Light sources for engraving

[rich pierce]

I tried to revive an old fiber optic unit from the 80’s. I got new bulbs but the fan is shot. I couldn’t wire a flashlight with a book and a dozen YouTube videos.

Suggestions please for a unit for the hobbyist engraver with 2 fiber optic arms?  I’m too old to engrave in the dark, which is what it feels like sometimes.

[Daryl]

Taylor suggests incandescent for checkering. Same for engraving?

[rich pierce]

Taylor suggests incandescent for checkering. Same for engraving?

Mebbe do, would sure be cheaper. This is what I was used to when doing microsurgery.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I have a 100 W incandescent bulb in a flex/extend arm over my vise.  And on the ceiling banks of florescent light.  You cannot have too much light for engraving, though for chequering, it's another story.

[rich pierce]

Thanks, Taylor!

[tallbear]

Rich

I have 4 of these daylight 2tube lights overhead for general light...https://www.amazon.com/BBOUNDER-Reflector-Integrated-Equivalent-Suspension/dp/B0B9W838VC?pd_rd_w=ng83e&content-id=amzn1.sym.528bfdfa-ea96-478b-a7d9-043e650836af&pf_rd_p=528bfdfa-ea96-478b-a7d9-043e650836af&pf_rd_r=PJXZGYV1PJJ5MYYVSJQH&pd_rd_wg=yI33L&pd_rd_r=bc08871d-7e79-486c-bb52-49de51d3b79b&pd_rd_i=B0B9W838VC&ref_=pd_basp_d_rpt_ba_s_2_t&th=1

And then a 100 watt incandescent bulb in a drafting/architect adjustable light which I us as a glancing light focused on the work.

Mitch

[rich pierce]

Thanks Mitch!

[flatsguide]

Rich, what are you using for magnification?
Richard

[kutter]

I've always used florescent lighting for engraving.
'Cool White' bulbs suit me. They might not be what you like. Every one is different.

2 regular double 4ft 'shop' light assemblies above the bench. The back one slighty higher than the one directly over me.
Then a double bulb 18" florescent desk/office type lamp on an articulated arm that I can move all about as I work.

I remember trying incandescent bulbs way back (early 70's) and never liking them. Never went back to them.

I do checkering at the same bench and vise so the florescentlights are used there again.
I see no problem with them for checkering or any other stock/gunsmithing work.

I wear Magnivisor for everything with the highest X lens they have. So I get in close.
I never got in to using microscopes of anything like that though.
Worked well for the last 50+yrs.

Try different things, lots of options available as they say.
I wear sunglasses on a cloudy day, so bright lights are not my comfort zone.
Might be for you!
You'll know it when you try it.

[rich pierce]

Thanks, all, you’re saving me money with your experience and excellent advice.

[flatsguide]

I use these on my optivisors
https://www.riogrande.com/product/quasar-led-lighting-system-for-optivisor/113215GP/?code=113215

[ed lundquist]

Lepro.com has 4' LED fixtures that come with cords so they can be run in series from a single plug. They all have individual pull cords which make it easy to adjust the rooms' light. Inexpensive and bright, I put six in my shop and am real pleased.

[smoke and flames]

The problem with the optiviser mounted light is it reduces shadows as described in the description. That is why you want a directional light to create the shadow of your cut in addition to the overhead lighting  I use the LED fixtures also above my work bench. My magnification is a #10 optiviser usually. for ultra fine animals etc I also use a microscope with an attached LED light ring.

[t.caster]

Rich, I feel your pain! I've been using an led headlamp attached to my opti-visor. Sure helps my old eyes.