Illuminated desk mounting magnifying glass. Recommendations ? (1 Viewer)

[scotjimland]

As title..

been looking to buy one for ages but so many to choose from.. and a huge range of prices.. appreciate that the best aren't cheap, but don't mind if they are worth the extra cost.

Will use it for a variety of tasks, working with small parts, circuit boards, watches, phones etc..

free standing rather than clamp.. glass in preference to plastic lens..

 

[JeanLuc]

I have a PURElite. Very satisfied with it although I think the lens is probably plastic.
http://sewing-online.com/equipment/...lamps/purelite_three-in-one_magnifying_lamp_/
(cheaper via Amazon but for some reason the link will not display)

I also considered something like this one but decided I would not use it often enough to justify the premium. http://www.daylight-lamps.co.uk/lam...daylight-ultra-slim-magnifying-lamp-xr-d22080

 

[scotjimland]

Thanks Philip

I'm torn also.. won't use it a lot but want good quality..finding it hard to justify paying the premium.. but hate compromising ..

none of these have a base.. but that's not a problem.. what do you think ?

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/bench-magnifiers/8087055/

http://www.connevans.co.uk/product/1223/MX700015/Illuminated-desk-mounting-magnifying-glass

http://www.magnifyingglasses.co.uk/acatalog/Magnifier_Lamps.html (seventh down)

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[JeanLuc]

Not easy to assess quality from the pictures is it? From experience in using mine, I would suggest the largest sensible lens you can get. Mine is 5" diameter and I would net want to use anything smaller for general craft work or fiddly DIY nuts and bolts etc.

 

[tonyidle]

I use one of these in the workshop:

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It's a bit dated now as it uses a circular fluorescent as the light source. The lens is glass as is the extra clip-under lens to increase magnification. As a bonus a beret fits perfectly to keep it clean .

 

[scotjimland]

Not easy to assess quality from the pictures is it?

that's the problem, can't really judge quality.. better to see them in the flesh.. so to speak..

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[Stealaway]

I use one of these in my garage - Broken Link Removed

I think you get what you pay for with these, the major problem is buying the one that stays where you place it and doesn't wander about . This one does a bit but you can tighten the joints to stop the springs pulling it back.

 

[andyman]

Our old bench mounted magnifier broke a joint last year. I went out and bought a cheap one from the range for around £20 as we needed something quick.
Ordered a new inspection quality one as permanant replacement for just over £200 plus vat. Apart from the higher magnification and more substantial build i cant honestly say the dearer one has more clarity than the cheap one.
Maplins were selling a clamp type for £25 suposedly reduce from £40.
If you want top end try Cambridge Optics.

 

[scotjimland]

Ordered a new inspection quality one as permanant replacement for just over £200 plus vat.

thanks.. Cambridge have a good selection..

could you put a link to this model please ?

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[andyman]

Have a look here, the range is huge. This is what i bought.
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