Magnification ...?

[HenrikBP]

What do you guys use for magnification to inspect orifice and piston sharp edges for nicks?

The magnifying visors look like a nice option, but only 4-5 x magnification. My regular hand-held magnifying glass doesn't quite cut it either.

Suggestions?

Thanks,

Henrik

 

[Zung]

Eat your heart out Henrik!
There's a lady at my local fleamarket who sells OK-ish loupes for 2 bucks a piece!
You need at the very least a 10x and a 20x.

Edit: she even has an English site!

 

[HenrikBP]

Nice selection there Zung. But in Switzerland I wouldn't expect anything different

I'm thinking that bigger diameter lens will provide a better view and possibly be less sensitive to manufacturing errors.

I'm thinking loupe would be easier to use than a hand-held magnifier?

Henrik

 

[Zung]

You're absolutely right, lens-wise it's the bigger the better, but the bigger is also the more expensive.

It's actually quite challenging to hold a loupe of over 10x steady because of the tiny depth of field. Also the lighting makes a big difference: with the WRONG lighting, you may not see any nicks at all! And taking a pic is the ultimate test of your physical coordinations: I rubberband the loupe to my cell phone and hope for the best.

For those reasons, I thought about buying a USB microscope; however, I don't have any hands on experience with them. Anyone out here?

 

[HenrikBP]

I looked at the USB microscopes. Looks like a good idea - with a few caveats; I have to wonder what kind of quality you get for $30 , and being a Mac user (life's too short for Windoze ) I have to make sure the software will work for me.

I'll probably get this one first though:

BAUSCH & LOMB Folding Pocket Magnifiers - Lab Safety Supply

the 5x - 20x may *just* be enough for my use. The lenses are also decent size, although having to stack 3 of them to get to 20x may cut some of the light and quality.

Henrik

 

[Zung]

Looks good, cost quite a bit more than mines though.
It's good to have these optical thinggies you can quickly grab and look.

OTOH, the electronic devices let you take a pic and do the before/after analysis. The USB microscope might work on a Mac: it's nothing but a Webcam and there's a number of freeware available.

Btw, I tried a Webcam and it works OK if you have the old manual focus one: you can focus down to a few millimeters in front of the lens. OK, but not as good as a loupe and a cellphone; but if you one laying around, it's worth a try.

 

[divad]

Maybe something like this, but better.


http://www.harborfreight.com/media/...ab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_3851.jpgShipping



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Description of Chicago Electric 97448

Desktop magnifying lamp with a 12 watt circular fluorescent bulb that surrounds the lens to provide cool, bright light under the center of the magnifying glass.

180° swivel head held by pivoting arm allows you to place the lamp where you need it most
Large 3-1/2" viewing lens with 3 diopter magnification and a 1" sub lens to provide a 12 diopter magnification
Substantial base sits firmly on any flat surface
Includes a lens dust cover and 60" power cord
Energy efficient 12 watt fluorescent bulb

 

[HenrikBP]

Yeah, the B&L loupe is a bit pricey, and the smaller jewelers loupes can be had for much less. I'm just wondering about my ability to see and focus with those tiny lenses.

The webcam idea is a good one. I have an old cam that I'll give a try.

Dave; nice lamp/loupe, but what's the magnification?

Henrik

 

[divad]

dave; nice lamp/loupe, but what's the magnification?

Henrik

The large lens area is 3 diopter and the small lens is 12 diopter.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

Late reply, but this is what I use, a Russian Belomo 10x loupe:

BelOMO 10x Triplet Loupe Magnifier - Amateur Geologist, Inc

It works well for inspecting the edge on an orifice, etc.... 10x is enough magnification; I'd think that more than that and you'd have trouble holding the loupe and or part you were examining steady enough, and with 10x you can see any imperfections clearly...

I do like the idea of the lamp magnifier however.... I had just assumed they would be really pricey and did not look into them...

Best wishes.