Magnifiers for detail work

[Sandra]

Hello all,

I need a better way to see extreme detail for my wax carvings by using a magnifier of some sort. I currently have a head-band type that allows different strength lenses up to 3+ but I find it irritating and gives me a headache. I have to keep the strap tight to keep it from slipping off my head and it's awkward. I don't believe it's a well known brand though, but not sure if another one would be any better. Currently I'm just using a large hand-held magnifying glass which works fine but obviously it requires the use of one hand which isn't very handy. I'm considering ordering a table top magnifier which might solve my problems but I think I could actually use something stronger than 3+ magnification. Any suggestions??

[china]

I use a Donegan Optivisor http://www.doneganoptical.com/products/optivisor

[ps_bond]

As a possible partial solution, have you tried wrapping the headband with some fabric? I know some people prefer a wrap of thin cotton on their headband magnifiers.
Won't help with lousy optics, of course (if that's the issue).

I have an Optivisor as well as a cheap one; the cheap one annoys me too much to see any use other than when I put the Optivisor down somewhere daft.

[Dennis]

As you have discovered Sandra, Optivisors and similar are heavy and sweaty, particularly in the summer.

If you decide to go the visor route, I can recommend the Lactona Visor Loupe 4x, which is popular in the dental profession.
It it very much lighter to wear, can be used with your prescription glasses and has a useful working distance.

https://www.dental-directory.co.uk/product/PYL001

I have several now, because as Peter says they are easily mislaid. They are quite pricey, but still under £50. Those in my weekly class who have taken up my suggestion wear them regularly.

They also make 2.5x and 6x, neither of which work for me. Dennis.

[Sandra]

Thanks much for the advice everyone :) I am going to order the Lactona Visor 4x (if they accept my registration request), otherwise will try the Optivisor. Half the battle lately with wax-working is just seeing what I'm doing!

[Dennis]

If you are able to go the Lactona route, please let us know what you think. Dennis

[Sandra]

If you are able to go the Lactona route, please let us know what you think. Dennis

I shall :Y:

[Sandra]

Just to let you know I haven’t heard from the dental business yet so I’m
assuming they didn’t accept my registration request.

But I think I’ve found them elsewhere - are these the same ones? https://www.bfmulholland.com/protective-eyeware-and-glasses-c21/lactona-magnifying-visor-loupe-4x-40755054-each-p11110

[Dennis]

Yes they are the same, Sandra. Hope they'll cough up.
From memory the other company will if you phone them. Dennis.

[Sandra]

Yes they are the same, Sandra. Hope they'll cough up.
From memory the other company will if you phone them. Dennis.

Looks like my order went through but it says the visor is on backorder :(

[Dennis]

The curse of having to buy on line. The manufacturers are in USA, but there are wholesalers other places such as Sweden, which happened to me last time.
Now I have one in each room I'm unlikely to buy any more though. Great for threading needles and reading small street maps. Dennis.

[china]

Some one else who still reads street maps

[Dennis]

The London A-Z is far superior to Google, if you can read it Bob.