Sunday, January 4, 2015

Clip-On Rimless Magnifier

A magnifying glass can come in handy when cutting intricate fretwork. I have used a few different magnifiers and never found the perfect setup for me. While I was on vacation last week I visited Workshop Tools in Sevierville TN. They sell a large selection of both quality and not so high quality tools. I found this Clip-On magnifying glass(ML3089L-1.5X) for $10. The quality to the touch seemed better than the price would indicate so I bought a couple just to give them a test.   
I spent a few minutes testing it out on my Excalibur saw tonight and here are my thoughts.

The feature I like best is the rimless lens. I have always been annoyed with the large rims around the lens on most magnifiers.  This lens is decent quality. It gives little distortion and is very clear. It is only a 1.5X magnifier so if you need more look elsewhere. For me the 1.5X is just about right.
The flexible goose neck is strong and holds the lens in place well. It's only 18 inches long so it has to be positioned pretty close the the spot you want to use it. The clip that attaches the magnifier is acceptable but not as strong as I might like. The goose neck screws into the clip so I'll probably end up making some modification and add a stronger clip. This clip works but it could be stronger. Of course if you are cutting larger patterns clipping it to the saw table might not be an option.   
The piece that attaches the lens to the goose neck might be the weakest link of the tool. There is a small screw that goes through the plastic and the lens. I suspect that is the most likely breakage point if you drop the magnifier. 

If you are looking for a magnifying glass for your saw or just general use in the shop this might be a decent choice. Your not spending a large amount of money so don't expect commercial quality here.

I could not find the tool on the Workshop Tools website so I went searching on-line and found it on Amazon. The Amazon price was $5 more than at Workshop Tools but that's still a decent price. Here is the link to the tool on Amazon.

You may be able to call Workshop Tools at the number on their website and order the tool but I did not try that personally.

UPDATE:
Here is a link on Amazon for the same magnifier with 2X magnification. It is listed at $12. I suspect it's the same tool just listed with different specs. That's pretty common on Amazon from different sellers. It's funny but the seller for this one on Amazon is Workshop Tools.

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Three Nights on a Mountain!!!

I admit it. I am a geek. I can live about three minutes without air, three days without water, three weeks without food but three days in a cabin on a mountain without internet is just too much.

We decided to spend a few days down in the Smokey Mountains. Don't get me wrong, we had a great time just relaxing and spending time together.We visited many arts and crafts studios, took and a nice live Christmas show and the girls got their share of shopping.

The problem was that my wireless hot spot on the iPad could not get good enough reception in the cabin. I like to travel but I always want to keep up with the blog and my emails. When I get in a position that I can't do that I get nervous that things will fall apart. They never do but I worry anyway.

To make a long story short, I survived and the blog is still standing. I'm miles behind on my email but that's pretty normal. I'll try to get back on track the next several days and start pumping out some new patterns.

 

The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated. Make A Donation

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=KVD43MBSX969Q
Click book to purchase.
This book is only available in digital format. There will be a link on the final payment page that directs you to the download page. I will also send an automated email with the link to the download page.

If you would like to have all the patterns in the Scrollsaw Workshop catalog you can buy the first six years DVD and the 2013 update DVD at this link. DVD #1 is $20 and contains over 1,100 patterns. The 2013 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 178 patterns.

This is the end of the daily posts. Keep scrolling for lot's more scrolls saw fun!






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Seyco

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Seyco began business in 1986 with the goal to supply the best customer support and quality products in the scroll saw industry. I have worked with Seyco on many occasions and I can tell you they are simply the best. Please do yourself a favor and click the image above. Steve Good

Free Pattern Catalog. 1000's of free patterns.

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Thousands of FREE scroll saw patterns. No registration or signup required.

The projects form these patterns can be sold without restrictions. The patterns cannot be sold.

Click here for the Free Online Catalog.

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Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw Book $12 Each

http://www.stevedgood.com/woodenvases.html
Each digital book is available for download immediately after payment.
The books are $12 per edition and contains eight unique patterns each.
Watch the following video to see how easy these beautiful scroll saw vases
are to make. 

Order the $3 pdf Catalog

This is a PDF of all the patterns in my free catalog. It is for Windows only and has a program to automatically download the pattern to your computer. Please watch the video below before you order. Click the picture to order.
http://www.stevedgood.com/swpd/swpdorderpage.html
You do not need a PayPal account to order. At the bottom of the PayPal page is a button that will allow you to pay with a credit card. After successful payment click the Return to Merchant button for the download.

Stencil Printer 1.7

Stencil Printer Instruction Video.

The Scrollsaw Workshop Stencil Printer 1.7 is my latest software for creating patterns. It will create key chain fobs, desk name plates and more. Click the image above to download the latest version. It is free to use donationware. This software is for Windows PC only.

Scroll Saw Pattern Printer update 1.1

Scroll Saw Pattern Printer update 1.1
Download the Free Scroll Saw Pattern Printer Version 1.1. Create name patterns in seconds. Windows PC only.
Download Version 1.1
Please consider a $5 donation for The Scroll Saw Pattern Printer v1.1.

Scroll Saw Keychain Pattern Maker

Use the Scroll Saw Keychain Maker to start a small keychain business. Build yourself a nice display and make up severl keychains with common names. Sell at craft shows, on Ebay or at work. Everyone needs a keychain. Take custom orders. Heck just make them and give them away as gifts. It's all made easy with the Scroll Saw Keychain Maker. Watch the video demonstration then download the file below and get started with the fun.
The following link will start the download process. After the file download is complete just click the setup file and the program will be installed. Please consider a $5 donation for the program.

Download the Oval Keychain Pattern Maker.

Enjoy designing and printing these great personalized key chains. Give them as gifts, make them for fun or sell them at craft shows. It's easy, just watch the video demo then download and install the program. You will be designing these fun projects in minutes. Windows PC only.
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Please consider a $5 donation for The Oval Key Chain Pattern Maker.

T-Shirts and More.

T-Shirts and More.
Show your love for the hobby and support the Scrollsaw Workshop. Safe and secure order fullfilled by CafePress. Take a look. You are sure to find something you like. CLICK THE IMAGE to visit the store.

The Lifter

Papa's Custom Patterns.

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Philip Lowndes Noah's Arc Pattern Available. Watch the video below.

This video is from Philip Lowndes. He is the designer of this beautiful Noah's Arc puzzle pattern. If you would like the pattern follow the link below.
Buy This Wonderful Heirloom Puzzle Pattern

Think Safety

Remember to keep the safety of yourself and others in your work shop in your thoughts at all times. Always wear eye and ear protection. Follow all the manufactures warnings that came with your power tools. If I demonstrate something on this web site that you don't feel is safe, don't do it. Your safety is your responsibility. Fingers are handy things, try to keep all of them.
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The Scrollsaw Workshop Blog is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts Magazine formerly (Scroll Saw Workshop Magazine) or it's publisher Fox Chapel Publishing.

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