Shopsmith Forums

Many many years ago I got two of these optical visors. One I had at home and the other I had at work. They served me well. I know I got them before I started wearing glasses so like I said they held up pretty well until a couple of years ago when the plastic started getting brittle. First one pair then the other cracked in the arms. Being who I am I repaired them as can be seen in this photo:
The other one then broke again and when I went to drill it for a second repair the plastic had become even more brittle and when working with it another fracture happened at the hinge. I had to give up on it and throw it away. Now the last one has broken and I think the effort to attempt a repair will not end well. So I think it is time for me to get a fresh one.

I have no idea how much I paid or where I even got them. Looking on line there seems to be some cheaper ones and some more expensive ones. I'm only going to buy one since everything I now do is at home and while I don't mind spending more I would like to know if I should look at brand names like Donegan or the likes. The other option is to just spend half the amount for a who knows what quality version. Anyone use these and what brand?

The second question is about magnification. I've forgotten most of all the optic things I once learned but I believe that when I use the existing visor it is most in focus at about 8". From that I am concluding the magnification is about 2.5X based on the advertisements, does that sound reasonable? Some provide both numbers while others only the magnification.

Anything else that might aid in my decision?

Ed

Ed, I have one like you pictured. It came with two sets of lenses. It's a bit cumbersome and kind of aggravating trying to keep my head or the object within the range for optimum vision.
I recently purchased this one https://www.amazon.com/Lighted-Headset- ... +led+light
which is lighter and easier to manipulate. And it comes with 5 lenses and two lights.

I think the answer will depend on your eyes. But, the greater the magnification, the closer the focus.

Go to your local drugstore and try on various magnification of cheaters. If the 2.5x pair works for you, then that's the number.

Goofy fun fact: You can wear (look through) more than one pair of cheaters at a time. I think the magnification numbers multiply. Last night, I was looking through three pairs while inspecting the gears on a clock. I'm sure my wife was thankful she wasn't around to witness it.

Gene Howe wrote:Ed, I have one like you pictured. It came with two sets of lenses. It's a bit cumbersome and kind of aggravating trying to keep my head or the object within the range for optimum vision.
I recently purchased this one https://www.amazon.com/Lighted-Headset- ... +led+light
which is lighter and easier to manipulate. And it comes with 5 lenses and two lights.

I purchased one of these and have used it a lot. What a great device. Puts light where you want it and will magnify in many different powers. Nice tip Gene! Thanks!

You are welcome, Dick.