Thread: Compound magnification

I found this in another thread (apache strata). Is this something you'd like to try?
$10 Smartphone to digital microscope conversion!

Basic optics. You can't just combine objectives to get more mag. Much is involved in matching the correct lens so you get a good clear field of view with proper eye relief. That's how the first microscope was devised.

You don't need much for razor work. A quality scope at 10x will give you all you need to see. it's all about the resolution not the magnification.

Whatever you use, It is the angle at which the light consistently strikes the bevel and edge which is most valuable. an angle somewhat 45º to the length of the blade and a bit higher will tell you a lot. A dark background helps for lighted loupe work and a neutral or black background may help to assure the bevel is to the edge fully along the length of the edge.
A bright light source across a room and looking from the spine side of the horizontal blade as it is rotated slightly around its long axis to see bevel reflections along an edge will tell a lot when you get to know what you are looking at.
~Richard

Here's where I found the microscope link. I'm impressed with the magnification and pictures. I plan on trying to make one of these myself. http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...43#post6728543

I have had much success with this loupe. 30x/60x illuminated loupe.

http://www.amazon.com/30X22mm-60X12m...ords=60x+loupe

My favorite, I've tried a lot of the others. It has a long eye relief and adjustable focus. It touches the blade.
:
~Richard

The old Radio Shack 60-100X scope (carson 200 Micromax) was popular years back and is still available on line.

It is a simple quick scope for razor use, but they do eat batteries.

Also when using your USB scope try an additional light source, I use a halogen desk lamp. The USB scopes work well but are too sensitive and slow for use when honing. They are good for documenting and photographing and or teaching, so you and the student are looking at the same thing.

Otherwise the Radio Shack scope and the 60x lighted loupe Geezer recommended are the best choices. The 60X can be purchased for as little as 3 dollars.

Radio Shack Scope

Originally Posted by Geezer

My favorite, I've tried a lot of the others. It has a long eye relief and adjustable focus. It touches the blade.
:
~Richard

I've used this one alot. Thanks Richard.

Its is great for flea markets and antique stores as the light is some stores is poor to none.

I think this thread has lost sight of the OP's original question.

Reminds me of an old Star trek Episode where Data is stuck on a planet and he devises a microscope which is about 3 feet high and is a series of lenses probably a dozen or more stacked one above the other. You can do it but you need to know what you are doing.