[Jerry_K]

My eyes have seen better days (pun intended). Like most folks my age I wear bifocals and sometimes struggle seeing small work. I do alright when I have magnification and good lighting. I have used Optivisor a lot over the years and it does "alright". I bought another visor system with a light on it. But, the light is basically a flashlight bulb that just doesn't seem to do the job. I vaguely recall someone on the board (I think it was Rick from Seattle) saying that they used a magnifying lamp that works well but was expensive.

What do you use for magnification and light? And, does it do the job for you?

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

That might have been me...check out a site called "nextten" they have a "daylight" lamp that is outstanding...I have the same problem and when painting, everything looks ok 'til I take it outside the..all kinds of misses! This lamp stops that....there is a smaller version in the sunday supplement of our paper for I think 49.00 less shipping, but this larger version in my opinion is worth the difference....that is www.nextten.com.......ok more info here....the nextten lamp is the smaller 49.00 lamp..the larger 55watt lamp I have is the Ultralux daylight floor lamp (they also make a desk lamp cheaper priced)...I did some searching and found many places that carry them and prices that range in my search from 137.00 to 219.00 so you should check a lot of sites to get the best buy....I would definitely recommend it!

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

What I use for carving is plain old reading glasses from Wal-Mart. In the shop for fine work (sharpening itty bitty v tools etc.) I use a magnifying light. Basically a large magnifying glass surrounded by a circular flourescent bulb mounted on an articulated arm. You see a lot of them in electronic repair/assembly shops. I bought mine in the "Price Club" about 15 or 20 years ago and think it was around $60.

[AlArchie]

I use the same type, Ed! Round flourescent bulb inside a case with a 5 inch magnifier. It works great and is handy as it mounts to the work bench with a flexible gooseneck, so you can position wherever you need it. costco or Sam's for around 60 bucks.

I also have the lighted visor, with two of those penlight bulbs, one on either side of the glasses. They work really good for fine detail as there are several different diopter strengths that you can swing down or push p out of the way, plus a monocle type loupe that swings in fromthe side. got that at an art supply store for around 35 bucks.

Al

[squbrigg]

I have the round light with the magnifier too, but don't use it. I have better luck with the headband magnifier and goose neck lamps with small spot light bulbs. The detail on my ship models, require lots of light and I find the magnifier/light combo too restrictive. The head band gives me more flexability to adjust the distance to the work. They have several available eye pieces of different magnification and focus distances.

Bob

[rick-in-seattle]

I carve with my bi-focals and detail with my an optivisor and bi-focals.

The round magnifier with the light I use for sharpening.

[Mitchell]

I'm near sighted and wear glasses for that. Fortunately, I still have very good eye sight at close range and I just slide my glasses up on top of my head when I carve. I appreciate the input, because I do want to purchase something to help even more. I carve small pieces and feel that the magnification would be a big help with the details. I have found that I am starting to need a little extra light than I used to keep on my carving subject.

[Donna_T]

I have a floor lamp with a halogen bulb that I position over my left shoulder. I can pull it down closer to my work if I'm detailing, or raise it to about eye level for general carving. I use reading glasses when I start roughing out details and then switch to the Optivisor to complete them. I also use the Optivisor to paint. I have a desktop OTT light and I take it to carving workshops/carve-ins and it is really good, clear light. I believe you're supposed to put it on your left if you are right handed--and on your right if you are left-handed.

It's one of the little pleasures we deal with after...40 or so.

Donna T

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

LOL or so!!or 50 or 60 ha ha

[Kenny_S]

I use both overhead light and an Ott Portable desk light that folds out to light. Makes a total difference even with the over head lighting. Like day light. Use it during the day also. Can position the light just over the carving or flip up more and light up a bigger area. No cheap, in the 50 to 60 $$ range but worth it .