LED Magnifying Glass

[GregLaROCHE]

I’m getting ready to buy a big magnifying glass, the type that mounts on an arm with a big lens in the middle of a circle of bright LEDs. When looking at different models, I see that the are mostly available in two, what are called diopters. 3 and 5. It seems they are more or less the same as 3 and 5 power. Which would be best for working on gun parts such as triggers and locks? The 3 or 5 power?
Thanks

[imashooter2]

I find low magnification more generally useful and prefer a visor to the mounted magnifiers.

[762 shooter]

Visor here also

BugIn

[DonHowe]

Not suggesting you are but don't confuse diopter with Xs. 3 diopter = 1 3/4X and 5 diopter = 2.25X.

[CraigOK]

Not suggesting you are but don't confuse diopter with Xs. 3 diopter = 1 3/4X and 5 diopter = 2.25X.

I just learned something, thanks

[Remiel]

I just learned something, thanks

Same here, been debating one of these myself.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[GregLaROCHE]

Not suggesting you are but don't confuse diopter with Xs. 3 diopter = 1 3/4X and 5 diopter = 2.25X.

Thanks for explaining that. What I had read made it seem like diopter equated the same as power. If a 3 diopter is only 1 3/4X, I think I will go for the 5 diopter 2.25X.

[beezapilot]

I'm a skinflint, penny pincher and all that. I've picked up several of the arm mounted magnifiers over the years and have then scattered around the shop. I have one mounted between my milling machine and lathe for inspection and to help with reading micrometers. I have one on loading bench for inspection. One in the woodshop for inspection. The catch for me is that no matter the magnification, I have to "focus" the item by adjusting the distance of item to glass and my eye to glass- so the degree of enlargement is really relative. BUT when it comes to checkering, fine / close work- it's visors. I have a couple low-magnification and one with multiple lenses that I can change magnification.

[GregLaROCHE]

I have a visor that was given to me from the estate of someone who passed. I just have to go and pick it up. Somehow it’s taking longer than it should. I plan on using both. The magnifying glass type also serve as a good intestine light source. Sometimes that’s more important than magnification.

[waksupi]

I use a visor. I found the arm mounted magnifiers to be in the way too many times.

[John Wayne]

I have a visor that was given to me from the estate of someone who passed. I just have to go and pick it up. Somehow it’s taking longer than it should. I plan on using both. The magnifying glass type also serve as a good intestine light source. Sometimes that’s more important than magnification.

I have both and like them but did not know they could be used for intestines?

[GregLaROCHE]

I have both and like them but did not know they could be used for intestines?

That’s why I usually hate auto correct!

[hc18flyer]

that’s why i usually hate auto correct!

ditto!

[rboeser]

My vote is both. I have an arm mount led 5x at my bench a nd have several visors in different magnifications to usr for really small work such as deep bores or really fine threads on the lathe.

[Mr_Sheesh]

I have both, use the glass for quick looks at things (from electronics to reloading) and the visors for higher magnification looks at things. The glass helps with doing larger surface mount work, but some of it gets so tiny that you need the visor!

[Mal Paso]

I have an old school Luxo 5 inch magnifier with a circular florescent tube that I got on ebay for $50 shipped. The gal who sold it called it "vintage". It has a glass lens. It is anchored between the reloading bench and bullet sorting bench. I use it for everything from bullet sorting to soldering.

[uscra112]

I find low magnification more generally useful and prefer a visor to the mounted magnifiers.

Ditto. I bought one of those arm-mounted things a few years ago. Hated it from the beginning. Clumsy.

[BigGee]

Guys, I'm currently using a Harbor Freight magnifying lamp.
https://www.harborfreight.com/deskto...amp-60642.html
3-5/16 in. viewing lens with 2x magnification, 7/8 in. spot lens with 4.25x magnification.

I'm looking for something with higher magnification which provides illumination.
If you are using something that you're happy with, could you post a link ?

[Jsm180]

I bought this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I used it last night sorting brass sitting in the recliner, not the most comfortable but does the job.

[Tatume]

Diopter is the unit of measurement of a magnifying lens. It is the reciprocal of the focal length in meters. A 3 diopter lens is in focus at 1/3 (0.33) meter, a 5 diopter focuses at 1/5 (0.2) meter. High optical power comes with short focal length, and optical power relates directly to diopter.