tools sells a similar one with a hard band. I've got one and use it all the time. Works well. Light is ok, but not the best

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[MrWolf]

Search : "headband magnifier glasses" on Amazon. It's fairly recognizable from my photos and screenshot.

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I did and even typed the manufacturer and tried putting in the price between $15 and $16. Nothing. I used the link provided. Thanks

[pastera]

I have one of these
https://www.amazon.com/Carson-MagniVisor-Head-Worn-Magnifier-CP-60/dp/B007CDJKM2

Works great but not very comfortable - I am looking at the pair suggested by @cwtebay as a replacement

[imashooter2]

I use the Donegan visor and added the Optiloop. Industry standard for many years. Glass lenses last and resist scratching. I know this board is renowned for frugality, but buy once, cry once...

[abunaitoo]

I have one.
Cheap one that I had to do lots of mods on, just to get it to work right.
Buy a good one.
Stay away from chinese junk....if possible.

[DHDeal]

yea. I've been there many times trying to finger it out. Bugs me that many of them only provide measurements in cm's and they rarely provide individual arm lengths. I think I may have zeroed in on one. Not super cheap but not too, too expensive. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WWP4VKB/?coliid=IXJCXSRYXJDFO&colid=1AYNL0RG0CPK8&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it I like it because the controls are on the lamp head versus near the end the of the power cord. On the other hand I have been trying to move away from Amazon. But affordable options elsewhere are limited.

I don't remember which one I got from Amazon a few years back, but it has long arms. I will use it many times in the day when I want to really see something. The articulating arms also help when I just want to use it for the light. I ended up screwing the swivel base to the side of my bench kinda in the middle of my normal work range.

After getting it, I won't be without one again.

[Mr_Sheesh]

Another head-mounted magnifier option (https://www.harborfreight.com/magnifier-head-strap-with-lights-38896.html) $6ish

I've been using those for soldering surface mount parts and any inspection of finished boards or anything else that I need, for ages.

A USB camera is a good option too; See if the local Goodwill has a "Red Tag" (or whatever color!) day where they get rid of TVs or displays that didn't sell, the last ~30" TV I got for inspection was about $5 or so.

[Norcal707]

I fibbed, they're $15.95https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210204/d7d3ced9bb6984166b651282c7ab3696.jpg

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Thanks for posting up about this Magnifier! Mine arrived yesterday and it is so much better to use than my OptiVisor with OptiLoope.

[Duckiller]

Years ago I took a fly tying class. Instructors talked about using a magnifying head band. At the time I couldn't understand why they would want such a thing. I could see 6/0 thread as I wound it on a hook. Now I have trouble seeing the hook. They used a head band from Harbor Tool and Freight. They are cheap and work reasonably. Bright lights take care of illumination.

[DougGuy]

headbands are a pitb. I use Carson Flip Clip magnifiers that clip onto glasses, they are lightweight, CHEAP, and work great! I use them in front of some shaded dark safety glasses for torch cutting, I use them for all up close work, I buy several of them and place them strategically at my most often used workspaces, in my vehicles, you can see without them, you just can't READ.

Look on ebay for Carson OD-10 this is a 1.5 power (2.25 diopter) The OD-12 is a 1.75 power, 3.0 diopter I think, I rarely need this one but if I am reading tiny electronic parts like diodes and capzapitors, they are a MUST.

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