I find that I frequently need to use some type of magnification when 
working on mouthpieces.  Some hands-free system (as opposed to a 
hand-held magnifying glass) seems like a good idea. I've seen 
bench-mount, circular fluorescent types, a smaller halogen-lit version 
(MicroMark), the giant-eyeglass-looking flip-down magnifiers, and I'm 
sure there are more types out there.  I'd welcome any sharing of 
experiences and opinions.

Dan T

Uh, Dan, I have to admit.. my eyes aren't what they used to be either.  I need more light and yes, some magification.  I can't focus as close either.  My eyes have changed a lot in the last few years.
   
  My single focus music reading glasses, which I got just a year ago, are now useless.
   
  I dug around and found one of those lighted magnifying things on the swing arm someone had given me some years ago.  Or was it a freeby with a bunch of Dremel stuff I bought?  I'll have to mount that on the wall behind the workbench this week.
   
  And Steve has been battling this for some years... I know he has jeweler's hood/glasses, extra lighting, etc in his shop.
   
  Where's a good source to shop for this stuff?
   
  Paul

Dan Torosian <dtorosian@...> wrote:
          I find that I frequently need to use some type of magnification when 
working on mouthpieces. Some hands-free system (as opposed to a 
hand-held magnifying glass) seems like a good idea. I've seen 
bench-mount, circular fluorescent types, a smaller halogen-lit version 
(MicroMark), the giant-eyeglass-looking flip-down magnifiers, and I'm 
sure there are more types out there. I'd welcome any sharing of 
experiences and opinions.

Dan T


         


Link to Paul's articles from Main page of "Saxgourmet":
		http://www.saxgourmet.com
Listen to Paul's MP3's and view saxophone photos at:
           http://briefcase.yahoo.com/tenorman1952

Paul Coats is the sole US importer of SAXRAX products from 
http://www.saxrax.com 
For SAXRAX products, email Paul at saxraxus@...
 
---------------------------------
Want to start your own business? Learn how on Yahoo! Small Business.

I use a circular flourescent type from Harbor Freight 
www.harborfreight.com  That often goes on sale for $29.99 (reg price
is $39.99 I believe) and the light is a soft bluish color which is
very helpful for fine detail work.  The arms stay pretty much where
you put them and the magnification is good for this type of work.
Craig

Does anyone else use a jewelers eye loupe?
They're available in a variety of magnifications, and are hands free, once you get the knack of gripping them in your eye socket. 

I think they're fabulous.
They are inexpensive, and available from Lee Valley Tools.
Ross




  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Dan Torosian 
  To: Mouthpiece Work 
  Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 12:51 PM
  Subject: [MouthpieceWork] magnification


  I find that I frequently need to use some type of magnification when 
  working on mouthpieces. Some hands-free system (as opposed to a 
  hand-held magnifying glass) seems like a good idea. I've seen 
  bench-mount, circular fluorescent types, a smaller halogen-lit version 
  (MicroMark), the giant-eyeglass-looking flip-down magnifiers, and I'm 
  sure there are more types out there. I'd welcome any sharing of 
  experiences and opinions.

  Dan T


   

Having Mac Degen, somewhat slowed down by taking an AREDS formulation  daily, 
I have increasing sight failure, so our kids Chr. presents to me included  a 
ZELCO Lumifier FLX, a lighted "flex-neck" desk-top mag., and a pocket  size 
lighted mag.[about 1" x 3"] Pocket Magnifier w. LED, very handy, helps  
inspecting mp facings etc and clarinet wood and keys/pads. Made in China, have  its 
code if needed.  Don

Presbyopia, what a nuisance.

I find it convenient to slip on some higher strength reading glasses for
close & fine mouthpiece work - the local "Dollar Tree" sells 'em for a buck
a pair.

If one eye is weaker than the other (in my case, the left eye), it's
possible to buy 2 pairs of glasses, and swap lenses as needed. If one's Rx
is, for example 200 on the R and 225 on the L, as long as one bumps up lens
power by the same difference, it works, eg 225/250, 250/275.

Something that looks good are some flip-up magnifiers sold by Micro-Mat,
that can attach to one's regular glasses, but I haven't tried them.

