[EdD]

Came across this light/magnifier at our machine shop recently

https://www.ocwhite.com/product/green-lite-7-5-round-led-magnifier-esd-safe/

It was really fabulous, bright, great magnification, crystline clear magnifier. I loved it. I got home and foundthe price was ~$700. Yikes.

But, it seemed to me that there was a good possibility that there was a lower cost alternative.

Voila!!

Neatfi XL Bifocals 1,600 Lumens Super LED Magnifier Lamp with Clamp, Large 7 Inches Acrylic Lens, 5 Diopter with 20 Diopter, Hands Free, Dimmable,16W, 84 PCS SMD LED, Adjustable Arm (White) - - Amazon.com

Neatfi XL Bifocals 1,600 Lumens Super LED Magnifier Lamp with Clamp, Large 7 Inches Acrylic Lens, 5 Diopter with 20 Diopter, Hands Free, Dimmable,16W, 84 PCS SMD LED, Adjustable Arm (White) - - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

Cost? $149. Sold.
I am thrilled. Or at least as thrilled as an adult man can be with an illuminated magnifier. It compare very favorably with the high priced one. It is really useful and make examination of guns or whatever much easier.

 

[Tim Hawkins]

The last (second) one pictured is identical to the one I've been using for 25+ years. They are excellent...no complaints here.
Tim H.

 

[lugerholsterrepair]

Most shops carry a good one for $20 "Michaels" is where I bought my last one. They have a regular bulb. I am not fond of the circular neon bulbs in the OP. They can be difficult to find/replace.

 

[EdD]

These are LEDs. VERY white and last for ages.

 

[lugerholsterrepair]

That would be a great improvement over the old ones.

 

[PolishX]

Something happened to me at 45 my arms weren't long enough anymore and I got these things on my face. A nice LED magnifier like that will make the work bench much easier and less mumbling to myself. Thanks for the tip off to amazon I go

 

[4 Scale]

Thanks for your post I'm going to think about that unit.

I bought a used Leica stereo microscope off Ebay a few years back at about $125 for a different project and found it works well for inspecting Lugers. Not as versatile as the rig in your post but more powerful, variable up to 40x. An even cheaper option is a magnifying visor which I also have.

 

[EdD]

As long as we are on the imaging issue, I'd like to share this little thing ...

Amazon.com

$24.

Those are 1/100 inch markings

Also got 2 of these things (at right angles) to move it around.

Amazon.com

I mean, $24?

 

[Edward Tinker]

this is a good posting - I have the visor types and had one of the light magnifier, but also have a non light one.

 

[EdD]

Here is my last toy. Though it really isn't. Some of us have had close encounters with one of these:

Amazon.com

Yes, Virginia, your very own endoscope!!
Why? You may ask. for $12.99 delivered who cares.

Seriously.

You question my assertion that the bore of my AE is mint?
Take this sirrah!!!

You question my assertion that the chamber is similarly virginal!!!

Anyway, you get the idea.

But 13 bucks? BTW it plugs into your phone so it can be used at shows etc etc.