NEED EXPERIENCED SUGGESTIONS FOR MAGNIFYING VISOR

Harbor freight has one for 4 bucks. i have tried a friends and plan to get one for myself. 

It even has lights.

http://t.harborfreight.com/mag...th-lights-38896.html

Pete

I have been using the same Optivisor for about 45 years. I don't think they have changed the design in all those years - I gave one to my son this Christmas and other than the dirt it seemed exactly the same.

I use the #5 optical glass lens - more than adequate magnification with a practical focal length (2.5x at 8") but other powers/focal lengths are available. With help from the Optivisor I have built and engraved custom muzzle loading rifles, worked in a screw machine shop, repaired toy trains and dug miniscule steel splinters from my fingers. 

My source for the Optivisor has been Brownells Inc, a gunsmith supply firm located in Montezuma, Iowa; phone is 641-623-4000. A small business offering very personal attention to you and your order with quick shipping as a bonus. The price is about at your stated cap.

dollar tree and 3.75 readers for my close up work.

I bought one of these about a year ago and it's terrific........and cheap.

http://www.ehobbytools.com/contents/en-us/p3956.html

Choice of lenses, illumination, adjustable.....all for a great price. 

-Roger

I have several Optivisors, with differing focal lengths. Reading, repairing, etc.

Love 'em.

Optivisors are outstanding for real close up work; much better than even a very good magnifying lamp. But I don't know about using them for anything other than that kind of work and especially working under a layout. There I imagine you'd be better off with something less specialized - like reading glasses - that won't prevent you from seeing anything that is not at very close range.

Hey guys I really appreciate the comments.  Since I wear glasses I think I'll be getting a visor with interchangable focal lenses.

Walmart for cheap magnifying glasses.

I got 3 pair for $5. and they come in many

different magnifications

OK if you are a careful and meticulous modeler, get a good one, or if you are like me and have spray painted mine, plastered mine, dropped mine . . . go Harbor Freight!   I have a couple of them and they are OK.  As a side bar I seem to keep changing scales as my glasses prescription changes (HO, then O), so now I am doing 1/8th scale 1 1/2in outdoor ride on trains!    Don't need a magnifier for those (and you can use real tools)!  Russ

Check out Donegal Optical. Highly recommended.

http://www.doneganoptical.com/products/optivisor