I used to read, then re-read everything he wrote here, and in emails to me and in every case, it was like reading poetry. All the while hearing his voice saying what I was reading which always put a smile in my heart and on my face. He was a dear friend that I didn't call nearly often enough...
Yes it does something else. That wonderful depth of field that caused me to sell my Zeiss and buy one of these, well, that goes away as soon as you put an objective lens on it.
Also, you need an adapter which is basically a spacer to put an objective on it. An objective will screw right into...
I just went through several printers trying to compare the quality and transferability of their toner with acetone. I did this at Office Depot and made photos of sample transfers on a copper practice plate. As soon as I can get time to come up for air I'll post those photos and write a mini...
I have used both Zeiss surgical binoculars and the kind dentists wear where the binocular is mounted literally through the lens of the glasses. This type is made by "Design for Vision" . The latter are a lot lighter and both are expensive.
I like them for doing scroll work while sitting...
You can also just pull the hose off the nib and cut out the section that has the hole and reattach. It'll be a mite shorter but you'll still be able to work while you wait a day or two on a new hose.
I'd say, don't let your current situation and need for an income boost fool you into seeking work too early. I've seen (we all have) folks who commit to engraving a firearm and absolutely ruining it because they have not studied enough, practiced enough to know what they don't know. It will dawn...
I spoke to them about this also and once it is engraved in their opinion, it is an altered firearm and no re-plating or warranty is possible. They simply wash their hands of it.
As someone else pointed out, the rimfire are plated, the big bores, big boys etc are brass.