magnifying light or lens??

[foneman]

What is the preferred magnification for scrolling? There are magnifying lights of several types, magnifying glasses but I already wear glasses, and there are "mageyes lenses that are on a headband" similar to the ones Howardselectronics.com sells. At this time I am not sure which to go with.

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated on what is preferred and economically feasible?

John

[earlinjax]

John,
What I like is a fluorescent magnifying lamp. It lights the area and allows me to see the line better. I too wear glasses and am finding I use the magnifier for nearly every cut. I started only using it for small areas but got so used to it that it has become automatic. It swings out of the way with a nudge to change blades. I like the fluorescent type better than the tungsten bulb because it puts out a lot less heat. I got mine for around $20 some years ago when that traveling cheap tool company came to town.

Earl

[stevebuk]

i use the headband magnifier, which for me is great, but it can make you sweat when its hot weather..

[Minnesota scroller]

I've used the mageyes. I wear reading glasses but don't need to with this. Mine came with 3 different lenses - differerent magnifications. I've actually used it for just one project, which involved extremely fine lettering.

[Max]

I also use a magnifying lamp with a fluorescent bulb. Picked it up at a yard sale for $3. Can't beat it.

[Pop]

I too have the headband with the 3 different flip up/flip down lenses and really like it. It has a set of 'head lights' munted on each side of the lense frame that are more show than useful. I take it from your signature (foneman) you've been working for Dr. Dialtone for a while (I was there for 35 years). I even tried the headband lamps we used to use in the manholes for splicing and nothing beats a good old fashion clamp on lamp you can adjust to light your work properly.

[foneman]

I like the Dr. Dialtone name!!!! 34 years and counting, but really wanting to do more "fun" hobby stuff instead. Right now I am trying to get most of my toys, I mean tools, bought for retirement.

It looks like there is a good following of both the headband magnifier and the lamp model.

Thanks to all of you for your advice!!!

John

[north wood clocks]

If you are nearsighted and need glasses all the time you may not get as much benefit from a magnifyer. If you need reading glasses and are far-sighted it will really improve your enjoyment of this hobby. The fine scrollwork is soooo much easier to see. Mine is a circle 3 x magnifyer with an eight inch "daylight" flouresent bulb. The bulb costs a bit more but is well worth the price. I think the quality of my finnished work improved when I used the magnifier.
Norm
Would like to be at Richland Center scrollsaw trade show, if only a magnifyer could bring that a bit closer.

[Daryl185]

I too use a magnifier with a fluorescent light on all my scrolling work, it really makes it a lot eaiser for my eyes

[Paul S WI]

I use a 22 watt circline bulb which has a 5” 175% magnification with 3 diopter lens. It has a 45” spring balanced extension arm which I attached to a wall behind the scrollsaw so there is no vibration generated from the scrollsaw to the magnifier/light. Came with my Hegner and have had it for about 9 years now with no problems. Works great for me.