Using magnification?

[SlowMover]

I was complementing Tom-H on his recent small carving, when I got to thinking again about using magnification devices when I carve. I am very nearsighted, and have progressive lenses in my glasses. The problem is, I apparently carve at a different distance than I read, as the lenses just don't quite focus well on my carvings. I also have to hold my head back to see through the bottom of the lenses when I carve and get a crick in my neck after a while. I usually take the glasses off to carve, but then I hold the carving closer than is totally comfortable, and my arms and shoulders feel like they are in the wrong position.

How many of you do/have used magnifications devies to carve. If you use one or have tried one, whick type did you use and what did you like or hate about it?

Due to circulation problems I have to keep my feet up most of the time, so I carve in a recliner. I am not sure that one of the circular lighted magnifiers on a stand would position in front of me when I am in the recliner. Loupes or a visor are an option, but I am pretty sure that any method/device will feel or work differently at home during a several hour carving session that it does during a "try it on" period at the store. I would hate to buy an expensive device and then not like it during use.

Your advice/experiences would be most helpfull, thanks

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

You might want to send Susieq a PM, she recently bought what dentist use, Iam sure she could help answer some questions.

Dave

[Tom-H]

Hey SlowMover, good topic. I ware glasses, but one eye is different than the other, as I am sure is not all that uncommon. I also use those clip on magnifing lens. Since the clip ons are the same for each eye, I use them on my regular glasses. These clipons come in several different powers. You should try them on before buying, to be sure that they focus the magnifying at the distance from your eyes that is most comfortable for you. These clip ond plus a full spectrum lamp will let you see like an eagle.

Tom H

[DManning]

I have the same problem with my bi-focals. Carving (or working at the computer) I have to tilt my head back so far to get the right "focus" that my neck gives out.
The solution for me was to take my eyeglass prescription in to the optometrist and have a pair of glasses made using just the near-sighted numbers. I have to change glasses to carve now, and I can't read the clock on the wall when I've got them on, but, it sure helps with the close-at-hand work. Just an idea you might consider.
Dan

[Ron Davidson]

I used to use a portable CCTV camera I would carve watching a 19 inch TV or Monitor and it wouldn't matter how you tilted your head or how far back you were. I now can no longer see to use it so if interested PM me.
Ron&Pal

[Magicman]

Slowmover
I have the Visor type that Woodcraft sells, it comes with 3 lens that are different magnification. The visor also adjusts up or down so you might not have to tilt your head. Your regular glasses will also fit under the visor lens so you could flip up the visor and see the clock or tv. The cost is about $25.00. I love mine. I also have clipon Lens and the lighted adjustable table lens, but I always go back to the visor. Harbor freight also sells a visor which will work, the cost about $8.00 but its not as comfortable as the Woodcraft one.
Hope this helps
Larry

[Nomad]

I use an optivisor and I really like it. It has the option of mounting a small lens in front of the main lens, and this really comes in handy for carving detail or inspecting the carving.

[Kenny_S]

No, I have not used any magnification other than my glasses. But, I am finding out as Time passes, I am needing something more than my glasses.
Old age isn't cracked up to be what I was expecting. But the alternative is lousy.LOL

[SlowMover]

Thanks for the input thus far, will have to hit a few stores and try on some options. I have had a pair of glasses made in the past with a fixed focal length (was set for the distance to my hands at the operating table) to eliminate the need to tilt my head, but was never really able to get used to not being able to see at any other distance (althugh I have that exact same situation with the glasses off). I may be wanting too much, to see comfortably both near and far while carving. Will look around town and see what I can find, am hesitant to order something like this off the net as I really think I need to try it out before investing some dinero.

[Jim Arnold]

Good ! Thanks for the info. its helpful!

Jim