Microscope in budget?

[RichardNy]

Hi guys, can i use eny microscope for setting stones or need be a jewelry microscope? Can be used one? Some one can help me save some money? Or i really need buy the jewelry microscope?

Thank guys.

[alastairduncan]

How a microscope is marketed does not matter. The features of the microscope and what you want it to do with it do matter. Jewellers have managed very well for a long time without them and done a pretty good job. Having a microscope will not make you a better setter. You will be able to see your mistakes in glorious detail though ;-) Having said that I have recently purchased a budget microscope that I'm very happy with. What is your budget?

[china]

As Alastair said a microscope is a luxury, if you are just starting out, there are many items I would have on my list before a microscope,I do not have one and I set stones regularly

[ps_bond]

If you're setting or engraving professionally they're more or less an essential piece of kit now. But yes, they magnify the mistakes too... Mine is an elderly Nikon that I picked up for a song; it is a stereo zoom microscope with a reasonable range of magnification to which I've added a boom arm, a barlow lens and a ring light. Nothing jewellery specific about it.

TBH, I also use mine for things like splinter removal, counting legs on ticks and microelectronics mods/repairs.

[Dennis]

If you are aiming for pavé setting, then a microscope will be very helpful. However the expense does not stop there, because you will need a means of working within its range.

For everything else, I unreservedly recommend a Lactona 4x magnifying headband (not the 2x], which can be worn with your prescription gasses if necessary. They are very light and you will forget they are on and they will not harm your eyes.

I value Alastairs opinion, but I must disagree on this. Not seeing well enough is often mistaken for lack of skill. Dennis.

[CJ57]

I seem to remember that Richard is young and his eyesight may be a lot better than most of us! I would start with a headband.
Thanks for reminding me about that one Dennis as until I can get to an optician mine is just doing the job

[RichardNy]

How a microscope is marketed does not matter. The features of the microscope and what you want it to do with it do matter. Jewellers have managed very well for a long time without them and done a pretty good job. Having a microscope will not make you a better setter. You will be able to see your mistakes in glorious detail though ;-) Having said that I have recently purchased a budget microscope that I'm very happy with. What is your budget?


Thank for your help, btw im looking to setting between 1mm-2,5 mm stones the smallest.. my budget is around 300$ USD .
This week i bought donegal opt visor but im thinking if a microscope would be better as investment.

[RichardNy]

As Alastair said a microscope is a luxury, if you are just starting out, there are many items I would have on my list before a microscope,I do not have one and I set stones regularly

Hi china thank you for answer. Basically right now im between invest in wax carving and start training or a microscope.

[alastairduncan]

I value Alastairs opinion, but I must disagree on this. Not seeing well enough is often mistaken for lack of skill. Dennis.

I think you've miss understood me Dennis. What I was implying was that many jewellers have used more simple methods of enhancing eyesight than the microscope. To set well you have to use some enhancement whether it is an optivisor or loupe, a combination of both or a microscope.

[RichardNy]

If you are aiming for pavé setting, then a microscope will be very helpful. However the expense does not stop there, because you will need a means of working within its range.

For everything else, I unreservedly recommend a Lactona 4x magnifying headband (not the 2x], which can be worn with your prescription gasses if necessary. They are very light and you will forget they are on and they will not harm your eyes.

I value Alastairs opinion, but I must disagree on this. Not seeing well enough is often mistaken for lack of skill. Dennis.



Hi Denis thank you for ur help, ive bought a 2x donegal headband plus 2.5x loupe so i will have /x and 5x .

[alastairduncan]

Thank for your help, btw im looking to setting between 1mm-2,5 mm stones the smallest.. my budget is around 300$ USD .
This week i bought donegal opt visor but im thinking if a microscope would be better as investment.

The optivisor will still be useful to you even if you have a microscope. For simple settings you may get away with the optivisor but for the smaller stones you will need a greater magnification than you will get with the optivisor. You will need to go the Chinese route these may suit the bill to start off with:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32847074588.html

it comes with a couple of barlow lenses.

This one is cheaper but you will need a 0.5 barlow lens which will give you a greater working distance. 155-165mm

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32846480110.html

You may have to modify the stand(turn it around and screw it to the bench) a little but it should do a great job.

You can add an articulating arm later when you can afford it.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32977134987.html

You will also need to factor in delivery, customs etc.

The model I've recently purchased is this one:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33000718102.html

This is a video review.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZqCsk0kGm8

It comes with a load of stuff which is not essential to the working of the microscope. You can also buy the items individually and build up the microscope to suit.

