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Looking into finally picking up a magnification device to check progress of honing, now that i have finally decided to take plunge as to honing my own razors. Just trying to decide whether a magnifying jeweler's Loupe would work well, or should i pick up a Microscope for the job? any input is welcome as well as input in regards to retailers? Thanks again everyone!:thinking:
You should get a high powered, lighted jeweler's loupe. 10x won't cut it: find a 40-100x if you can. I may be wrong, but I think the microscope has to be a particular kind to be able to see an object that is not translucent/transparent. Remember slicing things really thin in science class amd putting them in a peetree dish, so light penetrates it for viewing? The loupe is a less expensive and less cumbersome option.
If you look online you can find a hand held microscope that is adjustable from 40x (I think) up to 100x. I have one and it works really well.
We have many threads on this subject. All you NEED is something to see the gross edge for chips and imperfections. Now if you want to see more then you need more. 10x is really all you need but of course the better the quality the more you will see. With optics it's all about the resolution and eye relief not the magnification. A good 15x will show you more than a poor 100x.
I always work with a few loupes at hand, none stronger than 10x but none smaller than 30mm diameter.
This is what I use. the light really works very very very well
Widget Supply 25mm 30x Chrome Teardrop Jewelers Loupe, Illuminated
They have others too
I just PM'd Oz about the USB microscope he uses and I think I want one just for pics as his always look good
I just got the loop Glen mentioned in the mail and it works great.
Glen, with something for that price, coming from someone whose work I adore, how could I say no? Thanks everyone for all the input.Quote:
Originally Posted by gssixgun
PS- glen I may be PM'ing you later, in regards to a restoration question.
I would suggest ordering two now and save on shipping, also I found the batteries online for them, which you will need either after many months, or after one day when you pull the Glen bonehead move and leave it on :pQuote:
Originally Posted by joshb1000
Buying them at the store runs about $6 each, you need 3, and buying them online they came to about $1.25 shipped to ya...
Will look for the link
I bought one of those LED jobs when I saw the one you were using. Very handy.Quote:
Originally Posted by gssixgun
Just picked one up. For the price, I couldn't refuse. Will update this post when it gets here with my impressions.Quote:
Originally Posted by gssixgun
I always liked the Radioshack model, it goes all the way to 100x and does so quite clearly.
Hello Glen ,
Just had a look at the loupe you mentioned and ordered two ! Great price . Let me know when you find a good source for the batteries. Have a Happy New Year !
Cheers,
ScottQuote:
Originally Posted by gssixgun
I have and use a 10x illuminated loupe and a 60x mini microscope like this Mini 60X illuminated jeweler's microscope (loupe) | eBay. Now I may just purchase the 30x.
I have an inexpensive 100x variable hand held microscope and a 14x B&L hastings triplet loupe. I mostly use the loupe due to the ease of use. It does the job most of the time but when I have trouble honing an edge I get out the microscope to really see what the edge looks like close up. It does take much more light for the 100x so I use an led flashlight in addition to the built in light.Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
I ordered this 30x Illuminated off Amazon for $3 http://www.amazon.com/SE-30X-Illumin...5736108&sr=1-1 Do you think this will be sufficient or will I need a more powerful magnifier?