Improved Lighting & Magnification Options?

[W-Machine]

I concur with my esteemed colleagues as to the quality of the Optivisor.

[southpier]

Monty - i have an extra #4 Optivisor you can have for postage.

[sjordan2]

So, seeing that this thread is 3 years old, what did you settle on, Monty? Are you happy with it?

[Ognib]

_{I've got a set o bifocalf bench eyeglasses, from my eye doc, that pulls stuff in a bit, and a set of clip on, flip up/flip down 2x magnification lenses as well for fine detail work.}

[southpier]

I have (2) basically new Optivisors free for postage reimbursement if anyone wants them. a #4 & #10. complete units, not just the lens. first PM gets them.

[JunkPile]

Someone better PM Joe soon.

[southpier]

these have been claimed.

[Speedfreak]

The single biggest issue since I started modeling again has been my ability to see things well. To that end I was wondering what other people have found to be effective as far as lighting goes. I use a drawing table to work on so a light that I can attach and remove and also position over my work is what I'm looking for. Right now I'm using a hodgepodge of stuff for lighting. Any and all suggestions/ideas are welcome!

Here's a pic of my table:

[Gregg]

The best one I have found is from Office Depot

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/420036/Realspace-Clamp-On-Magnifier-Task-Lamp/

I bought two already

I usually end up drilling a ½" hole in the desk, to give it a more sturdy mount than the stock clamp.
The clamp works, it's just that I have broken one before.

I got mine on sale, it was like $30 in store.

[Harry P.]

I use a magnifier LED lamp. Best lamp I've ever had. Bright "daylight" light, not the warm yellow of incandescent light or the cold blue of flourescent. And because it's LED, no heat. Zero. And very long bulb life. You won't be sorry...

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/420036/Realspace-Clamp-On-Magnifier-Task-Lamp/

Edit: Looks like great minds think alike. Gregg and I agree.

[64SS350]

Hobby Lobby(40% coupon), has a nice magnifier on weighted wheel stand, also I love my 4' small tube fluorescent light, much brighter than a standard size bulb.

[Speedfreak]

Thanks you guys, looks like I'll be headed for Office Depot soon! That looks like just what I had in mind.

[Greg Myers]

I suggest Ottlite https://www.google.com/search?q=ottlite&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=OY_JUuHSOsLYoAS60IGIDg&sqi=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1194&bih=746 found at many craft / sewing stores. I have several, they're great. http://www.bead-media.com/ottlight.html . This one is my favorite

[DrKerry]

Looking for ideas and help from all of the builders out there. I'm looking for a portable,rechargable,magnified light. What are your thoughts, I'd like to find one on the cheap if possible. I've heard of OTT Lights but they are a bit pricey for me.

Thanks for any and all ideas!!

[Tony T]

I use a plug-in OTT light on my work bench. Has been great and have used it for at least a couple of years with no issues. Good light right on the bench. I'd buy another without hesitation. Mine us just the light, no magnifier on it.

[DrKerry]

I'd like a magnified light, my eyes aren't getting any better. I also want it so I can take it to build events at other locations....... I know the OTT lights are pretty good lights.

Edited January 19, 2014 by DrKerry

[vypurr59]

You may want to consider getting an Optivisor. Has a light built in, and magnification lenses. I don't know of any magnifying lamps without a cord.

http://www.micromark.com/SearchResult.aspx?deptIdFilter=0&searchPhrase=visor

the link above takes you to Micro Mark, but these can be purchased in other places as well as craft stores. Just a reference of what I am talking about.

I found an OTT Light at a craft store for $29, because it had the flourescent bulb, instead of the new LED equipped models that are now out also, but has no magnifier.

Harbor Freight also sells a magnifier that has some alligator clips on it that uses aaa batteries to supply an LED light. The clamps could hold things when painting or gluing as well. http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=helping+hand

Hope this helps.

Edited January 20, 2014 by vypurr59

[HondaRacer1124]

Hello all,

Saw one at a train show, no name brand. Looked on Grainger, prices range $60- $350. Cannot tell what the quality difference is. Maybe there is none nowadays. Fellow modelers have told me that LED ones burn up. Florescent would be good as that is the light we show and compete under. I would say $100 range is fine. Also they rate by dipolar, read the Wiki, still not sure how that affects it, if any for our use.

Any brands, links, pics you could provide would be a help.

Thanks

[aurfalien]

Hi,

Curious, for fine paint work etc... do you prefer a lighted magnifying lamp that clamps to a desk or the lighted head band type that jewelers use?

Thanks in advance.

[GeeBee]

10 x Magnifier lamps, I've been using one for the last few years, not sure what I would do without it

[aurfalien]

Hi GeeBee,

What kind do you have? The desk clamp on swivel type?

[Exotics_Builder]

It varies. I use a headset magnifier with LED lights for very detail work. For general work, I use over the counter reader glasses in 3.0 magnification to do general detail. Just don't look up when wearing these things and look at anything a few feet away

[Pete J.]

I have both and I finally threw the desk clamp style away. I kept banging into it with the handles of tool at the most inopportune moments. Paint brushes are the worst. Optivisor has its share of problems, but I have adapted. For lighting I use their LED light. It is very bright and works well.

[Quick GMC]

I have one, magnifying lamp, but I can't use it. I do a lot better without it for some reason, I can seem to focus and I lose hand/eye coordination. Maybe when my vision starts to decline later in life it will help, but right now it's more of a nuisance for me.

[my80malibu]

The plastic headband on the headsets, seems to irritate after awhile,and become a PIA/forehead.