Thread: What magnification jewlers loop should I get?

I was looking at some 30x but want to make sure that is enough.

I have one that says its 45x, but I think its about 25-30x and it works really well for almost everything. After I go to a finishing stone I use a 60-100x microscope to check the edge. You probably don't need anything that high, but since I bought it figured I might as well use it.

I have a 20 and a 30x. Both do the job but I probably reach for the 30 more often than not.

I use this one, originally linked by gssixgun. Nice to have the light, inexpensive, and as bad as my eyes are getting, if I can see with it, anyone can.

25mm Chrome Teardrop Jewelers Loupe Illuminated

Regards,
Howard

A good loupe will be very expensive, you can not go wrong with LED scope like this one:
Amazon.com: SE Illuminated Pocket Microscope with White LED Light: Everything Else

gives better results IME

The better the optics the less you need. I use a 10X Belomo and it is all I need for a razor. The higher the magnification the more difficult to use. This loupe has exceptional optics.

Here is the Amazon site that give a good description but I think I got mine on ebay for a lot less.

Amazon.com: Loupe Magnifier - 10x Triplet Folding Loupe Magnifier - High Quality Imported BelOMO Lens (10x21mm with 17mm viewing area): Office Products





Take Care,
Richard

Originally Posted by mainaman

A good loupe will be very expensive, you can not go wrong with LED scope like this one:
Amazon.com: SE Illuminated Pocket Microscope with White LED Light: Everything Else

gives better results IME

I have that exact one. Ive been having problems keeping it steady and getting the edge into the viewing area. Another poster recomended felt and im gonna try that.

Originally Posted by SirStropalot

I use this one, originally linked by gssixgun. Nice to have the light, inexpensive, and as bad as my eyes are getting, if I can see with it, anyone can.

25mm Chrome Teardrop Jewelers Loupe Illuminated

Regards,
Howard

Still use that one everyday, every razor..

It is even cheaper on Amazon now BTW

Also as soon as you buy it you want to order extra batteries, the are cheap online (try that E batteries place) and really stupid expensive at Walmart or Radio Shack honestly you can buy the entire loupe on Amazon for less then you can buy a battery at RS..

I really only use a loupe to check the bevel set, and the bright LEDs really help me see the bevel and the scratches..

I find these to be outstanding, may or may not be 60X but they tell where my edges are at!:


And they are cheap on the 'Bay!
~Richard
PS. I like them because they have a very long eye relief and my eye does not have to be on the eyepiece and they are easy to hold. The folks recommending the other style have used them long enough to like them. If you get one of them..do not get the cheap substitute from Radio Shack or other sources. I have trifocals and that style does not work for me at all.

The ones Geezer linked are pretty good, and they're cheap enough that when that tiny lens gets dirty you can just get a new one rather than messing with cleaning it.

Also, as someone above mentioned, optical quality is far more important than magnification.