I'd like to purchase a magnifier lamp for my workbench but don't really know what to look for when choosing one. I've come across two on Wal-Mart.com (would be perfectly happy to purchase from someone else):

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<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Lite-Source-3-DIOPTER-MAGNIFIER-LAMP-SILVER-CIRCULINE-22W-T5/13429436">http://www.walmart.com/ip/Lite-Source-3 ... 5/13429436</a><!-- m -->

They both feature the same magnification, looks like the same (or close) lens size, but one is $100 more than the other.

Anyone have any good recommendations? Perhaps a model you've used personally? Thanks in advance.

Some people like optivisor style magnifiers that you wear on your head. Others simply go to the drugstore and get reading glasses. I have been happy with a relatively inexpensive magnifier lamp I got at harbor freight.

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In hindsight, it would be useful to have one with a longer arm and that can clamp to the desk (more out of the way) such as this one:

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This is one of those items where the most magnification is not always best. I find 3x more than good enough for HO scale, and any more magnification I would find unnecessary and cumbersome. Really, though, it is a personal preference thing. I suggest going some place that sells a few different styles and magnifications and seeing if you can try it out to find what is most comfortable for you.

O.R.M. ...

You might want to go to an art supply store or a drafting supply store and look at a Luxo. They make several kinds ... one is similar to the ones you have seen with the round mag lens in the middle and a round flourescent, and the other has no magnifier, but has the round flourescent as well as an (up to 100w) incandescent, which gives you something a bit closer to "correct" color. having worked at a drawing board for a living for 30+ years, I like the latter version of the Luxo and have three of them (drawing board at the "Office" office, drawing board at the "Home" office, and on the model railroad workbench (where I use an Optivisor (#5 lens) for "close" work, but I really like the amount and quality of the light. Price is more like the more expensive one you found, but ... I've had my oldest one since I was a sophomore in college, and I graduated in 1973! Luxo makes a quality lamp!

I bought a cheapie version similar to the one in your first link, although it used a regular incandescent bulb. I hardly ever used the magnifier, preferring instead my Optivisor. The "cheap" side of the equation reared its ugly head when the socket in which the ugly head, with its bulb and magnifier, rotated became too sloppy to keep the light in its proper position. I use the light for illumination in my spray booth now, and the magnifier still goes un-used.
The other advantage of the Optivisor for me is that I can move between my different work areas (there are five of them, plus the layout room,which are all well-illuminated) without having to buy a magnifier for each.

Wayne

I bought a $20 lamp with a clamp. The clamp didn't work well (see $20 price tag) so I just drilled a hole in the workbench. I use Feit Electric Daylight cfl's in the train room and a matching one in the magnifier.





Tom

The secret to avoiding eyestrain is full spectrum lighting ie-daylight equivalent. I prefer a magnifier similar to the Optivisor, but more open, used in combination with a full spectrum lights like Ott lights. You want two full spectrum lights mounted on either side of the work to eliminate shadows.

I've had one of those for years and I don't find I use it much. The focussing distance is too critical for general use and the lamp starts to get in the way.

I haven't had a magnifier lamp, but I would agree with David. I prefer to have the magnifier on my head where I can either use it or swing it up out of the way, and use lamps to create a well lighted work area.

Office Depot.... <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.officedepot.com/catalog/search.do;jsessionid=0000CCZaj4rZGhTDXexJLPrvtKA:13ddpq5n2?fkey=null&Ntt=magnifier+lamp">http://www.officedepot.com/catalog/sear ... ifier+lamp</a><!-- m -->
I have the Nautilaus, 3rd one, for $55.
Works great.
dwight77