I need a light/magnifying glass

[Whisper]

Howdy! I am looking for one of those lights with the magnifying glass with an arm on it, but I don't know where to get a good one. I've read reviews on some of them on Amazon and they're mixed.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks!

[Scrappile]

I have this one from Harbor Freight https://www.harborfreight.com/fluorescent-magnifying-lamp-60643.html

a good one for the  price. I also have a much more expensive one and it has a few +'s but not enough to justify the extra expense....

[kmmcrafts]

Many claim the Harbor Freight one is a decent one... I bought all mine from Menards.. which is the same price unless you get a 20 - 25% coupon for Harbor Freight.. Harbor Freight ones have a lens cover lid so it might be safer to have in a shop if you're near a window.. I've heard of people almost starting fires, melting their saw with their magnifier lights.. I kinda like the lid idea... but the way it lifts up I feel like it'd be in the way..  

[Scrappile]

My lid came off very quickly after I bought it.  Just like the hold down thingy on scroll saws...

[Whisper]

Thanks! I am near a window, right beside one and it's really big. I didn't even think about starting a fire with it.

[Whisper]

Just now, Scrappile said:

My lid came off very quickly after I bought it.  Just like the hold down thingy on scroll saws...

Yep, I ditched that thing already.

[Sycamore67]

I have an Ottlite that I got at Joann fabrics.  They often have large per cent off coupons.

The glass lens are very good quality with little distortion.  They are a bit more expensive but worth it for me.  Mine came with two lens.

[blondewood]

I bought the HF one as well and love it.

[Whisper]

10 minutes ago, blondewood said:

I bought the HF one as well and love it.

It looks good, I think that's the one I'm going to get.

 

[scrollingforsanity]

I have the Ottlite from Amazon. Seems like it was around $65.00. Very nice light and very well made.

[Rockytime]

I would not get a 5X lens. Too powerful. Someone is gonna say I'm full of beans.

[Sycamore67]

My Ottlite came with a 3x and 5x lens.  I use the 3x most of the time as the 5x is too much.  However, I have used it for some special things especially non scrolling.

Initially, I bought a HF but my eyes were not comfortable with it and got tired after a few minutes.  I do not have that issue with the Ottlite.  But everyone's eyes are different.

[Badgerboy]

I bought this one a couple of weeks ago and really love it.

 Brightech LightView PRO - LED Magnifying Glass Desk Lamp for Close Work - Bright, Lighted Magnifier for Reading, Crafts & Pro Tasks - Light Color Adjustable & Dimmable - 1.75x Magnification
 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MYHYPQ1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Scrolling Steve]

I have the HF one and consider a great light for the price !

[ike]

I bought mind from manards @ the same price as HF and menards is a lot closer fodr me. I have had it ever since they opened up and replacd the bulb once. i am weell satisfied with it,

IKE

[new2woodwrk]

HF for me as well - works great and you can get a coupon/discount for it as well

[munzieb]

I bought mine when I bought my EX16 at Woodcraft. It looks like they have discontinued it at the store and can't find the name anymore. It works well but since the lights are on the sides, I do get some shadow some times. Did not used the mounting clamp (bench too thick) Drilled matching hole and mounted to bench.

[Oscar Myer]

I got mine from Amazon.ca  Paid $95 for it.  It's probably a lot cheaper in the States.

Love the LED light with it's "bright, brighter" feature.  That being said, 100% of the time it is on the brightest level.  I can't say that there is any shadows to deal with.  I've also covered the on/off switch with tape to keep dust from getting in there.

It has a 5x magnifier with a cover and is probably overkill.  But the closer I put it to the work the easier it is on the eyes.  I don't use the magnifier very often but it is there when I need it.

/Oscar

[Whisper]

I've got an led light and magnifying glasses on a headband, they work really well but the nose thing hurts. I'm going to Harbor Freight tomorrow and pick up their lamp/magnifier.

 

[Whisper]

BTW, this is the one hobby that my husband is all for, more power tools! 

[new2woodwrk]

1 hour ago, Whisper said:

BTW, this is the one hobby that my husband is all for, more power tools! 

LMAO - yah, even my wife is getting hooked and doesn't complain when I want to buy a new tool or new supplies

Edited January 14, 2020 by new2woodwrk

[Whisper]

2 minutes ago, new2woodwrk said:

LMAO - yah, even my wife is getting hooked and doesn't complain when I want to buy a new tool or new supplies

When I bought the saw I got him a 3" compact cut off tool. When I bought the sanders he said, oh, it's good to have all these tools. lol

[Roberta Moreton]

I like the lid on mine. Keeps the dust off. Not in the way. Bought at Klingspor’s 

[Whisper]

I just got back from Harbor Fr. with the mag/light. I put it on the table and I really like it. The cap is working ok on it, I'll leave it on for now. Thanks for all the help, everyone!

[OCtoolguy]

On 1/15/2020 at 12:36 PM, Whisper said:

I just got back from Harbor Fr. with the mag/light. I put it on the table and I really like it. The cap is working ok on it, I'll leave it on for now. Thanks for all the help, everyone!

You might want to attach it to something other than what you have your saw mounted on. The vibration will drive you nuts. Make a wall mount or attach it to your work bench. Just not the saw mount.