neural
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2019
Posts: 114
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Post by neural on Jul 2, 2021 22:23:40 GMT -5
I need some help on this, because honestly it is really causing me some depression issues.
Thanks to some old friends who will remain anonymous (unless they choose), I have an Optivisor headband which has the standard lens. With this, I can see with perfect focus when working at the bench pin, even without wearing my 1.25glasses (fortunately it works either way).
Unfortunately, this also requires me to be a bit close.
This does not work with torches and soldering. I have no clue on where to start with this, as it's not just that I can't stay safely away from the piece yet actually see what I'm working on at all, I really never considered how close I should be in the first place. A decade ago, I didn't have the eye problems I have now, and so I just worked based on what kept my back comfortable while working and leaned in occasionally to get a closer look (zoom, not focus).
Do I need higher magnification lenses for the optivisors? How far should my eyes be from the work piece in general to maintain safety not just to the eyes but to avoid risking inhaling of fumes before extraction can get them?
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Post by Pat on Jul 2, 2021 23:13:32 GMT -5
I think you would benefit from checking out all the Optiviser lenses with and without your regular glasses. Do this while sitting at your workbench, but don’t turn your torch on. Good luck!
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Post by oregon on Jul 2, 2021 23:47:30 GMT -5
Ask your optometrist next time you get an exam for an extra script. I get 'computer vision' glasses which are sorta set at a 2 foot focal distance unlike readers that are closer. I imagine there's some formula for a given focal distance. Take your script and order an inexpensive pair online, I use zenni, but there are plenty of places. Cheap enough that I leave pairs in my car, desk, fishing vest! You may still want the magnifiers on top of that, the optical folks should know all the combos. ymmv.
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Post by rockjunquie on Jul 3, 2021 7:26:15 GMT -5
Just adding that I can vouch for zenni.com. They really do a great job with glasses and prices.
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Brian
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2020
Posts: 1,506
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Post by Brian on Jul 3, 2021 7:27:15 GMT -5
A lot of times those magnifier lenses have a shorter focal distance the higher the magnification. I have a set of loupes and the 2.5x magnifier has about a 4-6 inch focal distance, the 5x is shorter and by the time you get up to the 10x, the subject is only about an inch away. For the Optivisor, it looks like the 1.5x has a focal distance of 20”, the 1.75x has a focal distance of 14”, and it keeps getting closer from there. Rather than higher magnification, you may be able to try a lower magnification to expand that focal distance a little more. The eye doctor should be able to provide a good recommendation for what is possible. Another option is a lighted magnifier. jasoninsd has posted about the one he uses before. I have one that is still packed away from my last move.
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Post by jasoninsd on Jul 3, 2021 7:38:53 GMT -5
A lot of times those magnifier lenses have a shorter focal distance the higher the magnification. I have a set of loupes and the 2.5x magnifier has about a 4-6 inch focal distance, the 5x is shorter and by the time you get up to the 10x, the subject is only about an inch away. For the Optivisor, it looks like the 1.5x has a focal distance of 20”, the 1.75x has a focal distance of 14”, and it keeps getting closer from there. Rather than higher magnification, you may be able to try a lower magnification to expand that focal distance a little more. The eye doctor should be able to provide a good recommendation for what is possible. Another option is a lighted magnifier. jasoninsd has posted about the one he uses before. I have one that is still packed away from my last move. Here's a link to the one I use. I really believe it might be what the OP would/could benefit from using... www.menards.com/main/lighting-ceiling-fans/indoor-lighting/lamps/desk-lamps/patriot-lighting-reg-apollo-integrated-led-magnifier-desk-lamp/tt0034/p-1539153039752.htm
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jul 3, 2021 8:13:47 GMT -5
brian is correct. The higher the magnification, the less focal distance you'll have to work in. I have never heard about any danger to your eyes with a jewelers soldering torch. You're looking at your work and not the flame, plus the flame isn't bright enough to hurt your eyes.
I always have to lean in to see when the solder flows 'cuz my eyesight sucks too. I wait until the flux tells me it's getting close. I don't worry about the fumes much. Some ventilation works for me. I don't want to sound flip, but the small amount of soldering I do can't possibly create enough fumes for me to inhale to worry about it. If I were at the bench all day every day soldering I'd probably be more concerned.
I like the idea of getting glasses for a set focal distance. I may have to do that.
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Post by jasoninsd on Jul 3, 2021 12:00:25 GMT -5
brian is correct. The higher the magnification, the less focal distance you'll have to work in. I have never heard about any danger to your eyes with a jewelers soldering torch. You're looking at your work and not the flame, plus the flame isn't bright enough to hurt your eyes.
I always have to lean in to see when the solder flows 'cuz my eyesight sucks too. I wait until the flux tells me it's getting close. I don't worry about the fumes much. Some ventilation works for me. I don't want to sound flip, but the small amount of soldering I do can't possibly create enough fumes for me to inhale to worry about it. If I were at the bench all day every day soldering I'd probably be more concerned.
I like the idea of getting glasses for a set focal distance. I may have to do that.
She's been inhaling for years and it "never" affected her! (Just teasing Robin! )
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Post by Rockindad on Jul 3, 2021 14:49:15 GMT -5
Most obvious solution is to go see an optometrist. I am as stubborn as they come and should have followed this advice a long time ago. Always had an excuse, some even legitimate. Have been using "cheaters" for years now. I am a very physical person and as such have always been hard on glasses. I had more than a few taped up pairs growing up as I would break them as soon as I got a new pair, was not my parents favorite child. That is why I stuck with the cheaters for so long- have a pair of them stashed everywhere. Reality is that they are a poor substitute if you could really use prescription glasses. It was finally my renewed interest in photography that made me pull the trigger and make an appointment. Constantly fumbling with the cheaters to see what I am doing with the camera got old real fast. oregon hit the nail on the head and he used the exact strategy I plan to.
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jul 3, 2021 21:38:11 GMT -5
brian is correct. The higher the magnification, the less focal distance you'll have to work in. I have never heard about any danger to your eyes with a jewelers soldering torch. You're looking at your work and not the flame, plus the flame isn't bright enough to hurt your eyes.
I always have to lean in to see when the solder flows 'cuz my eyesight sucks too. I wait until the flux tells me it's getting close. I don't worry about the fumes much. Some ventilation works for me. I don't want to sound flip, but the small amount of soldering I do can't possibly create enough fumes for me to inhale to worry about it. If I were at the bench all day every day soldering I'd probably be more concerned.
I like the idea of getting glasses for a set focal distance. I may have to do that.
She's been inhaling for years and it "never" affected her! (Just teasing Robin! )
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Post by Rockoonz on Jul 4, 2021 0:07:51 GMT -5
Yep, I need a prescription for under my welding helmet, I'm guessing about a 3' focal length.
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hummingbirdstones2
fully equipped rock polisher
Vince A., 1958-2023
Member since August 2018
Posts: 1,461
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Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Jul 4, 2021 23:05:33 GMT -5
For cabbing, I've used a cheaper visor (with larger lenses) in combination with lined bifocal readers bought online.
The combination provides different magnification levels just by moving your head - or the workpiece - up or down as needed. I'll flip the visor up for working at longer focal lengths, then back down for the two higher-power magnification options. The visor I have has four interchangeable lenses.
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