Thread: Got the USB Microscope

Guys, Other than it's cool, Why do we need to see that much detail, Just curious. I'm looking and thinking, Man, do I really want to see that much detail? For honing blades and normal use what's the deal with 200+ magnification? What are you looking for? I'm curious about it. I'd get one myself, but I'd have to at least justify it to myself.....

Originally Posted by zib

Guys, Other than it's cool, Why do we need to see that much detail, Just curious. I'm looking and thinking, Man, do I really want to see that much detail? For honing blades and normal use what's the deal with 200+ magnification? What are you looking for? I'm curious about it. I'd get one myself, but I'd have to at least justify it to myself.....

I was thinking the same thing. Reminded me of the old adage that if you like sausage and want to continue to like it you don't want to see how it is made.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I was thinking the same thing. Reminded me of the old adage that if you like sausage and want to continue to like it you don't want to see how it is made.

That's a great one Jimmy!

That's just outstanding! Crystal clear pics and they're on your PC where you can save and post them. I think 60X to maybe 100X is all your average shaver/honer needs but if you're interested with what's going on with the metal then you got it. I use my RS hand held to see how I did on honing and to look for micro chips and the like. It's a pain to use, about half the time I can't see so well, and I can't save anything for making comparisons with different techniques or equipment or over time or to show someone else. That's why I'd love to have one of those.

thats way nicer then mty QX5 shots
i wish i could get better MP but still be on the cheap

The last blade pic looks like it was cut with an Oxygen / Acetylene torch. Nice though.

Originally Posted by zib

Guys, Other than it's cool, Why do we need to see that much detail, Just curious. I'm looking and thinking, Man, do I really want to see that much detail? For honing blades and normal use what's the deal with 200+ magnification? What are you looking for? I'm curious about it. I'd get one myself, but I'd have to at least justify it to myself.....

actually due to the oil i can't see anything that matters on these pictures.
i use microscope with 100 magnification and it's straightforward to tell which hone to use and when you're done with it.
it is not necessary at all. unless you have no idea when honing what the problem is.

I wasn't aware that those even existed. That's very cool & i want one! I might find i'm happier not knowing how my honing looked up that close though. Before i'd be thinking "Smooth" & after "Looks like a saw blade"!

I need one as well... thanks!

Maarten

Originally Posted by AusTexShaver

Is the zoom on that model variable? From the specs on the ads it would appear that 10X and 200X are the only options and there is nothing in between.

It seems that all I can get is either 10X or 200X, yes.

From the wording of the description I bought it from, just like the back of the box Navaja posted, it would appear that any magnification ratio between 10 and 200 can be had, since it says "10X to 200X" and not "10X and 200X" or "10X or 200X".

IMO the 10X is insufficient and the 200X is too detailed to give any worthwhile indication as to the next best honing step, just like gugi said. I'll try and see if varying the distance to the blade helps, will post the pics and let the pros here comment and take it from there. Thank you for all the help and comments, guys!