Magnifying glass with light desk stand - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: akis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2015, 03:28:55 pm
content: I am looking for a large magnifying glass to help with soldering it has to be large and out of the way of my hands, I need to be able to see a large area through it better than with a smaller glass (those that are typically 2.5-3" across). It will need enough clearance from the desk so that I can work under it and be large enough so I do not have to reposition the work every time. I have looked on Amazon with little success.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2015, 03:35:34 pm
content: I've got one of these that works okhttp://www.maplin.co.uk/p/22w-fluorescent-daylight-magnifier-lamp-a29ff

author: netdudeuk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2015, 06:16:38 pm
content: I've got one of those on my desk but I prefer to use my eBay 10x head magnifier.They're about £5 posted.

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2015, 06:28:14 pm
content: Quote from: netdudeuk on April 24, 2015, 06:16:38 pmThose really work? I must have a head shaped like a potato because those lenses don't line up with my eyes and it's not pleasant. Also I never understood those X ratings, things don't look that much bigger.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2015, 07:54:06 pm
content: I use these all the time, flip in additional lenses, IIRC up to 6x max.Plusses: totally portableNegatives: focal length varies with magnification, no illumination.I'll happily go down to 0603 hand soldering.Quote from: netdudeuk on April 24, 2015, 06:16:38 pm+1Gooseneck 100mm iluminated here, rarely use it.

author: akis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2015, 12:29:06 pm
content: I have got a pair from Amazon and have another two on short list.

author: ivaylo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2015, 07:27:48 am
content: I got one of these about one year ago -http://www.ebay.com/itm/X-Efficient-108-LED-Magnifier-Lamp-BIG-7-x-6-Lens-5-Diopter-/171331940465?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27e42df071A bit on the heavy side, but does the job.

author: bson
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2015, 08:37:42 am
content: Or, you could get a lamp with a magnifying glass.This is what I use...http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047Y0BSG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

author: akis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2015, 08:54:09 am
content: Considering I have bought on IKEA (or B&Q or something) floor standing, upright, 6 ft lamps, all brushed metal with glass and a large metal base, for £10, I am finding it incredible that those desk magnifier lamps on Amazon sell for £40-60 pounds or more. What the heck are they made off? Svarovski crystal or a Leica lens maybe? They are really taking the piss.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2015, 09:28:20 am
content: I use a magnifier lamp as well. It is easy to pull and store. It also serves as an extra desk light when necessary. I have used the head magnifiers as well. They work OK but don't have the extra lamp.

author: Bryan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2015, 11:10:06 am
content: This is what I use, but have to be Canadian to get onehttp://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/desk-lamp-and-magnifier-0520308p.html#.VTzHTZMdrSY

author: mskobier
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2015, 05:08:50 pm
content: I second the headband mount magnifying lenses. The one I have is a bit different in that is has an attachment point for two lenses that can be flipped down as needed, and a set of three LEDs on a small pod that can be positioned for optimal light. I also have a much older version with the same lenses, but the light is incandescent. I normally do not need the lenses with the most magnification, but the two intermediate lenses make working with SMD devices easy to see.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2015, 05:17:49 pm
content: +1 for magnifier visor. They are easy to move up and down and hold well for hours. They vary in quality. I have good experience with this onehttp://amzn.com/B0068OSIIS

author: lowimpedance
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2015, 01:06:45 am
content: +1 for Zapta's suggestion for for the Optivisor brand.I have used a number of the headband magnifiers in various quality and price range but the best for me is still the Optivisor. Has better optics with less image distortions.

author: picitup
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2015, 06:37:04 am
content: I use glasses from the pound shop. A pair of +3.5 glasses is good for semi-close work and for very fine work, I bought 2 pairs of +3.5s, took the lenses out of one pair and hot glued them over the lenses in the other pair, making a +7. The +7 pair is good enough for reading the values off the smallest SMD components.The glasses are great as you're not trying to position yourself between a magnifying glass and the object.The only slight down side is the +7 pair have a very short focal length so you need to make sure that you don't burn your nose with your soldering iron. Hey! Who's saying I have a big nose?Total cost of 3 pairs of +3.5 glasses? £3.00 :-). Bargain.CheersSteve

author: akis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2015, 06:44:43 am
content: Actually I also have bought a pair of very strong glasses for that reason, they are 2.5 IIRC. They do have a short focal length and that is why I was looking for something different.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 29, 2015, 12:49:59 pm
content: I have a desk mounted, incandescent magnifier. What I use most often is my headset magnifier. 2 lenses, one that tilts in and out and it has a loupe for additional magnification if needed. I use it for everything because of my eyes. I do have new glasses with high tech digital progressive lenses. I just picked them up yesterday and am still adjusting to them but maybe I will be able to cut down on the use of the headset.