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Recomendation for magnifying head visor for closeup/PE work

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  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Charlotte, NC
Recomendation for magnifying head visor for closeup/PE work
Posted by panzer948 on Monday, October 12, 2015 1:05 PM

So I am nearly done with all my photo etched work for my Revell JU 88A1 model and I have quickly learned that I am in desparate need for somethhing to help my see (both in magnification and a little more light) all those tiny parts. Would like to get something before the next project.  I have to admit, I gave up on some of the PE for the lack of being able to handle them properly for bending/gluing. Do you guys have any recommendations for some kind of loop or magnifying visor that you use? I would prefer some kind of head unit I think....

I saw one in hobby lobby in the jewerly section but was hesitant to invest in something that I wasn't sure would work that great.

Thanks!

On the bench: Revell 1/32nd Junkers JU-88 A1

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Western North Carolina
Posted by Tojo72 on Monday, October 12, 2015 1:13 PM
I got no recommendation as I don't use one yet,but I will say ask your question in the "Tool Section" of the forum.

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Monday, October 12, 2015 1:14 PM

I would recommend one with changeable lenses. The one I have has 4. Mine is a couple of years od, I think this one is the newer version with an LED torch. I find I don't use that, but it could be handy for others.

http://www.dhgate.com/store/product/craftsman-handsfree-headband-head-magnifier/157942870.html

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Monday, October 12, 2015 1:17 PM

I am a complete fan of my Optivisor. I've seen and tried all kinds of cheaper copies from MicroMark, the beading store, etc.

Some folks get cheap dimestore reading glasses and it seems to work ok. But those cost $ 20, so why not try out an Optivisor for $ 50? It will last you a lifetime.

My own person opinion, based on experience, is that it is the best solution. The one made by Donegan.

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    September 2014
Posted by rooster513 on Monday, October 12, 2015 1:38 PM

"My own person opinion, based on experience, is that it is the best solution. The one made by Donegan." GMorrison

Which magnification/focal length would you recommend? I've also been thinking about getting an Optivisor. 

 

-Andy

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Monday, October 12, 2015 1:43 PM

I got a visor from Harbor Freight that cost under $10 and it works just as good as the expensive ones from Hobby Lobby and Micromark. It has flip up lenses. Check it out

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Monday, October 12, 2015 2:05 PM

I agree with PJ. After my move I couldn't find my optivisor (I since have) and just went to HF to pick up something to use untill my old one turned up. Works just fine and actually feels better on the head than my old one.

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Monday, October 12, 2015 2:05 PM

The lenses are #4. Which is 2x.

 The focal distance is 12".

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Monday, October 12, 2015 2:15 PM

And forgot to add that have been using it for several years now and just recently picked one up on sale to have as a spare. 

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    September 2014
Posted by rooster513 on Monday, October 12, 2015 2:25 PM

Plasticjunkie, is this the one from Harbor Freight that you recommend?

http://www.harborfreight.com/magnifier-head-strap-with-lights-38896.html#pr-header-back-to-top-link

 

-Andy

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Monday, October 12, 2015 2:29 PM

rooster513

Plasticjunkie, is this the one from Harbor Freight that you recommend?

http://www.harborfreight.com/magnifier-head-strap-with-lights-38896.html#pr-header-back-to-top-link

 

 

Yep thats  the  one

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    February 2009
Posted by maxdtex on Monday, October 12, 2015 2:33 PM

I have an Optivisor but found one of the lamps with magnifying lens works better. You can adjust it closer to your item, get better light, and don't have the annoying visor on your face.

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ETY1LI?keywords=lamp%20magnifying%20glass&qid=1444678050&ref_=sr_1_41&sr=8-41

  • Member since
    September 2014
Posted by rooster513 on Monday, October 12, 2015 2:35 PM

Thanks plasticjunkie & GMorrison! Panzer, sorry for hijacking your post there but hopefully it helps you out tooBig Smile

-Andy

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Charlotte, NC
Posted by panzer948 on Monday, October 12, 2015 2:58 PM

rooster513

Thanks plasticjunkie & GMorrison! Panzer, sorry for hijacking your post there but hopefully it helps you out tooBig Smile

 

NP. That was some great responses in a short amount of time. I like all suggestions and realize some options will always work better for others.  Also a huge range in cost for those items.  Im good with even more ideas :)

On the bench: Revell 1/32nd Junkers JU-88 A1

  • Member since
    June 2014
Posted by BrandonK on Monday, October 12, 2015 3:11 PM

I don't particularly care for the visor so I use a 4x magnified and lighted desk mounted magnifier. I can simply work under it when I need to and turn it out of the way when I don't. I picked mine up at Staples, but you can get these just about anywhere.

Basically it looks like this> 

On the bench:

A lot !! And I mean A LOT!!

2024 Kits on deck / in process / completed   

                         14 / 5 / 2  

                              Tongue Tied

  • Member since
    May 2013
  • From: From the Mit, but live in Mason, O high ho
Posted by hogfanfs on Monday, October 12, 2015 4:03 PM

I use a combination of +3 reading glasses, a desk mounted magnifier, and a HF visor for when I don't mind my hair getting messed up. Smile

 Bruce

 

 On the bench:  1/48 Eduard MiG-21MF

                        1/35 Takom Merkava Mk.I

 

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