Magnifier Lamp

[cmorr]

Seeking a recommendation for a reliable Magnifier Lamp like this

My eyes are getting poor and have been using a magnifying headset but I would like to try something else

I have looked at a few in various stores and they arm tension (even with adjustment) was weak or the magnifier lens was of poor quality

Appreciate your help

 

[Outlawmws]

No clue on new but I have picked up several decent ones at yard sale. Maybe try CL for an older US made one?

 

[Jack Olsen]

I just watched a YouTube video on the LED one. It might be fine. Hard to tell without looking through the lens.

I have a second-hand Dazor. I use it all the time.

 

[larry4406]

I bought one at Harbor Freight, was reasonable cost. Works fine for me. I needed it to do a circuit board repair.

 

[Outlander]

All along I thought the parts were getting smaller. I am watching this as well since I am also searching. Additional task lighting helps, but not for the real small stuff.

 

[Vvmvbb]

I have a couple of Luxos that are real nice but overpriced I think.

I also bought one of these at Staples for the lab at work and it was so popular I bought a couple more. Easily moved around and clip to the front of the bench. And cheap. When I bought them they were Tensor brand.

 

[Outlander]

I stumbled onto this on Kijiji http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-health-special-needs-Rolling-Magnifying-Lamp-W0QQAdIdZ498322357

I guess if it is good enough for some lady's nails it is good enough for my little screws and fat fingers. Only $49. I wonder what these cosmetic magnifiers are like quality wise?

 

[ken w.]

I have bought a few at Estate sales for under $30.00.

 

[Steinmetz]

I have a Luxo lamp that's about forty years old. I use it every day. Also use a Magni-Focuser No. 4 all the time. Although I'm past fifty and I don't wear glasses, I find these magnifying devices very useful.

 

[PCO6]

I bought mine at Princess Auto. I can't recall the price but it wasn't expensive. It's worked fine for the past 4 or 5 years. I also have a smaller hand held illuminated magnifying glass. It seems to be getting more use as I get older!

 

[cmorr]

I bought mine at Princess Auto. I can't recall the price but it wasn't expensive. It's worked fine for the past 4 or 5 years. I also have a smaller hand held illuminated magnifying glass. It seems to be getting more use as I get older!

That looks similar to the Harbor Freight one LARRY4406 mentioned above

At $28.79 (after a 20% off coupon) I may pick one up to at least use for the short term. It uses a 22w Circline bulb that I see is readly avail at HD, Lowes,etc (that was part of my concern)


http://www.harborfreight.com/fluorescent-magnifying-lamp-66384.html

Thanks for the responses

 

[lametec]

I got mine at HF years ago, still works fine.

It's not the same as the currently pictured (above) HF model, though. Mine doesn't have the flapper cover. Good thing, since sometimes you have to stick your head right up to the lamp to get the right view, and the flapper looks like it'd be in the way.

This is what mine looks like:

 

[dgrall]

I have a vintage Luxo that I picked up at an auction as well as a China knockoff. The glass quality is better on the Luxo but unless you are doing extreme precision work I don't think it will make a difference.

 

[dumper]

see them at garage sales every now and then, usually for $2 or $3. They work great- I have 2 of them.

 

[cmorr]

I went ahead and purchased the HF one mentioned above. With the 20% coupon and PA sales tax it was $30 and change.

Impressions- Fairly well packed, decently made, holds tension well (same position where I left it overnight). The flapper is nice in that it may keep the top of the lens clean but it's loose (the cheapest feeling part of the lamp) and as someone mentioned did get in the way. It's easily removable

For maintenance the bulb is easily accessible, there are four screws that hold a plastic cover in place and it just clips in. I picked up a GE spare at Lowes for $8 and from the user manual it uses a common ballast