Barry


> Uh, Dan, I have to admit.. my eyes aren't what they used to be either.  I
> need more light and yes, some magification.  I can't focus as close either.
>  My eyes have changed a lot in the last few years.
>
>   My single focus music reading glasses, which I got just a year ago, are
> now useless.
>
>   I dug around and found one of those lighted magnifying things on the
> swing arm someone had given me some years ago.  Or was it a freeby with a
> bunch of Dremel stuff I bought?  I'll have to mount that on the wall behind
> the workbench this week.
>
>   And Steve has been battling this for some years... I know he has
> jeweler's hood/glasses, extra lighting, etc in his shop.
>
>   Where's a good source to shop for this stuff?
>
>   Paul
>
> Dan Torosian <dtorosian@...> wrote:
>           I find that I frequently need to use some type of magnification when
> working on mouthpieces. Some hands-free system (as opposed to a
> hand-held magnifying glass) seems like a good idea. I've seen
> bench-mount, circular fluorescent types, a smaller halogen-lit version
> (MicroMark), the giant-eyeglass-looking flip-down magnifiers, and I'm
> sure there are more types out there. I'd welcome any sharing of
> experiences and opinions.
>
> Dan T
>

I've had extremely poor eyesight all my life. I was born with "pear shaped"
eyeballs (not round) and have always been extremely nearsighted (20/500+)
and everything looks dark to me.
 
Besides the obvious important fashion statement, I wear tinted lenses in my
eyeglasses to improve contrast.
 
I have several different magnification visors, most of which I bought from
Rio Grande Tool. I've also accumulated a couple of surgeon's visors from
physicians. These help a lot. I also have a couple of LED equipped headbands
that direct light in my line of sight. I bought these at Wal-Mart.
 
The most important thing you do is be sure to have PLENTY of light. As we
rebuild the shop following Hurricane Katrina, I have had eight 300w flood
lights installed in the ceiling over the benches in addition to the regular
fixture. The main bench also has 600w of supplemental lighting that can be
directed specifically at the work at hand.
 
This may sound like overkill, but you would be surprised how much difference
proper lighting can make. Remember, too much is always better than not
enough!

  _____  

From: MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com [mailto:MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of Paul C.
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 6:56 PM
To: MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [MouthpieceWork] magnification




Uh, Dan, I have to admit.. my eyes aren't what they used to be either.  I
need more light and yes, some magification.  I can't focus as close either.
My eyes have changed a lot in the last few years.
 
My single focus music reading glasses, which I got just a year ago, are now
useless.
 
I dug around and found one of those lighted magnifying things on the swing
arm someone had given me some years ago.  Or was it a freeby with a bunch of
Dremel stuff I bought?  I'll have to mount that on the wall behind the
workbench this week.
 
And Steve has been battling this for some years... I know he has jeweler's
hood/glasses, extra lighting, etc in his shop.
 
Where's a good source to shop for this stuff?
 
Paul

Dan Torosian <dtorosian@...> wrote:

I find that I frequently need to use some type of magnification when 
working on mouthpieces. Some hands-free system (as opposed to a 
hand-held magnifying glass) seems like a good idea. I've seen 
bench-mount, circular fluorescent types, a smaller halogen-lit version 
(MicroMark), the giant-eyeglass-looking flip-down magnifiers, and I'm 
sure there are more types out there. I'd welcome any sharing of 
experiences and opinions.

Dan T





Link to Paul's articles from Main page of "Saxgourmet":
http://www.saxgourmet.com
Listen to Paul's MP3's and view saxophone photos at:
http://briefcase.yahoo.com/tenorman1952

Paul Coats is the sole US importer of SAXRAX products from 
http://www.saxrax.com 
For SAXRAX products, email Paul at saxraxus@... 


  _____  

Want to start your own business? Learn how on Yahoo!
<http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evtA244/*http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/r-index>
Small Business. 

 

This html message parsed with html2text ---------------------------Thanks for all the info, everyone. I'll check out the magnifiers you guys have
mentioned. For the record, here are the products and sources that you've
recommended:  
  
Harbor Freight Tools, Micro-Mark, Rio Grande Tool, the Zelco Lumifier FLX
(I've even seen this one listed as being available at Walgreen's), jewelers'
loupes from Lee Valley Tools (really inexpensive, like $5 for three!). I also
know that dentists use magnifying eyeglasses (flip up?) in many different
strengths.  
  
I always thought Steve was a bright guy, but apparently it was just that
10,000 watts of lighting in his shop...  
  