[josef1]

I love my microscope I can see again with it lol, you need something with a big working distance around 180mm so you can get tools in. I started with something like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Professional-Dissecting-Binocular-Microscope-Magnification/dp/B07HDXXKD7/ref=asc_df_B07HDXXKD7/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310821873791&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13981031487853085669&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046455&hvtargid=pla-698282527325&psc=1 I was ok not the best but for the money it was workable for setting etc. I now have a zoom one it opens up a whole new world to these old eyes .

[CJ57]

Just for information don’t try ordering optivisors from any dental companies. I placed an order for the brand Dennis suggested and it took me about an hour to register and got an email from their sales dept to say
Given the Coronavirus outbreak and the resulting increase in demand for including infection control products and PPE , we regret to inform you that we are currently unable to fill your order. We will make a full refund if you have already paid by credit card. We also ask that you do not re-submit your order because we are not able to process this at this time.

[RichardNy]

Just for information don’t try ordering optivisors from any dental companies. I placed an order for the brand Dennis suggested and it took me about an hour to register and got an email from their sales dept to say
Given the Coronavirus outbreak and the resulting increase in demand for including infection control products and PPE , we regret to inform you that we are currently unable to fill your order. We will make a full refund if you have already paid by credit card. We also ask that you do not re-submit your order because we are not able to process this at this time.


Understand! In my case im in US so i order by Ottofrei.com and already arrive. Thank you for let me know.. i order a x2 lens and for now i can see clearly and perfectly... the detail of 1.5mm stones ... im waiting for a upgrade 1 side loupe who gives more 2.5x so in total i will have x5 .. lets see maybe ill order another lens to upgrade.

[CJ57]

Understand! In my case im in US so i order by Ottofrei.com and already arrive. Thank you for let me know.. i order a x2 lens and for now i can see clearly and perfectly... the detail of 1.5mm stones ... im waiting for a upgrade 1 side loupe who gives more 2.5x so in total i will have x5 .. lets see maybe ill order another lens to upgrade.

This wasn’t really meant for you as it’s a U.K. company but info for anyone here who was considering a purchase during a pandemic.

[RichardNy]

The optivisor will still be useful to you even if you have a microscope. For simple settings you may get away with the optivisor but for the smaller stones you will need a greater magnification than you will get with the optivisor. You will need to go the Chinese route these may suit the bill to start off with:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32847074588.html

it comes with a couple of barlow lenses.

This one is cheaper but you will need a 0.5 barlow lens which will give you a greater working distance. 155-165mm

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32846480110.html

You may have to modify the stand(turn it around and screw it to the bench) a little but it should do a great job.

You can add an articulating arm later when you can afford it.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32977134987.html

You will also need to factor in delivery, customs etc.

The model I've recently purchased is this one:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33000718102.html

This is a video review.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZqCsk0kGm8

It comes with a load of stuff which is not essential to the working of the microscope. You can also buy the items individually and build up the microscope to suit.


Thank for your help man! U help alot!

Searching in ebay i found this one..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/254626235650

What u guys think ? Worth the price??

Description:(Stereo microscope used, Leica GZ4, 10x Eye Piece, .5 Objective Magnifier. Good optics and has the desirable .5 lens for work under the microscope)

And i ask about distance focus from object and he answer this :” aBout 4” to 8” with the .5 adaptor.

Should i try take this one for under 100$? Is a little dirty the cage but i can clean.

Please guide me! Thank you all!

[alastairduncan]

Thank for your help man! U help alot!

Searching in ebay i found this one..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/254626235650

What u guys think ? Worth the price??

The auction hasn't finished yet so you don't know what the final price is.

In addition to this microscope head you will need a stand and a bracket to attach the head to the stand. You will have some more unknown costs.



Description:(Stereo microscope used, Leica GZ4, 10x Eye Piece, .5 Objective Magnifier. Good optics and has the desirable .5 lens for work under the microscope)

And i ask about distance focus from object and he answer this :” aBout 4” to 8” with the .5 adaptor.



100mm/4" is getting a bit tight, this will be the distance at the higher magnification. You may well be using at the higher magnification. With the 0.5 lens this will give you 3.5x to 15x I use around the higher magnification for engraving. I've not used it yet for setting but you may find that does not give you enough room to hold the tools for particular types of setting. If you are using a foredom hammer attachment will this get under the lens?



Should i try take this one for under 100$? Is a little dirty the cage but i can clean.

It is not going to win any prizes for the best looking scope, I suspect that the staining will be more than skin deep but looks aren't everything. There are risks attached to this scope mainly, will it have the required working distance at the higher magnification and it will come with some extra costs that you will have to pay out for a stand and probably bracket if you can find appropriate ones. You need to take this into consideration before bidding.

