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Anyone have any comparatives to offer? There's a few out there, I need to get a good one. I would think three issues to consider impotant: glass optics, lighted, comfort for long useage, Anyone ffer some help?

Integral IPod head phones would be nice too....... Don't laugh - someone will come up with this soon I will bet.

I used the Opti-grab years ago, but had to discontinue it for health reasons...

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"I want to know what kind of pickups Vince Gill uses in his Tele, because if I had those, as good of a player as I am, I'm sure I could make it sound like that.
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What do you mean Don?

I think the opti-grab was put out by Martin... not C.F., but Steve.

Just wondering if there's that much difference between Harbor Freight's under $5 deal, and Stew Mac' s or Rockler's, Garret Wade's, etc.

Terry,
I have one from HF. It works well but it has plastic lenses.
But then again it only cost like $4 or $5.
I've been using the magnifier for about 4 years and the lenses are still clear.

D.L.

I'm a fan of the optivisor and have used one for at least five years (or longer). I got mine from Stew-Mac and frankly cannot get along without it. Working under magnification first of all enables you not only to see what you are doing but will raise the overall level of your work (if it looks good under magnification, it will look flawless under the naked eye).
One tip, cut away the top of the visor behind and above the lenses.....this will let in more light and prevent you from knocking over stuff because of reduced peripheral vision.

Cool. HF is 5 miles away. Can't do too bad with a $5 investment...
Been struggling terribly with the last eye glasses lens prescription. Don't recommend those 2 pair for $69 deals. I paid almost $300 ttl & have been having trouble with reading (I'm going to get a pair of those magnifying reading glasses too!) Thanks guys. I can't wait to see better.
D.L. Good to see you 'round. I haven't noticed you posting too much ....

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Speci ... ifier.html
Wondering how well these work with the Quasar.
Nelson

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Speci ... ml#details
Closeup details.

I have the Garrett Wade one. Works fine, and they're on clearance sale now.
-C

I bought both the Optivisor and Quasar to send off to a luthier friend (who was having a bit of trouble with his sight) as a gift. I assembled them and tried it out.......seemed pretty good with the extra light being quite helpful...........albeit looking totally ridiculous.....
Whatever works!

I find taking my glasses off works best except looking for them after is a real pain!

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A higher purpose for wood.
Rich Smith
Issaquah, WA

I used the harbor freight one 1 time and tossed it. It was uncomfortable. The optivsor at MSC is a god one. the band is padded and like a welders helmet . Very adjustable , good optics and visibility. The focal point is at a very comfortable level.
They now have them with lights thought I suggest a good lamp
john hall

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
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i have three optivisors with various lenses and they are indispensable to me. i couldn't do the work without them.

they have for many years offered a clip on light, but i have always found good task lighting to be better. i also often use a task light with a concentric lens as well.

the selling prices seem to vary quite a bit; i have seen them from $18 up to $38 or so.




























4

Now if you want to be really cool.......................
http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PM ... O=36723231

Seriously, I don't doubt that these are better but perhaps one of our resident optical experts can enlighten.

Thanks
Nelson

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Speci ... ml#details
I sprang for the optivisor with the quasar lighting from StewMac last week.
I must say that it's one of the best tool investments I've made!
I've tried other visors with a single light mounted that really didn't float my boat.
The quasar lighting surrounding the optivisor lens brings light onto the subject from all directions eliminating shadows.
I would highly recommend this setup for anyone doing close work.
Nelson Palen

Those of you that use a loup visor regularly you really should talk with you optometrist about how the eye adjust to various quality of polished lenses. I used the Harbor freight with the interchangeable lenses for about a year and started have bad strain issues. After speaking with my optometrist I found that the cheap visors do not necessarily have good control over the degree of magnification of the lenses and often they will be different from one side of the lens to the other. This means your eyes are focusing at different rates causing strain and possible permanent damage if used for extended periods of time on regular bases. My optometrist recommended the Bausch & Lomb Magna Visor It comes with 3 lenses. I love mine. Very comfortable, high quality lenses. The price is near $50 but worth every penny.

I will most certainly agree that you should consult with an optometrist (or at very least an optician) before purchasing any sort of corrective lens or magnifier that you will be using for a prolonged period of time. You only get one set of eyes and every individual is different so what may be great for one person can cause permanent damage to another person. It's probably better to stay on the safe side when it comes to stuff like this.

http://www.q-lighting.com/Techlite2.htm

The best I have seen. All real leather straps, variable magnifications, built in lighting.
I am biased though as I have a few pairs and love all of them.

Craig L

http://www.handcraftinlay.com

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A little off topic here but since we have some knowledgeable folks:

Us old folks with our bi (tri) focals and Varilux lenses have problems with PC monitors.
I've developed neck strain from constantly tilting the noggin back to see thru the "closeup" portion of the lenses.

I get around this at my day job where I use two monitors for CAD work by putting the main monitor in one of my lower desk drawers.
The other sits directly in front on top of the desk. This forces me to get some neck exercise to eliminate the strain problems.
Having the primary monitor down low lets me see thru the lower higher magnification of my eyeglass lenses without looking like
a wise old man glaring down his nose at some young whippersnapper.

Need to ask my Ophthamologist next time about getting special lenses such that the closeup portion is centered vertically on the lenses?
Wondering if anyone has experienced this.

Comments?
Thanks
Nelson

I think it depends largely where you go and how you get your glasses done. Generally, I'd first ask my optician such a questions. Opticians are the ones who actually make the glasses so I would think they'd be most knowledgeable about what can and can be done in that sense. Or at very least, they'll know what they themselves can or cannot do. Ophthalmologists and optometrists generally work on the medical end of things, take your readings, and give you a prescription for the optician to work with.

Craig and Michael (and Michael) and everyone else giving valuable input:

Great info and much appreciated. I experience recurring Iritis as a result of Ankylosing Spondylitis so have really learned to appreciate my sight.

Some more info on the Optivisor: (Made in Lenexa, KS USA by the way--Donegan Optical Co.)

"The Lens plate consist of two individual magnifying lenses manufactured from a controlled index of refractive crown glass. The lenses are ground and polished to the same precision standards as ophthalmic eyeglass lenses. The lenses are prismatic in accordance with the power and focal length. The purpose of the prismatic lens is to assist both eyes to converge on the object being viewed at a closer than normal distance as necessary for magnification."

Don't know what all this means but sure sounds official.

The "Quasar", model 6010 lighting manufactured by Novacon. LTD, Cortland, OH, lists up to 96 hours continuously on a single set of AA batteries and over 100,000 hour bulb lift expectancy.

Anyone know what "Quasar" means? Just another term for six little LED's?

Thanks
Nelson Palen

Nelson, I wear trifocals, and when I'm at work, I have the same problem you are talking about. What I did was get a pair of bifocals, with the upper part the same as the middle of the trifocals, and the bottom the same as the reading lens in the trifocal. Than means I'm right for looking at my monitor out of the top of the glasses, and then I can drop my eyes and read from a page. I don't find it inconvenient at all, because while I'm in the office, I really don't do much distant viewing, so I don't miss it. The hard part is remembering to change glasses when I leave. One other thing. I got non-glare lenses in the office glasses. Takes the glare right out of a monitor. It's great.

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