Dan  
  
STEVE GOODSON wrote:

> **_I've had extremely poor eyesight all my life. I was born with "pear
> shaped" eyeballs (not round) and have always been extremely nearsighted
> (20/500+) and everything looks dark to me._**
>
> **__**
>
> **_Besides the obvious important fashion statement, I wear tinted lenses in
> my eyeglasses to improve contrast._**
>
> **__**
>
> **_I have several different magnification visors, most of which I bought
> from Rio Grande Tool. I've also accumulated a couple of surgeon's visors
> from physicians. These help a lot. I also have a couple of LED equipped
> headbands that direct light in my line of sight. I bought these at Wal-
> Mart._**
>
> **__**
>
> **_The most important thing you do is be sure to have PLENTY of light. As we
> rebuild the shop following Hurricane Katrina, I have had eight 300w flood
> lights installed in the ceiling over the benches in addition to the regular
> fixture. The main bench also has 600w of supplemental lighting that can be
> directed specifically at the work at hand._**
>
> **__**
>
> **_This may sound like overkill, but you would be surprised how much
> difference proper lighting can make. Remember, too much is always better
> than not enough!_**
>
>  
>
>
> * * *
>
> **From:** MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com
> [[mailto:MouthpieceW](mailto:MouthpieceW)ork@yahoogroups.com] **On Behalf
> Of** Paul C.  
>  **Sent:** Friday, January 26, 2007 6:56 PM  
>  **To:** MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com  
>  **Subject:** Re: [MouthpieceWork] magnification  
>  
>
>
> Uh, Dan, I have to admit.. my eyes aren't what they used to be either. I
> need more light and yes, some magification. I can't focus as close either.
> My eyes have changed a lot in the last few years.
>
> My single focus music reading glasses, which I got just a year ago, are now
> useless.
>
> I dug around and found one of those lighted magnifying things on the swing
> arm someone had given me some years ago. Or was it a freeby with a bunch of
> Dremel stuff I bought? I'll have to mount that on the wall behind the
> workbench this week.
>
> And Steve has been battling this for some years... I know he has jeweler's
> hood/glasses, extra lighting, etc in his shop.
>
> Where's a good source to shop for this stuff?
>
> Paul  
>  
>  **_Dan Torosian.net>_** wrote:
>

>> I find that I frequently need to use some type of magnification when  
>  working on mouthpieces. Some hands-free system (as opposed to a  
>  hand-held magnifying glass) seems like a good idea. I've seen  
>  bench-mount, circular fluorescent types, a smaller halogen-lit version  
>  (MicroMark), the giant- eyeglass-looking flip-down magnifiers, and I'm  
>  sure there are more types out there. I'd welcome any sharing of  
>  experiences and opinions.  
>  
>  Dan T  
>
>
>  
>  
>  
>  Link to Paul's articles from Main page of "Saxgourmet":  
>  et.com  
>  Listen to Paul's MP3's and view saxophone photos at:  
>  .yahoo.com/tenorman1952  
>  
>  Paul Coats is the sole US importer of SAXRAX products from  
>  .com  
>  For SAXRAX products, email Paul at saxraxus@saxrax.com
>
> * * *
>
> Want to start your own business? Learn how on [Yahoo! Small
> Business.](http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evtA244/*http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/r-index)
>  
>  
>  
>  
>     * * *
>  
>      No virus found in this incoming
>     message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database:
>     268.17.12/653 - Release Date: 1/26/2007 11:11 AM

You have to register at Rio Grand, and they first have to make sure you are "in the jewelry making trade".
   
  I emailed them, told them I don't make jewelry, but repair musical instruments and woodwind mouthpieces.  Told them if they want to do business with me, get me registered.
   
  I have not heard back yet.
   
  Paul

Dan Torosian <dtorosian@...> wrote:
          Thanks for all the info, everyone.  I'll check out the magnifiers you guys have mentioned.  For the record, here are the products and sources that you've recommended:

Harbor Freight Tools, Micro-Mark, Rio Grande Tool, the Zelco Lumifier FLX (I've even seen this one listed as being available at Walgreen's), jewelers' loupes from Lee Valley Tools (really inexpensive, like $5 for three!).  I also know that dentists use magnifying eyeglasses (flip up?) in many different strengths.

I always thought Steve was a bright guy, but apparently it was just that 10,000 watts of lighting in his shop...

Dan

 STEVE GOODSON wrote:       
  I've had extremely poor eyesight all my life. I was born with "pear shaped" eyeballs (not round) and have always been extremely nearsighted (20/500+) and everything looks dark to me.
   
  Besides the obvious important fashion statement, I wear tinted lenses in my eyeglasses to improve contrast.
   
  I have several different magnification visors, most of which I bought from Rio Grande Tool. I've also accumulated a couple of surgeon's visors from physicians. These help a lot. I also have a couple of LED equipped headbands that direct light in my line of sight. I bought these at Wal-Mart.
   
