Magnification and Fine Details.

This is a short tutorial on the use of magnification while you're trying to add small details to your build. These are the magnifiers I use. They are surgical loupes which I used while I practiced dentistry.
http://www.scalemotorcars.com/forum/...2007/02/57.jpg

They are very expensive but you really don't need to run out and get something like this. There are other good alternatives and we'll definitely go over those. Fortunately for me I have access to them.

The differences in the three are demonstrated by these pics.
First, this is what I see with 3.5 x mag.

http://www.scalemotorcars.com/forum/...2007/02/58.jpg

This is what I see at 5.5x mag.

http://www.scalemotorcars.com/forum/...2007/02/59.jpg

And finally, this is what I see at 8.0x mag.

http://www.scalemotorcars.com/forum/...2007/02/60.jpg

When you apply magnification, you can see things like this.

http://www.scalemotorcars.com/forum/...2007/02/61.jpg

The question you need to ask yourself is "can my model stand up to this kind of scrutiny?" If it can, then you have no need for magnification but if it can't and you can see tons of defects in your picture, then magnification will definitely increase your quality.

Now as I said before, there are several different alternatives. The first is to go out and buy yourself a set of magnifying loops like the Optivisor. You usually can get these at a good hobby shop or online and they're not expensive at all. They'll run anywhere from $20 bucks to $100, hopefully somewhere around $40. They have a head band that you put on and you flip the magnifying hood down so you can see.

Another way which is a bit more cumbersome but still effective is the magnifier with a fluorescent ring light. I'm sure many of you have seen these. They can be found in hobby shops and sometimes even at walmart. I definitely saw them at Hobby Lobby. They also come with some add on lenses that will boost your magnification.

A third way is to find some goose neck magnifying glasses, put one behind the other and try to see what you're doing. If you fiddle with them, they can provide some pretty good magnification.

The final method is to go out and buy the same things like I have but they are about $1500 bucks a piece. Now I'm not a rich dentist but if I wanted to keep my quality as high as possible, I had to part with the cash as a business expense. That's the only way I could afford them. I've used these particular sets for the last 8 years of my practice and the last 4 years for modeling. This is the actual secret of my success, how I get get such fine detail. Hopefully this will help you become better at what you do.

Yet another good tutorial Jeff. I am seriously considering buying an optivisor, as it will help with the fine detail , and make me a better model builder in the process.

I really like how your engine is coming on. You can really see a difference compared to the kit parts.

I have a 4 or 5 inch Magnifying glass that's mounted on a adjustable mag base. The kind you mount indicators on. Total $ spent... about 17 bucks. That leaves my hands free to work on my projects. l:

Now you're talking. Thanks Rob for the kind words. As good as this kit is, the parts are really murder when you get down to the micro level. Check out all the hobby shops and craft stores you can, Rob. You want to get something you're comfortable with that's strong enough and will not cause you to have headaches. With a little practice, you'll get used to it in a flash.

Guido, sounds like you're already covered. That's a pretty good price for your glass.

1confused1 Call me slow, I need some, er, better magnifying equipment. My old "Just squint harder" doesn't seem to be as good anymore1sad1

If you're looking something really cheap & effective - I bought a couple of the 2-3x headband type at Harbor Freight for like $3. each. They were as good as ones I paid $20. for. Plus they come with lights attached!!!

Jeff, can you give some sources for some of the higher magnification at an affordable price. The above mentioned headbands don't make it sometimes.

Got a couple sets of those myself Bob, work just fine and you can't beat the price. Harbor Freight is a great place to buy power modeling tools....drill presses etc. Stuff really isn't up to the task of heavy duty work but for hobby stuff they are great.l:

Hey Bob, let me do a little searching for some better prices on the higher power stuff. The first place I'll look is the jewelry industry. There should be a decent number of providers out there where you don't need a mortgage to get a good set of magnifiers. There are also some that you can slip over regular glasses that are in a pretty good price range. The biggest problem I've seen with the very high magnifiers is that there are very few companies that go as high as the ones I have. The great majority of them only go from about 2X to 3.5X. Give me some time and I'm sure I can come through with a few good links for you.

Here are several sites you can get some good magnifiers. Check them out and choose what you think you might need. I prefer the binocular types over the single lens type by far.

www.magnifiers.com
www.opticsplanet.net.
www.scientificsonline.com I'll be adding to the list periodically
www.magnifyingglasses.co.uk
www.stockeryale.com
www.swoptics.co.uk
www.rugift.com
www.dazor.com
www.anchoroptics.com

I know this thread is old, but I have a directly related question. I have an opportunity to obtain a set of surgical binocular loupes in either 4X or 6X magnification. Because they are expensive I can only choose one and I don't have the opportunity to try them out before purchase. I already have a set of 2.5X binocular loupes that I use for most work but occasionally I need something with more oomph. That being the case, which would you recommend, 4X or 6X?

Here are some very nice magnifiers that are reasonable to very expensive. What are your eyes worth?Maybe as valuable as the family jewels? :^)Magnifiers: LED Jewelers Loupes, LED/UV Jewelers Loupes, Donegan Optivisors, 10x Triplets, Carl Zeiss, Lana Loupe, Watchmaker's Loupes, Eschenbach Germany, Telesight Frames, Illuminated Magnifiers, Safety Glasses, Diamond Inscription Loupe, Loupe Cha

Search ebay: Dental loupes 3,5 x 42, 46 $ from China free shipping.

There are also some flip up magnifiers used for fly tying. Quite inexpensive.
Magnifier Glasses – Clip-on Flip-up Magnifiers - Duluth Trading Company

If you're dead set on getting an expensive surgical loupe set, I would definitely get the 6X. Sometimes I wish I had more than the 8X. Again, let me say that I got my set for professional use originally. The fact that I still have them was just a huge benefit. You really don't need to go that expensive unless you're getting a really huge discount on a product.

I like the Jeweler's Loupe from Harbor Freight, Item #94364. Five bucks and clips to one side of my glasses. 3 mag levels using two lenses. Sometimes I use the visor, but most of the time I use these.