[RichardNy]

The auction hasn't finished yet so you don't know what the final price is.

In addition to this microscope head you will need a stand and a bracket to attach the head to the stand. You will have some more unknown costs.



100mm/4" is getting a bit tight, this will be the distance at the higher magnification. You may well be using at the higher magnification. With the 0.5 lens this will give you 3.5x to 15x I use around the higher magnification for engraving. I've not used it yet for setting but you may find that does not give you enough room to hold the tools for particular types of setting. If you are using a foredom hammer attachment will this get under the lens?



It is not going to win any prizes for the best looking scope, I suspect that the staining will be more than skin deep but looks aren't everything. There are risks attached to this scope mainly, will it have the required working distance at the higher magnification and it will come with some extra costs that you will have to pay out for a stand and probably bracket if you can find appropriate ones. You need to take this into consideration before bidding.



thank u man.. i give up to buy and i will a bit more to invest in a proper tools... what is the difference between steamer cleaner and ultrasonic?

[Dennis]

A steam cleaner not surprisingly provides a jet of steam and will remove debris including oil and wax, as found in polishing compounds.

An ultrasonic cleaner generally refers to a bath of water, with chemical additives. When switched on it generates vibrations which cause bubbling of the solution (cavitation) to do much the same thing. I'm not sure you need both. Dennis.

[RichardNy]

A steam cleaner not surprisingly provides a jet of steam and will remove debris including oil and wax, as found in polishing compounds.

An ultrasonic cleaner generally refers to a bath of water, with chemical additives. When switched on it generates vibrations which cause bubbling of the solution (cavitation) to do much the same thing. I'm not sure you need both. Dennis.

hi dennis thank u for answer.. i have a steamer one.. so both do the same?

[Karen]

The optivisor will still be useful to you even if you have a microscope. For simple settings you may get away with the optivisor but for the smaller stones you will need a greater magnification than you will get with the optivisor. You will need to go the Chinese route these may suit the bill to start off with:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32847074588.html

it comes with a couple of barlow lenses.

This one is cheaper but you will need a 0.5 barlow lens which will give you a greater working distance. 155-165mm

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32846480110.html

You may have to modify the stand(turn it around and screw it to the bench) a little but it should do a great job.

You can add an articulating arm later when you can afford it.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32977134987.html

You will also need to factor in delivery, customs etc.

The model I've recently purchased is this one:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33000718102.html

This is a video review.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZqCsk0kGm8

It comes with a load of stuff which is not essential to the working of the microscope. You can also buy the items individually and build up the microscope to suit.

Hi Alistair, I am looking at microscopes and I wondered if you are still happy with your Eakins ?

[alastairduncan]

Hi Alistair, I am looking at microscopes and I wondered if you are still happy with your Eakins ?

Hi Karen,

Yes I am happy with the Eakins Microscope although I don't have any experience with other scopes so can't do a comparison. It enables me to do more detailed work that I would not be able to do without it. I used to be able to cope with much more detailed work but my eyes are getting old and are not so responsive as they used to be. I use the scope for hobby projects so its not in use every day and I do not rely on it to earn a living. It has a good working distance with the 0.5 barlow lens approx 150mm where the zoom range is 3.5x to 22.5x I've not found it necessary for anything greater than 22.5x. You may find that more expensive scopes have a greater field of view and a greater depth of field(useful for objects that are curved) Sam Alfano recommends the Leica A60 with the GRS Acrobat stand as it has better depth of field than most scopes but at £2500 its well out of my price range. I've found that the simul focal trinocular is not great. The camera is fine but the prism that is used to view the object is not easily adjustable. I think a better way for video capture of work would be how Beresart does it, with an eakins camera and a digital microscope lens next to his scope( I don't know what scope he uses but I remember seeing his camera but I can't find the clip) and its very effective. You may not be interested in videos in which case you should be able to find scopes in the eakins store on Aliexpress without. You should bear in mind that if you order from China that there may be some customs duty to pay, having said that I didn't pay any extra and it was delivered by DHL.

A clip of Beresart:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ8sNPmlgkX/

[Karen]

Hi Alistair, thanks very much for taking the time for such a helpful reply, I really appreciate it. I am very nervous about ordering anything on Aliexpress so hearing about your experience really helps. I live in France and recently the post have got very tight on customs duty and VAT but I saw that you could pay more and get it from EU so no customs worries (it's the handling fee that makes me mad).

I too have been finding it harder to focus on detailed work and I am hoping that a microscope could help (also can't afford the leica/GRS one unless Father Christmas goes completely mad :-)

Thanks again
Karen
PS also thanks for the Beresart clip - Amazing ring ! and video