  The most important thing you do is be sure to have PLENTY of light. As we rebuild the shop following Hurricane Katrina, I have had eight 300w flood lights installed in the ceiling over the benches in addition to the regular fixture. The main bench also has 600w of supplemental lighting that can be directed specifically at the work at hand.
   
  This may sound like overkill, but you would be surprised how much difference proper lighting can make. Remember, too much is always better than not enough!

    
---------------------------------
  From: MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com [mailto:MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Paul C.
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 6:56 PM
To: MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [MouthpieceWork] magnification


    
  Uh, Dan, I have to admit.. my eyes aren't what they used to be either.  I need more light and yes, some magification.  I can't focus as close either.  My eyes have changed a lot in the last few years.
   
  My single focus music reading glasses, which I got just a year ago, are now useless.
   
  I dug around and found one of those lighted magnifying things on the swing arm someone had given me some years ago.  Or was it a freeby with a bunch of Dremel stuff I bought?  I'll have to mount that on the wall behind the workbench this week.
   
  And Steve has been battling this for some years... I know he has jeweler's hood/glasses, extra lighting, etc in his shop.
   
  Where's a good source to shop for this stuff?
   
  Paul

Dan Torosian <dtorosian@...> wrote:
      I find that I frequently need to use some type of magnification when 
working on mouthpieces. Some hands-free system (as opposed to a 
hand-held magnifying glass) seems like a good idea. I've seen 
bench-mount, circular fluorescent types, a smaller halogen-lit version 
(MicroMark), the giant-eyeglass-looking flip-down magnifiers, and I'm 
sure there are more types out there. I'd welcome any sharing of 
experiences and opinions.

Dan T





Link to Paul's articles from Main page of "Saxgourmet":
http://www.saxgourmet.com
Listen to Paul's MP3's and view saxophone photos at:
http://briefcase.yahoo.com/tenorman1952

Paul Coats is the sole US importer of SAXRAX products from 
http://www.saxrax.com 
For SAXRAX products, email Paul at saxraxus@...   
  
---------------------------------
  Want to start your own business? Learn how on Yahoo! Small Business. 



---------------------------------
  No virus found in this incoming message.  Checked by AVG Free Edition.  Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.17.12/653 - Release Date: 1/26/2007 11:11 AM    
  

         


Link to Paul's articles from Main page of "Saxgourmet":
		http://www.saxgourmet.com
Listen to Paul's MP3's and view saxophone photos at:
           http://briefcase.yahoo.com/tenorman1952

Paul Coats is the sole US importer of SAXRAX products from 
http://www.saxrax.com 
For SAXRAX products, email Paul at saxraxus@...
 	 
---------------------------------
Looking for earth-friendly autos? 
 Browse Top Cars by "Green Rating" at Yahoo! Autos' Green Center.  

Looks like my old favorite, www.micromark.com, has all we need.  In the search box at the top of the main page enter "magnification".
   
  Also, just fill out the online form and get the free paper catalog.  You will find MANY tools and other gadgets useful for instrument repair and mouthpiece work.
   
  Paul

Dan Torosian <dtorosian@...> wrote:
          Thanks for all the info, everyone.  I'll check out the magnifiers you guys have mentioned.  For the record, here are the products and sources that you've recommended:

Harbor Freight Tools, Micro-Mark, Rio Grande Tool, the Zelco Lumifier FLX (I've even seen this one listed as being available at Walgreen's), jewelers' loupes from Lee Valley Tools (really inexpensive, like $5 for three!).  I also know that dentists use magnifying eyeglasses (flip up?) in many different strengths.

I always thought Steve was a bright guy, but apparently it was just that 10,000 watts of lighting in his shop...

Dan

 STEVE GOODSON wrote:       
  I've had extremely poor eyesight all my life. I was born with "pear shaped" eyeballs (not round) and have always been extremely nearsighted (20/500+) and everything looks dark to me.
   
  Besides the obvious important fashion statement, I wear tinted lenses in my eyeglasses to improve contrast.
   
  I have several different magnification visors, most of which I bought from Rio Grande Tool. I've also accumulated a couple of surgeon's visors from physicians. These help a lot. I also have a couple of LED equipped headbands that direct light in my line of sight. I bought these at Wal-Mart.
   
  The most important thing you do is be sure to have PLENTY of light. As we rebuild the shop following Hurricane Katrina, I have had eight 300w flood lights installed in the ceiling over the benches in addition to the regular fixture. The main bench also has 600w of supplemental lighting that can be directed specifically at the work at hand.
   
