Bench mount Magnifying Lens vs Binocular Magnifying Glasses

[RangerJay]

Looking for some advice.

 

Have used a bench mount magnifying lens for about 3 years now - in fact don't turn the scroll saw on without it - but - have always played with adjusting the lens angle and distance from the work - and more importantly noted a level of eye fatigue after a while.  So I am wondering if a set of magnifying glasses/headband would be a better bet.  There seems to be quite a range of prices - and also quite a range magnifying strengths.  I am wondering what others might have used - whether you like it - and what magnifying strength seems to work best.

 

Thanks,

 

 

Jay 

 

[oldhudson]

I have a bench mounted magnifier/light and two different head mounted units - I'm not happy with any of them. My wife would say I'm just a crabby old fart.....?

[jerry1939]

I have a bench mount, but only use it for the light. Not happy with trying to position the lens.

Had a Bausch & Lomb visor that was great, but eventually the lens clouded up. Bought a cheap $17 visor from one of the scroll catalogs. The focal length is shorter, so my nose is closer to the work. Also, the head size adjustment isn't going to last long.

 

I wouldn't consider sawing without a visor.

 

1. Get one with no less than a 12" focal length.

2. Don't waste your money on a cheap one.

3. IF indeed you are a "crabby old fart", I'm afraid I can't help you with that !!!!!

 

jerry

[bandaideman]

I have used the bench light magnifier for years and put up with the adjusting. I guess I finally got old and set in my ways, it is second natureto me now. I did use a visor from work and this was nice to use except for 2 things 1. you look like Bell's father in Beauty and the Beast, 2. The surgeon whose visor i borrowed needed it back after the week end.

[woodduck]

This is the set up I use .I have a long rod connected to my magnifying lens & pivoted to a ceiling joist above the saw so all I have to do is move it aside when required & when i move it back the focus usually remains the same.

[tvman44]

I have both & probably use the bench mounted the most, not in love with either.  If you are a crabby old fart, welcome to my club.

[Scrappile]

I have two bench mount magnifying/light thingys.  one is florescent the other LED.  The LED on cost more than twice the florescent, but I like it much better.  But i still have to fiddle with adjusting it but I am use to that.  The LED on has glass lenses versa plastic which is a big difference.  I have not tried the head piece thing.  

[amazingkevin]

I've tryed lots and getting perscripion high power glasses off the web were cheap and very easy on the eyes ,comfortable to.i like 650 power for coins and detailed fret work,no eye strain .regular scrolling i use 400 power.

[RangerJay]

Thanks lots everyone - sounds like I am in exceptionially  good company - right down to the proud designation of crabby old fart  ......

 

Think I will likely order a headpiece magnifier as well - maybe just to add my voice to the confusion next time someone asks the same question .....

 

That is interesting about the LED light - might be a possibility.

 

Thanks,

 

 

Jay 

[Lucky2]

Up until I had cataract surgery, I didn't need anything to help me see the pattern line. Now, I can't hardly see anything up close, so I don't know what I'm going to use now. Hopefully, I'll get an idea from reading posts like these.

Len