jk wrote:
I have 8 (maybe ten if I can find the other 2), 5" magnifying lenses.
....
So, I'm looking for design
ideas that use the lenses.


The kids table/desk idea sounds interesting, and using a slot cutter
inside a hole cut with a router circle jig wouldn't be difficult.
However, if they were set down into the table, it seems like gunk/dust
would build up in the recesses, and if they were raised above the
surface, it seems like they'd scratch easily.
Or you could make dedicated magnifying toys - something that's sort of
like this, with a lens set in the top:
___
|
| x
-----
Stuff could be set where the "x" is, the upright would be equal to the
focal length. Or the bottom could be horseshoe shape, so it could be
used on top of a larger surface.
My only other ideas are in a clock or lamp or something that's
primarily decorative. Maybe you could make a "lighthouse" lamp with
your lenses to let the light out. Of course, if you live in Nebraska
or something, a lighthouse might not exactly fit in to popular
decorating schemes.
I'm curious to hear other ideas also.
Andy