Optivisor Power?

[Tira]

What power optivisor are you engravers using? I have a scope for detail work and a 5 optivisor for the larger projects, but I'm thinking maybe I'd have more luck with a 7 or 10? Unfortunately, it's the balance of power vs. focal length - I'd love to see well and not be on top of the work. What do you gun guys use? Jewelers? Thanks!

 

[fegarex]

Tira,
I think it is a matter of preference and how good your eyes are. After years of denial, I decided that age was catching up with me and now use a #7. Now... I don't think that means it is a 7X but a number they use. I may be wrong. I have to move in a bit more with a 7 but I like it. Beyond that I use the microscope.

 

[SharpGraver]

Hi Tira
I use a #5 for jewelry work like soldering and such (so I don't burn my nose) for closer work I need a #7 and like Rex, beyond that the Microscope

 

[jimzim75]

The real question is where did I lay it down. I'm still using a #4 for
polishing. The #4 is slightly stronger than my reading glasses.
I use both the reading glasses and a number 5 for setting. I can see
what I'm working on and the bench. I think this pushes up the focal
length to a #7 but still allows more working room. I not sure why.

The bad thing about using a #7 for me, is if a diamond goes flying.
Then it goes into a fuzzy void. My working distance with a seven
has also increased with age. When I was a twenty something
putting a #7 meant I was 2 1/2 inches away from the object.
Now its more like 4 1/2 inches with the same lens
Good luck, I hope you find something comfortable.

 

[KSnyder]

Tira, I use a #10 which is 3x power I think. A # 7 is 2 1/2 x power. I cut hammer & chisel so it works for me.
I got a big ole thick neck so it doesnt bother me working close, at least for now.
Kent

 

[FANCYGUN]

Tira
I have beenusing a number 10 optivisor for years. I do like it for my game scenes and figures especially as I can see the whole thing easier than with a microscope.
Marty

 

[Steve223]

I use a #4 for bigger things and a#7 for smaller stuff butt i am thinking about moveing up to a #10

 

[Peter E]

Tira,
KSnyder is correct that a #7 is a 2.5 power. You can probably find a chart showing the powers and working distances of Optivisors.

I happen to have a #7 and with my eyesight, the focal point is about 4 - 6 inches, which I find I have to lean over too much.

Peter

 

[Sandy]

Tira,
Here is a web site that has optivisors with a reference of the Opti # and the corresponding dioptre number. They also have just the lens if that is all you are looking for. I have 5, 7, and 10. As time goes by my arms have gotten shorter.

http://secure.transtronics.com/Optivisor.html

You have a great day.

Sandy

 

[John B.]

Hi Tira.
Like Sandy, I have a #5, #7 and #10 and they hang on the side of my bench.
I just select the one that suites the job of the moment.
Over the years I have got so used to wearing them that I sometimes forget and answer the door with one pushed up on my head.
Sure get a few strange looks and less repeat salesmen!
Best. John B.

PS. Don't want to do a commercial for Enco.....But they have the lowest price on Optivisors.
Their price for the whole thing is not much higher than others charge for just the replacement lenses.
Then you don't have the pain in the b--t of changing lens plates!

 

[cowboy_silversmith]

Hi Tira~ I use a #4 or 2X exclusively at this time. I am sure as I progress into the finer engraving I will cross over to the higher powers. Eventually maybe a microscope. It's nice to dream....

Best regards,
Greg Pauline

 

[Cody]

I use a #10 for all of my engraveing and just started useing my #7 for carving

Cody

 

[dclevinger]

Tira,
I use a #10 for scrollwork and shading and a 10x loupe for bulino and lettering.

David

 

[JourneymanBuilder]

I am using a #5 for all of my carving and inlets and have moved up to a #10 for the engraving, the only problem I have is the effects of the poor posture that the #10 requires to use it. I am seriously thinking about buying a pair of dental loupes as the power is about the same but the working distance is closer to 12" - 14" , the only drawback on the loupes is they are a bit spendy @ this time (for the good ones).

 

[JJ Roberts]

Tira,
This web site might be of interest to you:
www.ehobbytools.com
1-888-469-0404

I might these folks at a gunshow, and I have their Optivisors which are very light you can barely feel them on your head, and you can exchange the lenses very easily no screws or bolts involved. I use a 5x. Keep up the good work.

Hope this will help.

Yours truly,
JJ Roberts
School of Artistic Engraving
Manassas, VA

 

[monk]

tira, # 5 or # 7 optivisor loupes, or the stereo zoomer for me. i almost never hand engrave anymore without a lens of some type in front of my eyes.

 

[Dave P]

Tira,

I use an Eschenbach premium frame with anywhere from a 1.7X to a 3X lens, depending on what I'm doing. The Eschenbachs are available from Frei and Borel in Oakland, CA. Their website is www.ottofrei.com. These are German made and are like very lightweight eyeglass frames. The lenses snap in and out on an extended clip. I like them because they are so lightweight, and also because there is no tunnelvision like with an optivisor. I use the 3X lenses for close up work that the scope doesn't do well, like engraving the sides of rings, but they can give me a headache if I use them for more than a couple of hours. I use the 2X lens for most of my work, but the 1.7X are great for polishing and other tasks requiring a little more distance (about 16 inches focal length). The stronger the lens, the shorter the focal length, just like the optivisor.

The downside to the Eschenbach's is the cost (around $100 for a frame and lens and $30 for additional lenses) and the fact that you must adjust them correctly or you can get slightly distorted vision. They are similar in design to the much lower priced versions available from many tool suppliers, but they are very different in actual use and IMHO well worth the additional cost. The quality of both the frames and lenses is absolutely outstanding, you get what you pay for. I don't recommend the cheap ones, but the Eschenbachs are really great if you use them all day. Plus they don't look as dorky as an Optivisor.

Dave