head wearing magnifyers

[rjweb]

With my eyes getting older, I am looking to get some help to see the lines better. Does any one use these head wearing magnify units if so are you happy with them, and also what brand. I have a light magnifying piece but can't seem to get it set right, it's not an expensive unit i think it was from micheals years ago, Thx RJ

[DrPete]

I've used these all the time. My suggestion is the following:

1. If you can try something on before you buy.

2. Lightweight

3. Nothing with batteries for lights.

4. Maybe just 2 magnifications, something with a simple flip up/down over another magnifier.

5. I have one that uses velcro on the back for adjustment I prefer the best.

6. Since I wear this for quite a bit of time I wrap the area that goes across my forehead with a paper towel and tape in place with masking tape. Helps hold it in place instead of something plastic across my forehead to sweat on.

My main one  I liked the best did have a built in flip side loupe that went across one eye, don't bother, got in my way and didn't help. Eventually I unscrewed it and removed it to save a bit of weight.

And yes, I swear by these instead of my regular readers.

[DrPete]

This is my favorite lightweight, no name brand I've used for ~ 20 years.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Tried them. Do not like them. I found having a magnifying light works better because it is always at the same magnification when cutting. With head band that changes with head movement. I get disoriented. 

[rjweb]

Thx for your very good input and John for your suggestion about the head movement does make sense, but your head would move with either one you are using, RJ

Edited 6 hours ago by rjweb

[Wichman]

     Do you wear prescription glasses?

     I do, I am very near sighted with significant astigmatism. For normal day to day use I use progressive lenses. For scrolling I use what is called a workstation prescription, single correction and everything from arms length to sitting at a desk or the scroll saw is in perfect focus; everything past 5-6 ft becomes out of focus, about 20/40 vision, so I can drive with them but I don't. For the last 20 years I had nothing but polycarbonate safety lenses and safety frames, I'm always wearing safety glasses because that's all I have.    

     I tried the headband style, a very inexpensive pair from HF ... did not like them at all, too much distortion. When I need extra magnification I like the clip and flip lenses. These clip onto your glasses and you can flip them down or flip them up out of the way. These were inexpensive ones from HF, they were 3X, if I remember correctly, but they wore out quickly and HF discontinued them. There are other brands available on Amazon, I just haven't ordered any yet.

[TAIrving]

I keep the light and the magnifier separate.  I use store-bought (inexpensive) reading glasses for magnifiers.  I like to use stronger magnification for scrolling than I use for reading, but that is personal preference, pick the magnification that works best for you.  

For lights I use LED sewing machine lights like these EVISWIY Sewing Machine Light LED Lighting (30LEDs) 6 Watt Multifunctional Flexible Gooseneck Arm Work Lamp with Magnetic Mounting Base for Workbench Lathe Drill Press 2 Pack Silver - Amazon.com (also inexpensive).  They are light-weight and clip on the side of the scroll saw arm with magnets.  

Like Occam's Razor, the simplest solution, or maybe the least expensive solution, is often the best solution.  

[JimNC]

I use a sewing machine LED with magnetic base lamp (I have several of these in my shop on other tools). I have prescription reading glasses that are rated a 175 but for scroll sawing I use a good quality 250. I like the better quality because the leanse are clearer than the cheaper ones.

[Jim McDonald]

I had a headband magnifier, but after my cataracts surgery, I switched to reading glasses with a +2 lens. Only use it periodically, but they make a difference up close.

[rjweb]

Ok thx for all your help, I do wear reading glasses, maybe I will start with buying an inexpensive stronger reading glasses and see where that takes me, RJ

[Hawk]

For me personally,  I've used the headband type, and a magnifying lamp. Both worked good bur nowadays I use what Looks more like glasses. It Me with several different lenses in different strengths. The lenses do flip up outa the way if needed ,It does have an LED, but it's pretty much useless as I have plenty of light on my saws.

Good luck

[rjweb]

thx Hawk, now where did you purchase your eyes at, RJ

[Hawk]

5 hours ago, rjweb said:

thx Hawk, now where did you purchase your eyes at, RJ

Im reasonably sure I got them from Amazon. But at my age the memory will sometimes play tricks on me (lol)