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General Category => General Scroll Saw Talk => Topic started by: rrjwright on November 06, 2012, 11:02:46 pm

Title: Headband Magnifiers
Post by: rrjwright on November 06, 2012, 11:02:46 pm
Has anyone used these hands free headband magnifiers opposed to the mounted magnifier/light combination??

http://www.magnifier.com/hands_free_magnifier.htm

Just wondering how well they work.  It looks like a cheaper alternative.

Jim.. .
Title: Re: Headband Magnifiers
Post by: dgman on November 06, 2012, 11:06:21 pm
Not me. It seems too bulky to be sitting on my head.
Title: Re: Headband Magnifiers
Post by: BilltheDiver on November 06, 2012, 11:36:23 pm
Tried it, didn't like it.  Of everything I have tried the old fluorescent circular light with a magnifier has worked best for me.
Title: Re: Headband Magnifiers
Post by: dgman on November 07, 2012, 12:34:55 am
Tried it, didn't like it.  Of everything I have tried the old fluorescent circular light with a magnifier has worked best for me.
Yup
Title: Re: Headband Magnifiers
Post by: Paw Paw Ray on November 07, 2012, 07:50:09 am
Itried one of these a long time ago but it gave me a headache if I used it for any length of time.  I have a mag. that clips on the bill of a baseball cap and have used it for years.  No headaches.
Title: Re: Headband Magnifiers
Post by: tvman44 on November 07, 2012, 08:50:45 am
I have one from my working days but have not tried it for scrolling.
Title: Re: Headband Magnifiers
Post by: slowcutter on November 07, 2012, 09:51:29 am
I have one,it works good for collecting dust.
I now use a light ring magnifier ( glass lens ) so can clean with out scratching.
Title: Re: Headband Magnifiers
Post by: Crabbyboater on November 07, 2012, 01:36:52 pm
I bought one with illumination.  The light was so weak it was worthless.  Didn't use the magnifier long, as I had to keep raising it to look at other things as I scrolled.  I now have the Seyco LED magnifier and love it.
Title: Re: Headband Magnifiers
Post by: GrayBeard on November 07, 2012, 01:50:55 pm
IF you would like to try one send me a PM!
I have one that I have used but cannot use it any more since I have the CI hanging on the side of my head! The CI is more important than the magnifier!

~~~GB~~~
Title: Re: Headband Magnifiers
Post by: Spartan scroller on November 07, 2012, 06:10:56 pm
Have used one of these for years wrighty.  Never had a problem with it.  Much prefer it to the lighted magnifiers on goosenecks that always get in the way.
Regards,
Terry
terrysscrollshoppe.com (http://terrysscrollshoppe.com)
terrysscrollshopppe.blogspot.com (http://terrysscrollshopppe.blogspot.com)
Title: Re: Headband Magnifiers
Post by: geneVG on November 07, 2012, 07:12:12 pm
I was going to order one from Rockler, but I think I'll save my money after hearing all these commints.

gene
Title: Re: Headband Magnifiers
Post by: tvman44 on November 07, 2012, 07:49:00 pm
I have the LED lighted magnifier from Rockler and like it.
Title: Re: Headband Magnifiers
Post by: IBMer on November 07, 2012, 08:11:20 pm
I went with the arm mounted magnifier with a built in light.     I figured that I already wear eye protection, dust mask and ear protection, the last thing I want is something strapped to my head ;-)
Title: Re: Headband Magnifiers
Post by: Mainewoods on November 07, 2012, 08:31:51 pm
I purchased this one http://www.lie-nielsen.com/catalog.php?sku=2-MF-104 from Lie-Nielson several months ago.  I use it mostly for VERY intricate work, like when I need to split a line.  I can see exactly where the blade, even a 2/0, meets the line.  I'm not saying it makes me cut better, I'm just saying I can see better!!!  Most of the time, I simply use a pair of 2.0 reading glasses (you know, the $10 ones available at your local pharmacy).  I tried my wife's swing arm magnifier light, but found I didn't care for the perspective it gave me of where I was cutting.  It seemed like my view was off slightly, and I couldn't seem to position myself in a spot where what I was feeling matched what I was seeing.  Probably need to have my eyes calibrated!  Anyway, day to day, I use the magnifying reading glasses, but when I need to get really down and detailed with my cut, I grab the visor I keep  hanging nearby.  

On a side note, Lie-Nielson's showroom isn't particularly impressive when you walk in, but as soon as you start picking up and examining, even trying out, their tools, you quickly realize you are holding a very nice (and expensive!) tool!   <come on powerball!>
Title: Re: Headband Magnifiers
Post by: wedo on November 07, 2012, 10:43:40 pm
I have a headband magnifier and use it frequently, however not for scrolling. For me the focal length is too short and you have to be close to the object to see clearly. I prefer to not be that close scrolling. However for fine details and handheld items it works great.
Bill