Thread: Just got a microscope from RS -- Cool!

Someone mentioned this thing in the knife forum:

Illuminated Microscope - RadioShack.com

I have to say the image is pretty amazing for only $12, and this might make a good tool for checking sharpness and magnifying suspected blade problems. It has a 60x - 100x zoom, and the image looks pretty good even at 100x.

FYI, I don't own a Radio Shack or anything, I just thought this was pretty cool.

I'm pretty sure I've seen and used that same one at a WNY meet. They are indeed great tools, especially given the price. Though I should include the disclamer that aside from this one, I've only used hand loupes...

Indeed, several of us here have that pocket scope.

I love it, the only thing about it I don't care for is that sometimes the light isn't bright enough, or doesn't hit the edge at the right angle to get a GOOD look, but yeah, other than that, great little scope

Worth picking up a couple pairs of rechargable AAA batteries for

This microscope was mentioned on another thread and I was going to start honing my razor so I picked one up, too.

Its really good for telling the truth about a blades edge, no guesstimation needed.

I have that microscope, and it is very useful. In my experience, two problems occur during its use: (1) Shaking of razor during viewing, and (2) Light source too dim, etc.

I solved both problems in the following way...

I place a lump of play dough on something raised about 4 inches off the table top, and place the razor in the dough to hold it steady. My light source is a goose neck lamp a few inches away. I place the microscope over the razor, slightly toward the spine. When I move it forward toward the edge, it is easy to see when you reach the edge. (The color usually changes from darker to lighter, even when unfocused.) Then, I focus it by simply moving the razor with the hand not holding the scope by a gentle rocking motion.

Easier than twisting the focus knob!

The light is much superior to the puny light that comes with the scope. And, the method of focus is much easier. Focusing has the advantage that by rocking the blade I can move the focus from the edge, up the bevel toward the spine. (If I had to do that by twisting the focus button, just wouldn't be possible!)

If you take care, your scope won't touch your blade edge.

And, notice the pot holder on the goose neck lamp cover. That's mandatory, unless you wear a helmet!

I also have the scope-- regarding the brightness issue-- I think I remember somebody posted that some of the scopes have a regular light bulb and some have an LED light bulb? Mine has an LED and it is very bright.

I like the playdough idea.

-Chief

I find the RS microscope somehow frustrating to use, especially with an external light source.

For a just little bit more, you can get this monocular/microscope from the surplusshed which is more convenient to use for me: POCKET 8X MONOCULAR/MICROSCOPE SET NEW!! - Surplus Shed

I use that microscope as well. It took some practice, but I hold the blade in my hand vertically, and then run the microscope up and down the edge. I started out putting the blade on a flat surface, but found that to be a pain.

Randy Dance gave me the tip of covering the bottom of the microscope, the working clear part, with scotch tape. This will prevent any blade scratching that might occur.

EDIT: Oh, and this looks like the same microscope but cheaper. I didn't purchase this one and don't know anything about it. Just thought I'd mention it's out there.

http://www.amazon.com/Carson-Micro-M...6915888&sr=8-2

I have used the radio shack micro. I make contact and run it down the edge. If it's kept flat any chance of dulling the blade?
Al