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AZ Jane 02-15-2013 08:21 AM

Magnifying lamp?
 
I am taking an appliqué class and find I cannot see what I thought I could, LOL. The first class I sat right by the window, the second class I couldn't. Yes, I probably need new glasses. Does anyone have experience with magnifying lamps? What's a good price, what should I be looking for? Can you recommend a type or brand or specific lamp. Thanks, I HATE shopping!!

Chicca 02-15-2013 08:34 AM

My parents bought me a Mighty Bright for Christmas from JoAnns. I really like it for embroidery and sewing. It takes me some time adjusting the bendable arm to the correct distance and it takes my eyes a short time to adjust to the magnifier, but the more I use it the Greater it becomes. I really have no idea about other makes/models. But, I would recommend this one.

feline fanatic 02-15-2013 08:39 AM

I have an Ott floor lamp with a magnifyier on it. Looks like the style I have is no longer made, this is the closest I could find
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002PNRBKC/...SIN=B002PNRBKC

I love it. I also bought really strong magnifyer cheater glasses. I think they are like the 2.5X strength.

Hinterland 02-15-2013 08:42 AM

I have the same problem - can't see. I've used a couple of different magnifiers.

The ones that hang around your neck aren't worth it - they move when you breathe, plus they use whatever light source you're using. Half my problem is poor lighting.

There are floor lamps available, like Ott lamps, with a built in magnifier. Since the magnifier isn't lighted itself, I found these to be pretty useless for me, too. At least they don't move!

My favorite magnifier is a swing arm lamp magnifier. It has a circular bulb under the lens, so there's lots of light and good magnification. It has to attach to a table, however, and since we redid our living room I haven't been able to use it. I think there are stands you can get for these, I just haven't invested. This was also relatively inexpensive - less than $100 at an office supply store.

The one I'm currently using is a floor magnifier lamp, with led lights next to the magnifier. It does a good job, although it could be a bit stronger - the magnification is 1.5 diopters, whatever they may be. Mine was sold through a catalog, and I've seen them in Keepsake Quilting and Nancy's Notions.

If I'm sewing away from home, I just take off my glasses - my near vision is very good without them. So long as I have enough light I can sew.

Hope this helps.

Janet

Momma_K 02-15-2013 09:59 AM

1 Attachment(s)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]395256[/ATTACH]This is as close as I can find to the lamp I use. I wouldn't take anything for it, it's also used for my fine jewelry making. Very high magnifying and I just paid $5.00 for it at a thrift store! This one in the picture I seen it's $68.00...Good luck on finding yours. Oh, this also attaches to the back of a table, the arms swing as well as the head and glass itself! Its wonderful!

mighty 02-15-2013 10:18 AM

I have not used one but am gong to look at them today. Joanns has a 50% off all lighting sale.

Hinterland 02-15-2013 10:25 AM

Momma_K, that's similar to the lamp I have, but I think mine is a little larger.

Janet

BellaBoo 02-15-2013 10:40 AM

I found a great bendable floor lighted magnifying lamp at a stitchery shop. It's lightweight and has LED lights. I put it in front of my sewing machine needle when I'm fmqing and I have to have it to hand stitch binding.

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter 02-15-2013 10:43 AM

My son has very bad eyes and is into model making. He uses the first on on this link and really loves it. It's a desk type, but I think it comes in a floor type.

http://www.officedepot.com/a/browse/...ps/N=5+531472/

Peckish 02-15-2013 11:09 AM

I love the one I have. It's a circular daylight fluorescent bulb with a large magnifying glass in the middle on an adjustable swing arm. I purchased it at an office supply store for about half of what the Ott lamps go for - WITH a coupon! :shock: I think those Otts are extremely overpriced.


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