Thread: microscope question

I am familiar with stereo microscopes from my high school days. Is it possible to use a compound microscope if light is projected from above? Most stereo scopes only go to 80X and with a compound the magnification can be much higher. Any help would be appreciated.

Here are a couple scope set ups. A bright overhead light source is required. A white background beneath the blade helps to focus on the edge. 100X magnification is optimum IMHO. Use of higher magnification and it becomes very difficult to inspect the length of the edge from heel to tip.

Practice first by understanding what a 1K edge looks like (bevel set). Then move to 4 and 8K edge to see what they look like. Then observe the 8K edge after you strop it with leather, linen, paste etc. Observe the edge after a shave, after 5 shaves. Lots to learn along the way. Have fun.
MIke

The higher the magnification the more light you need because at higher mag the light gathering power decreases. (The same with telescopes by the way). But you don't need that much to see the edge. Too much and any edge will look bad. I find 80x to be overkill and with my stereo microscope 40x is as much as I ever need or want to see. Really, a quality hand-lens at 14x is all you need.

Thank you very much for your respones. There is a great deal to learn.
Jerry1

I'm thinking of obtaining a magnification devise that can record/share.
"EyeClops BioniCam" is one example

I use this 20X Fowler with light. It works perfectly for me. Not to strong of power, a boatload of light, and the convenience of use makes it my go too for magnification over a loup.

With the compound microscope you will find the area in focus to be a very short distance up or down. If you already have the 'scope, put a piece of woo about a quarter inch thick by a half inch wide, centered fore and aft on the stage. That will allow your razor to stay in focus while you sli\de it back and forth on the microscope.
Cheap flexible book lights work well for the illumination when taped to the barrel f the 'scope. A photo made before I put the wood stage on it.

Have fun!
~Richard
PS if you have not bought the 'scop, these are cheap on the 'bay and other placesand and work well!:

They also make one to be on your cell phone camera.

Great idea Geezer but what about the Old Mill salted peanuts?

Originally Posted by Raol

Great idea Geezer but what about the Old Mill salted peanuts?

Don't get the salt on the blades!!
~Richard

Keep it coming. I am totally new and open to all thoughts. I appreciate all of you taking the time to share.