Question Microscope for regulator service?

[SaltyWombat]

I'm in the market for a microscope for regulator service. I'd look at piston knife edges, etc. There are lots of inexpensive USB microscopes out there. Are they adequate, or should I spend more for a "real" microscope?

For your consideration:

• Amazon USB microscope, 500x magnification, stand, 8 lights. $66.99
• Pluggable USB microscope, 250x magnification, stand, lights. $39.95
• Juision USB endoscope, 1000x magnification, not much of a stand, lights. $24.99
• Scubatools stereo microscope, 10x & 30x magnification, a real microscope. $355.50
• LW Scientific stereo microscope, 10x & 30x magnification, a real microscope. $496.44

 

[axxel57]

I used to work with a 10x & 30x stereo microscope in my professional workshop in the Caribbean.
The magnification was enough and the handling excellent.
Here in Europe I got me one of those cheap USB microscopes, which are uncomfortable to work with, but do their jobs.
I don't service here anymore hundreds of regs a year, so I don't need magnification so often anymore and found a cheap alternative which works for me fine for 'normal' cases.
It is a head band magnifier with a max magnifier of 6x, which is usually strong enough for me.
For anything else I use the USB Magnifier.
Still I hope I can get one day my microscope to my workshop here in Europe.

 

[Johnoly]

Like you mentioned above get the Amazon >> Jiusion 40 - 1000X USB Digital Microscope.
It's just $35 and works with Apple Windows or your phone.
Easy to see and record tiny nicks inside regulators & record them.

 

[BoltSnap]

Like you mentioned above get the Amazon >> Jiusion 40 - 1000X USB Digital Microscope.
It's just $35 and works with Apple Windows or your phone.
Easy to see and record tiny nicks inside regulators & record them.

You have experience with this specific microscope?

 

[rhwestfall]

You have experience with this specific microscope?

I do (actually a variant, the wireless adds flexibility, not always used however):


I have it but I have a different stand:


Works fine for me.

YMMV

 

[Johnoly]

You have experience with this specific microscope?

Yep, Mine works great. There might be updated versions since mine's from 2020.

 

[rhwestfall]

Yep, Mine works great. There might be updated versions since mine's from 2020.

January 2019 purchase for me...

The complete units with a screen are interesting...

 

[Bubblesong]

Digital cameras are magnifiers, and great for photo documentation too. (Coins, jewelry, manufacturing defects)
However, if you need 3D viewing, (for working on the product with tweezers, soldering, gluing, implements, micromanipulators, etc, ) then you need to find a stereo microscope so each eye sees slightly differently and you get your depth perception. In any case, vibration matters so a rock-solid table (well supported granite slab remnant) will save you a lot of aggravation. Best Wishes!

 

[BoltSnap]

you need to find a stereo microscope so each eye sees slightly differently and you get your depth perception.

Are there "stereo microscopes" that connect to the PC to save the video/pics and/or show on a monitor (at a reasonable price)?

 

[Lorenzoid]

@rsingler , any opinion?