Thread: eye loupe what power???

Got to give an eye loupe a try.I am getting dizzy trying to focus my 12.95 radioshack scope.Where do i get one and what power. So do they work pretty good????

I got this one here from Widget Supply and I'm real happy with it. It is 30x and has quality optics. You can get cheaper loupes but this is a good one. A forum member called Kaptain Zero turned me on to the source if y'all remember the Kaptain.

I use a 40x mostly but it is one of the 20x-40x where you can flip one loupe for 20x and two loupes for 40x I would not even look at anything over 40x and the one Jimmy linked is probably the one I will get if the lens on mine falls out one more time

But it is way less $$$ here http://www.amazon.com/SE-Triplet-Jew.../dp/B001BSGGQ2

Radio Shack has a lower powered microscope that is adjustable from 60x-100x that I use. 100x is overkill, but the 60x is pretty good at checking the bevel. As mentioned, anything between about 30x-60x is pretty good for our needs.

I'm using the same one as Jimmy.
to Kaptain Zero where ever he is these days.

I use one like this: I know it's cheap, but it works well.It slides open ,then a small LED light shines on the spot you're trying to see.Great for keeping in your pocket when in dark antique shops.

30X 21MM LED LIGHTED JEWELERS SLIDE LOUPE NEW - eBay (item 290463734891 end time Sep-12-10 09:15:02 PDT)

I have a 10X Bausch & Lomb Watchmakers Loupe. While I'd like more magnification, my ability to hold it steady enough and find the correct angles limits what I can use in magnification...

I'm still searching for a good working alternative..

It's all a matter of how much you want to see and what you want to spend. If your talking top rate optics probably 15x will show you everything you need. With lessor quality you up the mag to compensate for the lower resolution. If you want quality check out Deutsche Optik.

The 16x I picked up from Hobby Lobby gets me by, but would like something in the 20-30 range. It's cheap, but optics aren't all that great either...but again, it gets me by. Good for finding micro-chips & overall evaluations.

Nessmuck,

I have found loupes to be of most use for quick examinations of edges & bevels. The problem with most loupes is that the working distance, and depth of field plummet with increasing magnification, which makes working with them more difficult. The close working distance also causes problems with getting enough light onto the blade - your head gets in the way

A 10 - 20 x triplet works best for me; when I need to examine the edge critically, I use a microscope - either a Veho USB or a binocular stereo microscope, using powers of 50 - 100x.

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