magnifying lamp

[savethebeer]

Question to those who started using a magnifying lamp after being a scroller for some time, cause I'm thinking I'll have to go that road before too long and I know lots of the villagers swear by their lamps. My problem is that the amount of lamps available on line is very confusing as well as not being able to sit at a desk and road test different types;

• Has anyone been able to replace prescription glasses by a magnifying lamp or had problems using their glasses and the lamp at the same time?
• Has anyone had issues using one type of lens (round or rectangular) that was solved by changing to the other shape of lens.

Thanks 

Bob 

 

[Dan]

Bob, I've been using one for 15 years and love it. I have to wear reading glasses to just to look at my watch, but when scrolling no glasses are needed. In fact, if I wear my glasses the magnifier is in a position that causes me to get nauseous. Mine uses a round fluorescent lamp but I would get an LED if the bulb ever goes out. I've had the same bulb for 15 years.

[nrscroller]

HO Bob

I have been using one for years. I currently have the OTT light brand magnifier lamp and I like it a lot. I got mine at Joanne's Fabrics if you have one near you.

Bill in Wisconsin.

 

[kmmcrafts]

I got my first one from Menards about 12 years ago.. Liked it enough to buy two more for the other saws I had because I got tired of moving it from saw to saw. I broke the bulb in one of them when I got my first Hawk scroll saw as the upper arm is spring loaded and I wasn't used to that arm popping up when a blade breaks.. I replaced the circle florescent bulb for a LED one.. I like both the LED and the standard florescent depending on what I'm doing.. Sometimes the LED's are too bright and shining on the white paper ( pattern ) gives me a head ache.. Not often just depends on if my allergies are acting up or not.. I think maybe some of the more expensive LED ones have a dimmable light? 

Probably don't matter to you but I'll bring it up anyway.. I video my scrolling sometimes just to show others tips and tricks of scroll sawing.. My camera and the LED lighting do not get along. Videos come out with dark lines through them like a old TV used to do until you adjust the settings or antenna..  But video works well with the Florescent ones.. 

I only recently got glasses in the last 3-4 years.. I don't need them all the time.. mostly for reading or driving at night. I have worn them behind the magnifier with no improvement or hinderance so not sure if that answers that part of your question.. Probably something that will vary from person to person.. I have a rare eye site thing according to my eye doctor.. my wife is the same way too.. but I'm near sighted in one eye and far in the other, LOL.   

[Rockytime]

Generally a 3X works better than a 5X.

[savethebeer]

Thanks Guys, somethings to work on whilst I browse whats available. There is not a huge market in suppliers in Ireland so I'll see whats available.

Bob 

[FrankEV]

10 hours ago, Rockytime said:

Generally a 3X works better than a 5X.

Curious...Why?

I went with a 5X LED from the get go and never tried a 3X.  Mine is a round lamp.

I have no problems with the 5X LED.  Although the light is bright I also have an aux light that shines on the blade area from the side.

I do wear my Progressive lense glasses while using the Mag Lamp.   Just makes the image I see a little clearer.  

 

[Hawk]

Just for something different, I used the round magnifier with the round florescent bulb for years, when the bulb broke during a move I tried a visor with magnifier lenses. These seem to work for me better as I can adjust my view while cutting without moving the light. I also put a LED sewing machine lamp on my saw, better light especially on the really tight cuts.

While I believe theres no right answer to this, it's all about what works for you, I offered this only as another option that works for me.   

Chris

[Scrappile]

This is hard... different eyes,,, different glasses... different likes.... different availabilities.  I have three magnifying lights.  I first purchased the Harbor Freight... pretty popular here and a good one.... I think it is 3x, plastic lens with a florescent light.  I purchased a second one when I got a second saw.  I "stepped up" and went to 5X , glass lens and Led light.... and a cost of almost 3 times more.  I found the LED too bright to my liking... I loved the glass lens.  Much clearer, no distortion, less prone to scratch.   After I got my cataracts removed the LED was really too bright... When I wanted a third light I went back to purchasing the HF one for my work bench...  I have since put the glass lens in my HF light, and I use it the most for fret work,,, but I kinda wish the glass lens was 3X instead of 5X... well maybe not... I won't have to buy another as my old eye deteriorate.

I do wear my glasses all the time while scrolling.. I have stigmatism so things get fussy without them..

Edited August 7, 2021 by Scrappile

[Rockytime]

13 hours ago, FrankEV said:

Curious...Why?

I went with a 5X LED from the get go and never tried a 3X.  Mine is a round lamp.

I have no problems with the 5X LED.  Although the light is bright I also have an aux light that shines on the blade area from the side.

I do wear my Progressive lense glasses while using the Mag Lamp.   Just makes the image I see a little clearer.  

 

That's why I said generally. Depending on your eyesight. Over the years I've had numerous 5X lamps which worked well for examining small parts and things. I do however, find for my eyes 5X is too strong for me and fatigues my eyes. Others have said the same thing. I think the gal that has intarsia classes sells a 3X lamp. 3X lamps are a little hard to find but they are available. But if 5X works that is good as the 5X lamps are very plentiful.

[rjweb]

I heard that Judy gale Roberts has a real nice one on her web site for sale, RJ 

[TexasDIY]

5 minutes ago, rjweb said:

I heard that Judy gale Roberts has a real nice one on her web site for sale, RJ 

That is the one I use!

[jerry1939]

Bob, I quit scrolling a couple of years ago.  What I learned with my light is;  Don't mount it to the stand or the saw.  Even the slightest hint of vibration will mess you up.  Hinged mine down from the ceiling & stopped the swing with a chain.  Put an "S" hook in the chain to hold it up & out of the way. 

[savethebeer]

Thanks again Guys. Even more to think about as I look around. I've started ticking off items on the adds after reading all your comments. glass lens, 3X, dimable LED lighting.

 

Bob 

[new2woodwrk]

I wear glasses for reading, I also wear them with my magnifier - it makes the pattern much easier to see for me.

I have the HF magnifier and light, for the price it works very well for me - in fact I have 2 one for each saw