Thread: Using a loupe

I want to get a loupe for bevel setting. Most of the ones I've seen were either 10x or 30x. Which one is the best...is 10x not enough or is 30x overkill? Thanks for any input from my fellow SRP'ers.

I think there are folks here who say the 10x works for them - but I have a 30x and it doesn't seem overkill at all. They're cheap enough, maybe you can get both

There's another thread currently active, where the 60x microscope at eBay is advertised as good value for (very little) money. I'm thinking about getting one myself.

Originally Posted by Laurens

There's another thread currently active, where the 60x microscope at eBay is advertised as good value for (very little) money. I'm thinking about getting one myself.

Was jut looking at them Lauren's, even saw one that will fit on the iPhone 5!!! They are all from China for like $5-$10, are they any good? Shipping from China, will they actually ship to the proper destination?

Apparently they are good enough for honing, and the lighting is good, which is a main priority.

I've ordered several things from China via aliexpress.com and they all reached their destination! That is, usually at the neighbour's, because I wasn't at home when the mailman arrived. Quality isn't always as good, but you can't beat the prices. I got silvertip knots, Gold Dollars, tools for my bike, buffing wheels and DE blades.

30X is not overkill. I use a 200x and would be happy to increase the power if I could do so easily and cheap. Beware of the ones that suggest that they can be attached to you iPhone. The one I bought did not do that at all. You can hold it up to the camera lens but it doesn't fasten in place. So good luck juggling a phone, a microscope, and a razor.

Originally Posted by Phrank

Was jut looking at them Lauren's, even saw one that will fit on the iPhone 5!!! They are all from China for like $5-$10, are they any good? Shipping from China, will they actually ship to the proper destination?

I have bought many of the 60X and 45X lighted scopes from China and the delivery was quick and accurate., About two weeks on average. Odd times like Chinese new years, add a week!
They pack all with computer labels generated from our pay pal addresses.
~Richard

I have a 10x and it is sufficient. I even use it to check precious stones.

The question is when can a 10x loupe show you way more than the 30x loupe?

I have the 10X, 20X and 30X loupes, but I find that I tend to use the 10X almost exclusively. With good lighting, I can see the bevel and edge just fine.