Have recently set up a small work bench with scope, signal generator and
various other test equipment. The only magnifier I have is a glass I
cannibalized from a broken "helping hands". The glass is mounted to one
of those small snake lamps with the lamp removed. However, I find this
more inconvenient than convenient because it takes up space I need for
working.

What would you recommend for glasses that's cheap, has a built in light
and maybe has variable magnification and mag is such that I can view a
circuit board without bending down over the device? I suppose a flip up
or away magnifier might be useful too.

Thanks in advance.

On Wed, 12 May 2021 08:40:48 -0400, Erik W wrote:

Have recently set up a small work bench with scope, signal generator and
various other test equipment. The only magnifier I have is a glass I
cannibalized from a broken "helping hands". The glass is mounted to one
of those small snake lamps with the lamp removed. However, I find this
more inconvenient than convenient because it takes up space I need for
working.
What would you recommend for glasses that's cheap, has a built in light
and maybe has variable magnification and mag is such that I can view a
circuit board without bending down over the device? I suppose a flip up
or away magnifier might be useful too.
Thanks in advance.


This sort of thing ?

https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop...r?item=99W9732

Not sure how far they focus - might be for close-up only ..

John T.

On 05/12/2021 06:40 AM, Erik W wrote:
Have recently set up a small work bench with scope, signal generator and
various other test equipment. The only magnifier I have is a glass I
cannibalized from a broken "helping hands". The glass is mounted to one
of those small snake lamps with the lamp removed. However, I find this
more inconvenient than convenient because it takes up space I need for
working.

What would you recommend for glasses that's cheap, has a built in light
and maybe has variable magnification and mag is such that I can view a
circuit board without bending down over the device? I suppose a flip up
or away magnifier might be useful too.

Thanks in advance.

https://www.amazon.com/YOCTOSUN-Magn...dp/B01H8808H6/

I've got something like this. Mine in the best Chinese tradition doesn't
have a brand name and is slightly different.

It works but there are a couple of negatives. The LED is bright and can
be adjusted to illuminate the work but the required batteries add to the
weight and make the unit uncomfortable for extended wear.

The interchangeable lenses have little or no distortion but they also
have a limited focal length. The higher magnifications means you've got
to get pretty close to the work to focus.

I've used the bench mounted Luxo type and they're a lot better for
extended periods of work. They're asl in the $200 range although cheaper
brands are available.

On Wed, 12 May 2021 08:27:34 -0600, rbowman
wrote:

On 05/12/2021 06:40 AM, Erik W wrote:
Have recently set up a small work bench with scope, signal generator and
various other test equipment. The only magnifier I have is a glass I
cannibalized from a broken "helping hands". The glass is mounted to one
of those small snake lamps with the lamp removed. However, I find this
more inconvenient than convenient because it takes up space I need for
working.

What would you recommend for glasses that's cheap, has a built in light
and maybe has variable magnification and mag is such that I can view a
circuit board without bending down over the device? I suppose a flip up
or away magnifier might be useful too.

Thanks in advance.

https://www.amazon.com/YOCTOSUN-Magn...dp/B01H8808H6/

I've got something like this. Mine in the best Chinese tradition doesn't
have a brand name and is slightly different.

It works but there are a couple of negatives. The LED is bright and can
be adjusted to illuminate the work but the required batteries add to the
weight and make the unit uncomfortable for extended wear.

The interchangeable lenses have little or no distortion but they also
have a limited focal length. The higher magnifications means you've got
to get pretty close to the work to focus.

I've used the bench mounted Luxo type and they're a lot better for
extended periods of work. They're asl in the $200 range although cheaper
brands are available.


If OP finds a suitable headband magnifier that doesn't have
a built-in light - there are little hard-had ball cap
lights that could be made to work.
John T.

In article ,
says...


This sort of thing ?

https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop...r?item=99W9732

Not sure how far they focus - might be for close-up only ..



Those are for very close work.
Only a few inches.

What may be more suitable is some of the surgical and dental glasses.
They are the ones that have a focal length of over 1 to 2 feet.

I have not tried those but did try some of the other close in glasses.
They are useless for soldering unless you have a heat proof nose.

https://www.denshinedental.com/produ...cal-binocular-
loupes-180242?variant=37892775313598
&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=g oogle&utm_content=sag_
organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_campaign=gs-2020-04-20
&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gclid =CjwKCAjw-
e2EBhAhEiwAJI5jgw3g8QJcpR1RNAxatF9wRn_mh8ARoWbNWC4 6rDzd4BMMkHT47JmXLRoCY
OwQAvD_BwE




I bit the bullet and bought an Amscope se400. It comes with 10 x and 20
x lenses. Not glasses, but a stereo mcroscope. They usually cost
around $ 225. The company makes many different ones, but for just my
hobby use the se400 is very good.


https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-SE400...al-Microscope-
Magnification/dp/B005C75IVM

On Wed, 12 May 2021 08:27:34 -0600, lowbrowwoman, the endlessly driveling,
troll-feeding, senile idiot, blabbered again:


I've used the bench mounted Luxo type and they're a lot better for
extended periods of work.

What you need is some battery powered device to assist your extended periods
of blabbering, senile blabbermouth.

On 05/12/2021 08:35 AM, wrote:
If OP finds a suitable headband magnifier that doesn't have
a built-in light - there are little hard-had ball cap
lights that could be made to work.

Good idea. I've got a Petzl Tikkina that would work well and the
headband would be more comfortable than supporting the batteries and
light assembly on the bridge of your nose.