I put off getting one of these for a long time, but I received it as a gift for Christmas and I have to say it has proved to be a tremendous help in soldering. I wear glasses for working at the computer and for soldering and the addition of a magnified light has made a huge difference for me. I'm getting better joints with less solder. And, I can actually see what I'm doing a lot better!
There are probably cheaper ones out there, but this is what I have:
https://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-Daylight-Heavy-Duty-Magnifier-VS103B/dp/B00UV41UR2/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1517708913&sr=8-13&keywords=magnifier+with+light
I found that the color temperature on the stock bulb was way too cool for me, so I replaced it with this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009F90J7Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The replacement bulb is much better on my eyes!
(of course, I am not shilling for this equipment)
Dude, get out of my head. I bought one of these just a few hours ago!
Granted, I went for a smaller, cheaper one, but same brand:
https://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-Natural-Daylight-Magnifier-Mounting/dp/B00D5WM8EG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517710924&sr=8-1&keywords=full+spectrum+natural+daylight+effect+magnifier+task+lamp
Can swap between the base or clamp mountings, and is 20$ less. Its 19 inches as opposed to 37 inches, but my work space is tiny and cramped, so I figured it would fit the theme.
Looks good, but not available in UK. Any similar UK ones?
Quote from: Philtre on February 04, 2018, 12:02:11 PM
Looks good, but not available in UK. Any similar UK ones?
Search for a magnifier lamp 3x diopter (or some variant of that). They have a lot of different options.
I bought this one Phil it's been excellent.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B000B8JNWM/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1517751602&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=magnifying+lamp&dpPl=1&dpID=31dgBTsNQdL&ref=plSrch
I have actually been using visors like this
Carson Optical Pro Series MagniVisor Deluxe Head-Worn LED Lighted Magnifier with 4 Different Lenses (1.5x, 2x, 2.5x, 3x) (CP-60) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007CDJKM2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_E-XDAb40620MG
Couldn't live without them
Quote from: peAk on February 04, 2018, 02:59:51 PM
I have actually been using visors like this
Carson Optical Pro Series MagniVisor Deluxe Head-Worn LED Lighted Magnifier with 4 Different Lenses (1.5x, 2x, 2.5x, 3x) (CP-60) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007CDJKM2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_E-XDAb40620MG
Couldn't live without them
Ah, then perhaps I should get this:
(https://i.pinimg.com/474x/83/f4/e0/83f4e03af5c55e4eb9667e38569a6522--james-hong-james-darcy.jpg)
Another good, albeit pricier option is a stereo zoom microscope. I have one like this:
(https://i.pinimg.com/736x/54/7a/a3/547aa3aeef44e565fd81012a8763825b--stereo-microscope-small-businesses.jpg)
Some folks (like me) prefer working under a microscope, especially for really small parts. Other folks prefer a diopter lens like Brian posted as it's can be a bit easier to use with your standard work process.
I use a visor.
Quote from: madbean on February 04, 2018, 01:52:34 AM
I put off getting one of these for a long time, but I received it as a gift for Christmas and I have to say it has proved to be a tremendous help in soldering. I wear glasses for working at the computer and for soldering and the addition of a magnified light has made a huge difference for me. I'm getting better joints with less solder. And, I can actually see what I'm doing a lot better!
There are probably cheaper ones out there, but this is what I have:
https://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-Daylight-Heavy-Duty-Magnifier-VS103B/dp/B00UV41UR2/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1517708913&sr=8-13&keywords=magnifier+with+light
I found that the color temperature on the stock bulb was way too cool for me, so I replaced it with this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009F90J7Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The replacement bulb is much better on my eyes!
(of course, I am not shilling for this equipment)
The round light has got to help a lot
Quote from: madbean on February 04, 2018, 01:52:34 AM
I put off getting one of these for a long time, but I received it as a gift for Christmas and I have to say it has proved to be a tremendous help in soldering. I wear glasses for working at the computer and for soldering and the addition of a magnified light has made a huge difference for me. I'm getting better joints with less solder. And, I can actually see what I'm doing a lot better!
There are probably cheaper ones out there, but this is what I have:
https://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-Daylight-Heavy-Duty-Magnifier-VS103B/dp/B00UV41UR2/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1517708913&sr=8-13&keywords=magnifier+with+light
I found that the color temperature on the stock bulb was way too cool for me, so I replaced it with this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009F90J7Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The replacement bulb is much better on my eyes!
(of course, I am not shilling for this equipment)
and then there are the leprechan potties:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q50LF08/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00Q50LF08&pd_rd_wg=aAu5f&pd_rd_r=E72E8KSCJK78DJ19983D&pd_rd_w=nWV2L
I tried the light and magnifier fixture (years ago) and was pretty disappointed. Like others have already mentioned, i use a flip down visor over my glasses and totally sold. Pop it on your head and it's wherever you are ready for action, not tied down to one spot in the ability to see clearly, never in the way of your hands or taking up bench space. They are great!
dave
Quote from: davent on February 17, 2018, 09:23:28 PM
I tried the light and magnifier fixture (years ago) and was pretty disappointed. Like others have already mentioned, i use a flip down visor over my glasses and totally sold. Pop it on your head and it's wherever you are ready for action, not tied down to one spot in the ability to see clearly, never in the way of your hands or taking up bench space. They are great!
dave
Which model do you use?
I bought mine years ago from Lee Valley Tools, looks to be the same one still available. I don't have the light for mine. Visor swings up out of the way when you don't need the magnification. Similar are available from all kinds of different places.
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=52368&cat=1,43456,43351,52368
dave
One more benefit I thought of - if you don't have fume extraction the glass serves as a pretty good buffer between your face and solder fumes.
It also cones in handy when you explode caps.
Quote from: madbean on February 04, 2018, 01:52:34 AM
I put off getting one of these for a long time, but I received it as a gift for Christmas and I have to say it has proved to be a tremendous help in soldering. I wear glasses for working at the computer and for soldering and the addition of a magnified light has made a huge difference for me. I'm getting better joints with less solder. And, I can actually see what I'm doing a lot better!
There are probably cheaper ones out there, but this is what I have:
https://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-Daylight-Heavy-Duty-Magnifier-VS103B/dp/B00UV41UR2/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1517708913&sr=8-13&keywords=magnifier+with+light
I found that the color temperature on the stock bulb was way too cool for me, so I replaced it with this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009F90J7Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The replacement bulb is much better on my eyes!
(of course, I am not shilling for this equipment)
You should add is as an amazon affiliate link though [emoji4]. I wouldn't be offended.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
I use these, they are great
Carson Optical Pro Series MagniVisor Deluxe Head-Worn LED Lighted Magnifier with 4 Different Lenses (1.5x, 2x, 2.5x, 3x) (CP-60) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007CDJKM2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.fTNCb28S5G8Z
I'm surprised. I thought everyone had one. I got one after my second build. Impressive, that Bean has done so much without one!
I've got a magnifying lense on a gooseneck stand, but to be honest, I only use it for doublechecking fine SMD work.
Quote from: alanp on March 30, 2019, 03:56:29 AM
I've got a magnifying lense on a gooseneck stand, but to be honest, I only use it for doublechecking fine SMD work.
Unfortunately, my eyes arent what they used to be and I find myself using magnification for just about all PCB work.
Quote from: madbean on February 18, 2018, 01:10:11 AM
One more benefit I thought of - if you don't have fume extraction the glass serves as a pretty good buffer between your face and solder fumes.
This! Only thing I don't like is fogging the glass up with my breath.