what's the best light source for stereo microscope

[don hicks]

Hi folks;
I'm new to the engraving hobby. I have a Unitron ZSB microscope and am wondering what the opinions of the experienced engravers are regarding the best light sounce for scope work.(Fiber optic,led ring light etc') I'm accumulating the tools that I think I need,being a tool junky the costs are mounting. I'm confident this is going to be an enjoyable hobby
Thanks for the great forum.
Regards,
Don Hicks

ps: What is a tag?

 

[Brian Hochstrat]

Hi Don, I prefer a good old fashion fluorescent ring light, it has adequate lighting and the light is soft and flat(no hot spots). The fiber optic lights I have heard get hot (as in temperature) which is a draw back and I do not like the light the LED's throw out. But preferences vary, so maybe others have better opinions about the fiber or LED lights.

 

[don hicks]

Hi Brian;
Thanks for the input. I'm glad to hear that the fluorescent ring lite should be ok. It appears that the least expensive source could be the best. I'm still waiting for the classic, I expect i'll have it tomorrow or the next day, it hit Canada customs on the 18th. I'll be just like Christmas.
Best regards
Don

 

[Ed Westerly]

Don,

I also use a fluoresent ring light. it does a great job, and the bulb has lasted for seven years now. Knock on wood!

 

[Andrew Biggs]

I use a fluro light as well...............but I used a LED with adjustable brightness control and inbuilt diffuser and that was just fine. In fact the LED is probably slightly more powerful if anything. That is with a 4" gap between scope and work. If you are going to have more distance you will probably need another complimentary light source to boost up the work area a bit.

The other thing to think about is sideways light like a lamp or something. It can help to get even backgrounds as it highlights shadows etc. It doesn't have to be expensive.

Cheers
Andrew

 

[mitch]

hi Don-

i use something like this: http://www.leevalley.com/us/newsletters/SB/2/20/newsletter.htm with the magnifying lens removed. i've tried a fiber optic ring that fit the microscope, but there was two problems with the one i had. first was that by the time i cranked it up bright enough (it was adjustable) it would occasionally make blinding highlights when the metal reflected just right (or wrong). second problem was that it illuminated such a narrow area that working on anything with much curvature was too dark. using a bigger fluorescent "circline" fixture works much better for me.

 

[sam]

This is my setup. The Stocker & Yale fluorescent ring light, I believe, is the best there is. Sadly, the cost is crazy compared to imported versions, but it's brighter. I've had two of them for several years and have yet to replace a bulb. I believe they're worth the price. The OttLite is also fluorescent, and I picked it up at my local art store. I tore it apart and got rid of the stand and arm and attached the head to my workbench just above my vise and put a roll switch on the cord. It provides nice side light as opposed to the ring light that's directly overhead. The latest addition to the mix is the Wolf EcoFlex LED light on a flexible arm. It has adjustable intensity and is a powerful beam of light which is slightly off to the side. I work with all three lights on and often turn off the ring light and use the side lights as there are plenty of times when it easier to see the work or layout that way. The Wolf EcoFlex is especially nice since it can be positioned where I need it, runs cool, and has adjustable intensity.

I've tried LED ring lights and don't hate them, but fluorescent is definitely my preference.

 

[don hicks]

Hi folks
Many thanks for the info, guess I'll be picking up a fluorescent ring lite and see how it works for me. It seems the older we get the more lite we need.
Regards
Don

 

[Andrew Biggs]

It seems the older we get the more lite we need.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh........................yeah

Cheers
Andrew