Microscopes

[caroleallen]

Well it's that time of year again when I start thinking about magnification. Although I have various types of magnification, I just can't ever see quite well enough to set tiny stones with confidence. I manage, but I'd love to really be able to really see what's going on. My thoughts have been turning to this http://www.suttontools.co.uk/meiji-microscope.html

It's a lot of money, so I don't want to just leap in. Also, does anyone know of anywhere that does it cheaper. I wish I lived near to Brum so I could just go in and try it. It is nearly Christmas though, and I can set it against tax, so I think I could justify it!

[Patstone]

I was going to find out who I bought mine from wasnt I, they did very expensive new ones, also refurb second hand ones that people had upgraded from. So probably a better micro for less. When hubby wakes up I will have a look in my invoices, let you know later today.
Mine wasnt suitable for me, so I sent it back, they took it back without quibble, basically couldnt work with it.

[ps_bond]

Well it's that time of year again when I start thinking about magnification. Although I have various types of magnification, I just can't ever see quite well enough to set tiny stones with confidence. I manage, but I'd love to really be able to really see what's going on. My thoughts have been turning to this http://www.suttontools.co.uk/meiji-microscope.html

It's a lot of money, so I don't want to just leap in. Also, does anyone know of anywhere that does it cheaper. I wish I lived near to Brum so I could just go in and try it. It is nearly Christmas though, and I can set it against tax, so I think I could justify it!

The Meijis are very good, so if you're going to buy new I'd say go for it.

I did spot this on Ebay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stereo-Microscope-NIKON-Stereomikroskop-NIKON-/171163474474 - unlike a lot of what's on there at the moment, this has a boom arm and a focus rack with it; there's a couple of Leicas with no focus rack that are quite cheap. Oddly, a lot of 2nd hand Nikons from China?

[josef1]

http://www.gxoptical.com/html/gxm_stereo_microscopes.html#c2d

I use this one,they have others though you need to look for one with a large working distance ,its good for my useage, I don't set enough to warrant spending on a top spec one yet (but working on it!) If you will be using one lots I would say get a high end one. It also does not have zoom on it so you spend a lot of time focusing and re setting its height but once you set things up its really great to work with. Also do you get the stand for that price ? I think its about another £800 if I remember correctly if not ?

[Patstone]

Hi Carole, I looked at my invoice and it was from Brunel Microscopes, mine was similar to this one. The second hand ones are fine, and if you dont like it or want to return it they are quite happy to do so.

http://www.usedmicroscopes.co.uk/bargains.html

Its worth a look, but they sell new ones too, but it wasnt worthwhile me buying for the amount I would use it.

[Gemsetterchris]

I'd play safe & get the meiji with the led light ring & GRS stand..It's not expensive..just a lot of money.
It's by no means top of the range, but very highly recommended by very many engravers/setters.
Takes a while to get used to & maybe requires a different bench setup (like using an engravers vise)..
Once it becomes second nature to use, you'll wonder how you ever managed without ;)
The other thing is, apart from being tried & tested..it'll be easy to sell on without much loss should you be crazy enough to want to.

[caroleallen]

Thanks for the replies everyone. My OH went a bit of a funny colour when he saw the price, so I'll have to wait to see how Christmas sales go.

[caroleallen]

Well, I've gone and done it before the end of the tax year. I set up my new Meiji today and it took a bit of twiddling before I was happy with the set-up. I'm a bit concerned though about how people manage to do things like burring with a pendant drill whilst also looking through the microscope. I can't get the hand piece to fit in an upright position under the microscope. Will I only be able to use hand tools?

[ps_bond]

When I'm cutting seats under the scope, the work is usually tipped over so that you can access it. This of course moves things out of focus, so you need to either refocus the scope or move the workpiece - which is where the GRS riser rings are particularly useful.

For engraving work, everything's upright and I can use the Airgraver as normal.

[caroleallen]

Thanks Peter. I haven't got a micro block, but I do have a GRS ring holder, so I can tilt that. I can see its going to take a bit of getting used to. Hope I haven't wasted my money.

[Gemsetterchris]

It will take a while to get the hang of & require adjusting how you work.
Quite normal to wonder wether you made a big mistake, but soon enough you'll be liking it.

Sent from my HTC Desire S using Tapatalk 2

[ps_bond]

While I remember - watch the ergonomics. Set your scope up so you are sat comfortably, then move the work - not the other way round. The GRS drop plate is handy for getting a Benchmate in the right place.

You haven't wasted your money, but you'll need to reach that conclusion for yourself :)

[caroleallen]

Ah, is this what you mean http://www.suttontools.co.uk/hand-tools/benchmate-accessories/adjustable-height-plate-for-benchmate.html

That would be very helpful. I can always rely on you guys.

It does seem like a huge investment for the small number of stones that I set but maybe I'll start to set more now that I'm not going cross-eyed!

[ps_bond]

That's the beasty.