illuminated magnifier for soldering - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Hot Stuff
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 10:11:21 am
content: In EEVblog #180 - Soldering Tutorial Part 1 - Tools, Dave shows us an illuminated magnifier for soldering (see attached snapshot of this magnifier). I have not been able to find the manufacture or retailer that sells this same magnifier. If you know where I can find this magnifier please email me. Thanks to Dave for a great blog on Soldering!!!!

author: David Aurora
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 10:48:58 am
content: I know Jaycar sell them, I bought one there ages ago

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 12:43:01 pm
content: I couldn't live without my old-school Luxo magnifying lamps...I got mine at the Tektronix surplus store for a few bucks. The pegs at the bottom are bent (which is probably why they got rid of them), but I'm not proud.

author: RobertHolcombe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 01:58:05 pm
content: http://www.mektronics.com.au/daylight-clip-on-stand-up-led-flexilens-light-black.html#.U2T13ijK2No

author: paul23
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 05:32:13 pm
content: Quote from: Richard Crowley on May 03, 2014, 12:43:01 pmI use the same. The only issue for me is if i knock it makes me feel sick. You'd have to use one to know what I mean.

author: geo_leeman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 07:52:57 pm
content: I've heard stories to make sure you have the magnifier on those covered when not in use if sunlight could get to it through a window.... sounds reasonable.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 08:20:41 pm
content: Another newbie too scared to put his country in his profile so he can get a "LOCAL to him" recommendation. The one in the OP is battery powered and available from Jaycar.I prefer a "mobile" gooseneck style so one can put it away when not needed. Mine has a flip lid over lens to keep dust off and an additional small lens in the main lens for extra magnification. For the real tiny stuff you can wear your headset too.

author: benjamin545
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 08:21:44 pm
content: http://www.aventools.com/avens-complete-product-line/microscopy-and-inspection/magnifying-lamps-and-accessories/mighty-vue-magnifying-lamps/mighty-vue-magnifying-lamp-led-5d-esd-safe#.U2VP_tiVtmQthat one i want to get. kinda pricy though.

author: SArepairman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 08:30:04 pm
content: I keep a bag over my luxo for the same purpose. I am worried that it will burn my house down, and also dust.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2014, 01:19:14 am
content: Quote from: benjamin545 on May 03, 2014, 08:21:44 pmIf you want it with an Aven label on it, you can get onehere($165.25, free shipping).If you don't care about the label, it's even cheaperhere($139.90, incl. shipping).Aven just rebrands everything, as they don't manufacture squat. No sense to needlessly pay additional markup IMHO.

author: benjamin545
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2014, 03:49:50 am
content: yes. there are cheaper ways to get it. kinda. the aven branded link you provided is for the 3 diopter version. and if you want the black finish its $188. the unbranded one is 5 diopter, but it is white, not black. now, if i could find a black 5 diopter led 7x6 magnifying glass for $120ish then that would be the... goats notes? or whatever British/Australian phrase for something awesome.

author: benjamin545
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2014, 04:13:56 am
content: actually, somehow right after posting , i found exactly what i was looking for, somehow for the exact price i was looking for, so i bought one myself.http://www.ebay.com/itm/360906451308$120 shipped. the only thing that looks odd about it is it doesn't have that black box on the bottom articulating arm, im not sure what its for but some versions of this product show it there, some dont. would like to know what its for.also, if anyone know how much of a difference 3 diopter(1.75x) vs 5 diopter (2.25x) magnification makes, id like to know, is 3 diopter hardly feel like much magnification at all? does 5 diopter feel like too much magnification?ill give a bit of a review once i get it to say if its any good. for the price it is, id say as long as its not a total piece of crap its probably worth what it costs.

author: Kappes Buur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2014, 07:49:48 am
content: Personally I dislike these types of magnifiers, because of the single lens which is too small and prone to reflections.What I use are Optivisors, which are available with different diopters.http://www.amazon.ca/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=optivisor&tag=googcana-20&index=aps&hvadid=35760767146&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6986611566591082652&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_1k1nsd3xwg_e

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2014, 11:14:26 am
content: QuoteMaybe. I have an Aven task light. It's the clamp on type with a 55 watt tube but has no magnifier. I've never seen it sold anywhere under any other name but Aven. It's built like a tank, but I think it's been discontinued. I use a pair of 3.5 diopter reading glasses and with the light from the 55 watt Aven, I'm good to solder just about anything. I have a stereo microscope for the times when that's not enough.