Thread: Microscope for Honing

Can somebody guide me besides using a Jeweler's loupe what is the best microscope to use to see the edge for honing. Would it be a stereo microscope a USB microscope or just a lighted Jeweler's loupe. I really want to see the edge extremely well. If someone recommends a USB microscope I would need a compatible for a Mac.. also how much magnification would be necessary. Thank you everybody for your help.

If you find out I would like to get the answer also. I was looking on Amazon for one and there are so many. Since I am starting out I dont want to sink to much money into one.

Originally Posted by Dunkin78

If you find out I would like to get the answer also. I was looking on Amazon for one and there are so many. Since I am starting out I dont want to sink to much money into one.

I know what you're saying. I bought a Veho USB 400x which I read a few people were using, got it working on my Mac but the magnification stayed at one level it never increased so I sent it back. So I'm waiting to hear from other people who have experience with this. I also spoke to a number of people who work 4 microscope websites and I only got more confused. I have a Jeweler's loupe but I would like to see a greater magnification

I bought a carson microbrite plus. 60 to 120x magnification. I think it was about $12. The only downside is I can't upload magnified pics of issues. This can be very helpful. Overall it is pretty nice, but on the bulky side. Takes some coordination to view all of the bevel on both sides. Can't recommend a usb scope tho...

Thank you that may be a very inexpensive solution compared to what Scopes can go for

Originally Posted by dinnermint

I bought a carson microbrite plus. 60 to 120x magnification. I think it was about $12. The only downside is I can't upload magnified pics of issues. This can be very helpful. Overall it is pretty nice, but on the bulky side. Takes some coordination to view all of the bevel on both sides. Can't recommend a usb scope tho...

Thank you that may be an inexpensive possible solution. Scopes can be rather pricey

I went for the cheapest solution. Although I have found that the 60x magnification is sufficient. I haven't found it helpful to chase razors sharp to the micon.

Originally Posted by rawfox1

I know what you're saying. I bought a Veho USB 400x which I read a few people were using, got it working on my Mac but the magnification stayed at one level it never increased so I sent it back. So I'm waiting to hear from other people who have experience with this. I also spoke to a number of people who work 4 microscope websites and I only got more confused. I have a Jeweler's loupe but I would like to see a greater magnification

I got a Veho too. I was disappointed with the low magnification, but I found a review on Amazon that gave me the answer. You turn the focus all the way to close at the low magnification, then keep going, it changes to the high magnification and then focuses in that range. It isn't in the manual. The Veho stand is kinda crappy, at high magnification the focus is very thin, it's a bit fiddly to get a razor edge in focus, but it gives a nice view when you get it.

USB scopes are OK but really all you need is a 10X jeweller's loupe. Higher magnifications are not all that useful in practice.

very timely question. i just finished testing a variety of handheld optical microscopes.
( I was looking for a simple way to see the edge, and did not want to involve a computer)
I will try to write up a complete post next week. Here are my top two:
1)
Lumagny 50X LED.
The field of view is about the size of Lincoln's nose on a penny, very close edge detail.
around $12 .
2)
Carson MA-60
The field of view is Lincoln's head on a penny. The advantage with this magnifier is the image is not reversed. I find the lower magnification is actually more useful. About $29.

I use them both.

Larry