Cross-eyed modeling

[Bergie]

For the first time ever, gazing at my computer monitor is easier on my eyes than modeling. I just spent the last half hour putting four individual number decals on an HO scale SD70MAC. Needles to say, after crossing my eyes and staring at those little numbers to get them just right, I feel like I just walked out of the optometrist’s office after having my eyes dilated.

Any of you modelers us a magnifine visor? Is so, are they worth it? If the local hobby shop was open, a pair would probably be an easy sell for me right now.

Let me know!

Cross-eyed in Milwaukee,
Erik

[Bergie]

For the first time ever, gazing at my computer monitor is easier on my eyes than modeling. I just spent the last half hour putting four individual number decals on an HO scale SD70MAC. Needles to say, after crossing my eyes and staring at those little numbers to get them just right, I feel like I just walked out of the optometrist’s office after having my eyes dilated.

Any of you modelers us a magnifine visor? Is so, are they worth it? If the local hobby shop was open, a pair would probably be an easy sell for me right now.

Let me know!

Cross-eyed in Milwaukee,
Erik

[BNSFNUT]

I don't use a visor as I find them uncomfortable.
I have a lighted magnifying glass.
I believe it is about 10x power and is on an arm to hold it at the proper place.
I find it easy to use but some people have to get use to it ( I worked with them for years) because some people get head aches.
It makes working with my 50+ eyes.

[BNSFNUT]

I don't use a visor as I find them uncomfortable.
I have a lighted magnifying glass.
I believe it is about 10x power and is on an arm to hold it at the proper place.
I find it easy to use but some people have to get use to it ( I worked with them for years) because some people get head aches.
It makes working with my 50+ eyes.

[Bergie]

Alright, I'm rested, have a belly full of pancakes, and a full pot of coffee. I'm going back in! One front and one rear number board left. Let's hope this goes well... I don't think the local hobby shop opens until noon.

Erik

[Bergie]

Alright, I'm rested, have a belly full of pancakes, and a full pot of coffee. I'm going back in! One front and one rear number board left. Let's hope this goes well... I don't think the local hobby shop opens until noon.

Erik

[Anonymous]

A full pot of coffee? And you're decaling number boards?

Yikes.

Hope that's decaf. ;)

Rob

[Anonymous]

A full pot of coffee? And you're decaling number boards?

Yikes.

Hope that's decaf. ;)

Rob

[Anonymous]

I have at least 4 different magifiers, 5 including my specs, I find I usually do better if I dont use anything, including my specs

[Anonymous]

I have at least 4 different magifiers, 5 including my specs, I find I usually do better if I dont use anything, including my specs

[Anonymous]

You mentioned what I call the "head-band magnifier". I have used them for years and
now I have to use them or I can't see anything. I find them to be great. When i'm working on something tiny or I need to align something small accurately I find them
to be excellent. I have two of them with different magnification levels. One is 8x and
the other is 6x, I think. The magnifying glass is a good idea too, but it can get in the
way.

[Anonymous]

You mentioned what I call the "head-band magnifier". I have used them for years and
now I have to use them or I can't see anything. I find them to be great. When i'm working on something tiny or I need to align something small accurately I find them
to be excellent. I have two of them with different magnification levels. One is 8x and
the other is 6x, I think. The magnifying glass is a good idea too, but it can get in the
way.

[dknelson]

Erik's question reminds me of an advertisement that appeared for years and years in Model Railroader -- I think it was an add for knife blades and it showed a guy scraping a molding seam from a locomotive stack -- and his eyes where completely crossed. You couldn't stand to look at the photo it was so painful but for some reason the advertiser used that photo for years......
Dave Nelson

[dknelson]

Erik's question reminds me of an advertisement that appeared for years and years in Model Railroader -- I think it was an add for knife blades and it showed a guy scraping a molding seam from a locomotive stack -- and his eyes where completely crossed. You couldn't stand to look at the photo it was so painful but for some reason the advertiser used that photo for years......
Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

Aged 49 I have the same problem. But I solved it with 5 inch magnifier with lamp on a moving arm (angle poise). Now all my work is done undrer the lens. Difficult to use at first, but you soon get used to it. Even when I don't actually need the magnifier, I do use the lamp to put lots of light close to the subject. The bulb is 60 watts. I purchased mine at a discount lighting store.

[Anonymous]

Aged 49 I have the same problem. But I solved it with 5 inch magnifier with lamp on a moving arm (angle poise). Now all my work is done undrer the lens. Difficult to use at first, but you soon get used to it. Even when I don't actually need the magnifier, I do use the lamp to put lots of light close to the subject. The bulb is 60 watts. I purchased mine at a discount lighting store.

[DavidH]

Welcome to middle-age! You don't need a calendar to tell you when you've arrived, your eyes will tell you. I use an assortment of reading glasses in combination with an Opti-Visor.

David

[DavidH]

Welcome to middle-age! You don't need a calendar to tell you when you've arrived, your eyes will tell you. I use an assortment of reading glasses in combination with an Opti-Visor.

David

[tomwatkins]

Ah, the joys of getting older. I'm 58, and I've worn bifocals for a really long time. I've found that a lot of light,coming from both ends of the workbench really helps. I use a 150 watt bulb in a accordion fixture mounted above the left side of the bench and an OttLight, daylight corrected flourescent mounted to the other end of the bench. The combination gives me a lot of light with no shadows. The 3X magnifier for the Ottlight also works well for the ridiculously small stuff.

[tomwatkins]

Ah, the joys of getting older. I'm 58, and I've worn bifocals for a really long time. I've found that a lot of light,coming from both ends of the workbench really helps. I use a 150 watt bulb in a accordion fixture mounted above the left side of the bench and an OttLight, daylight corrected flourescent mounted to the other end of the bench. The combination gives me a lot of light with no shadows. The 3X magnifier for the Ottlight also works well for the ridiculously small stuff.