Hobby tools Advice

[RetiredSeabee]

I know that we have some very skilled people here who work with their hands and have collected the tools they find work well.
I need some magnification and better lighting when working small pieces. I am asking for advice on wearable magnification headsets with integral lighting. And a good magnified work lamp. As well as a good lamp for working at a table or desk something that will provide about 3 feet of even light across the surface.

My current work lamp is an old High intensity light. But it lights up the center of the work surface but not good at the outer edges.
I have a small battery powered magnifier lamp. It works well but I find that I have to move it frequently and it limits width of vision.
I have seen headset units that look cumbersome and would limit or obscure peripheral vision.. I am a bit claustrophobic so these won’t work for me.
Lightweight and the ability to flip the lenses up when not needed would be a big help.
Hobbies that I spend time with include. Woodworking small home projects nothing fancy. 3D wooden puzzles, Painting small objects, Building LEGO I am a Star Wars and plant nerd. Bonsai had me hooked for a while, I may get back into it now that I am retired and have time. I have spent time recently installing lighting kits in some LEGO kits. The small led and wiring terminals were a challenge with my current lights and magnifiers.
Any advice and recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

[markiver54]

I have found that very bright overhead lighting works pretty well for me. In my small wood shop, I have a combination of bright fluorescent fixtures up high, and I also have spots/floods positioned in such a way that I limit the shadows on whatever I'm working on. I have found shadows to be my biggest obstacle, usually created by my own hands or body.

[RetiredSeabee]

Thanks and when working in my garage shop my lighting is very good. But not when in the house at tables, desks, or counters.

[Mags]

I use this one.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4DYYQT7?re ... tle_1&th=1

[RetiredSeabee]

I use this one.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4DYYQT7?re ... tle_1&th=1

Thanks I will take a closer look at it, I like the knob controls over pressing buttons.

[rickhem]

The same issues plague me. I wanted to get one of those illuminated magnifying things that clamp to your bench, but couldn't find one I liked. The machinist where I worked a long time ago had one, and he used it frequently. I'm there too now, so need good light and stronger glasses.

I tried using a YOCTOSUN Head Mount Magnifier that I bought from Amazon. It was $15, but I've only used it a few times, and don't like it. I'll try it again eventually, but it'll be a last resort.

For now, I have a halogen desk lamp that I'll bring out when doing fine, detail stuff. I also have stronger glasses for that same application.

I have a few of the Harbour Freight LED overhead lights above my reloading bench, and they serve well there. They're not expensive, and if your work area is stationary, those might work.

[RetiredSeabee]

The same issues plague me.

I tried using a YOCTOSUN Head Mount Magnifier that I bought from Amazon. It was $15, but I've only used it a few times, and don't like it. I'll try it again eventually, but it'll be a last resort.

For now, I have a halogen desk lamp that I'll bring out when doing fine, detail stuff. I also have stronger glasses for that same application.

I have a few of the Harbour Freight LED overhead lights above my reloading bench, and they serve well there. They're not expensive, and if your work area is stationary, those might work.

Thanks for the input. For now I am looking for portable fixtures. I only work in my Garage shop when using power tools. I do need better lighting on my bench. But I also need a better bench
Back when I was working I used a head band type headlight that worked well inside the presses I serviced. I also wore glasses back then but upgraded my eyeballs during cataract surgery. 20/20 right eye 20/25 left now. But need magnification for close small item work.
The head mount magnifier is going to be my pickiest choice. Can't stand discomfort on the nose. I had a very expensive pair of prescription sunglasses once. Rarely wore them because of the weight on my nose.
This is what I am currently using.

IMG_4429.jpeg (3.78 MiB) Viewed 84 times

[Ernie]

I use an Optivisor brand at work and for all my close work in my shop. I use a number 10 lens which I think is about 7x but the focal length is under 8 inches and the lower powers have a longer focal length. They come on a head band that is adjusted with a knob in the back and the tendency is to over tighten the headband which rapidly becomes uncomfortable but over tightening is unnecessary. Loosen the adjustment one click and it is much more comfortable. The lenses can be easily raised out of the way. I like them because of the clarity unlike the cheaper ones I tried and threw away. At work I have a light that is mounted around the lenses and has a battery mounted on the head band. I know you can get them on Amazon and I think the light as well.

[RetiredSeabee]

I use an Optivisor brand at work and for all my close work in my shop. I use a number 10 lens which I think is about 7x but the focal length is under 8 inches and the lower powers have a longer focal length. They come on a head band that is adjusted with a knob in the back and the tendency is to over tighten the headband which rapidly becomes uncomfortable but over tightening is unnecessary. Loosen the adjustment one click and it is much more comfortable. The lenses can be easily raised out of the way. I like them because of the clarity unlike the cheaper ones I tried and threw away. At work I have a light that is mounted around the lenses and has a battery mounted on the head band. I know you can get them on Amazon and I think the light as well.

Thanks a bunch I will look them up.