optivisor suggestions

[James Rogers]

 I have more scratches than visibility on my cheap plastic lens visor. Any recommendations on which models of optivisors to get for basic gun work as well as engraving. I am thinking maybe the 4 or 5 and the 10?

[Jim Kibler]

I use a #7 for about everything I use magnification for.  I would like to get the next stronger power and try this out for engraving.  I have a 4 or 5 and don't ever use it.

[billd]

It's neat how you can tell the age of people by their replies.   Jim Kibler said "I use a #7 for about everything I use magnification for."    I also use a #7 and use magnification for most everything.   

Bill

[Dennis Glazener]

When I need magnification I use a #5 but I suspect if I did engraving I would want a #10. Never really needed any magnification until I had my cataracts removed and they gave me close to 20/20 implants. I used to just remove my contacts, was so near sighted I could easily see the finest detail, not anymore!
Dennis

[kutter]

I started out using the #10 lense (3 1/2 power?) for engraving and ended up useing it for everything.

The higher the magnification, the less working room you have between the lense and the work itself .
That may push some to use a less powerful lense.

But being used to the #10 all these years, I don't find it a bother.
It does get your nose pretty close to a mill cutter & lathe chuck though....

[M. Wheland]

I've tried using an optivisor in the past and didn't like it.
I'm nearsighted, so when I really need magnification I work without my glasses.

[smylee grouch]

I go to the drug store and get different power reading glasses, they dont cost that much and I dont have that band around my head.

[Dphariss]

I have more scratches than visibility on my cheap plastic lens visor. Any recommendations on which models of optivisors to get for basic gun work as well as engraving. I am thinking maybe the 4 or 5 and the 10?

I have a 5 and a 10
The 5 works better for most things but I use the 10 a lot too. Longer focus of the 5 works better for engraving.

Dan

[California Kid]

JC, I use a 5 for most work and 7 for engraving. For me at this point the 10 doesn't give enough clearance to the work. Things change though. I also use $1.00 store glasses in various powers, depends on what I'm working on.
 

[flehto]

I've found that the #5 works pretty well w/ my eyes and appreciate the longer focal length. Tried the "dime store" magnifying glasses and w/o any correction, they just enlarge the "blur".Judging  from the previous posts, might just try a # 7....eyes aren't getting any better....Fred

[pathfinder]

It's neat how you can tell the age of people by their replies.   Jim Kibler said "I use a #7 for about everything I use magnification for."    I also use a #7 and use magnification for most everything.   

Bill

You can also tell by how far up the barrel the sight has moved! Figure @ a half inch a year after 55,like rings on a tree!

[bama]

I have a 3, 7, & a 10. I use the 3 for general rifle work like inletting and carving. I use the 7 & 10 for engraving, I use the 10 more than the 7 but I use both. My wife does beading and she uses my 10 a good bit to do that. I don't mind the band and I can flip them up out of the way if I don't need them.

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

I tried all the Optivisor lenses in a kit of 4 I think.... didn't like them

Now here is a solution I roundly recommend...... Talk to your dentist or MD friends..ask if they have any old surgical loupes 



Great magnification... usually 2x or 4x   and a light.. old one plug in like mine...new ones have batteries...... They are terrific.. and free or cheap...... new they are $600+++

[Tom Currie]

The higher the magnification the longer it takes to complete a build. All you keep seeing is more things that need to be fixed. 

I use a 5 for engraving.