  This may sound like overkill, but you would be surprised how much difference proper lighting can make. Remember, too much is always better than not enough!

    
---------------------------------
  From: MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com [mailto:MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Paul C.
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 6:56 PM
To: MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [MouthpieceWork] magnification


    
  Uh, Dan, I have to admit.. my eyes aren't what they used to be either.  I need more light and yes, some magification.  I can't focus as close either.  My eyes have changed a lot in the last few years.
   
  My single focus music reading glasses, which I got just a year ago, are now useless.
   
  I dug around and found one of those lighted magnifying things on the swing arm someone had given me some years ago.  Or was it a freeby with a bunch of Dremel stuff I bought?  I'll have to mount that on the wall behind the workbench this week.
   
  And Steve has been battling this for some years... I know he has jeweler's hood/glasses, extra lighting, etc in his shop.
   
  Where's a good source to shop for this stuff?
   
  Paul

Dan Torosian <dtorosian@...> wrote:
      I find that I frequently need to use some type of magnification when 
working on mouthpieces. Some hands-free system (as opposed to a 
hand-held magnifying glass) seems like a good idea. I've seen 
bench-mount, circular fluorescent types, a smaller halogen-lit version 
(MicroMark), the giant-eyeglass-looking flip-down magnifiers, and I'm 
sure there are more types out there. I'd welcome any sharing of 
experiences and opinions.

Dan T





Link to Paul's articles from Main page of "Saxgourmet":
http://www.saxgourmet.com
Listen to Paul's MP3's and view saxophone photos at:
http://briefcase.yahoo.com/tenorman1952

Paul Coats is the sole US importer of SAXRAX products from 
http://www.saxrax.com 
For SAXRAX products, email Paul at saxraxus@...   
  
---------------------------------
  Want to start your own business? Learn how on Yahoo! Small Business. 



---------------------------------
  No virus found in this incoming message.  Checked by AVG Free Edition.  Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.17.12/653 - Release Date: 1/26/2007 11:11 AM    
  

         


Link to Paul's articles from Main page of "Saxgourmet":
		http://www.saxgourmet.com
Listen to Paul's MP3's and view saxophone photos at:
           http://briefcase.yahoo.com/tenorman1952

Paul Coats is the sole US importer of SAXRAX products from 
http://www.saxrax.com 
For SAXRAX products, email Paul at saxraxus@...
 
---------------------------------
Don't get soaked.  Take a quick peak at the forecast 
 with theYahoo! Search weather shortcut.

I picked up a set of three with different magnifications for $5.00 from a flea market vendor.  You get terrific magnification, although with limited depth of field and the loss of binocular vision.  They have been VERY useful for me.  The magnifying fluorescent light is also nice, but not sufficiently powerful for really fine detail.

Ross Smiith <rfsmith@...> wrote:      Does anyone else use a jewelers eye loupe?
  They're available in a variety of magnifications, and are hands free, once you get the knack of gripping them in your eye socket. 
   
  I think they're fabulous.
  They are inexpensive, and available from Lee Valley Tools.
  Ross
   
   
   
   
    ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Dan Torosian 
  To: Mouthpiece Work 
  Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 12:51 PM
  Subject: [MouthpieceWork] magnification
  

    I find that I frequently need to use some type of magnification when 
working on mouthpieces. Some hands-free system (as opposed to a 
hand-held magnifying glass) seems like a good idea. I've seen 
bench-mount, circular fluorescent types, a smaller halogen-lit version 
(MicroMark), the giant-eyeglass-looking flip-down magnifiers, and I'm 
sure there are more types out there. I'd welcome any sharing of 
experiences and opinions.

Dan T


 


Bill Hausmann

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!
 
---------------------------------
No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go 
with Yahoo! Mail for Mobile. Get started.

I frequently need to use some type of magnification when working on
mouthpieces.  Some hands-free system (as opposed to a hand-held
magnifying glass) seems like a good idea. I've seen bench-mount,
circular fluorescent types, a smaller halogen-lit version (MicroMark),
the giant-eyeglass-looking flip-down magnifiers, and I'm sure there
are more types out there.  I'd welcome any sharing of experiences and
opinions.

Dan T

I only use magnification to measure tip rail thickness.  I use a linen 
tester that is about 6X.  It is a lens mounted in a small stand.  (The 
stand has some scales on it to gauge the weave spacing of linen.)  It 
is tough to find magnification over 3-4X.  I purchased anouther linen 
tester off Ebay advertised to be 10X but it was only about 4X.

The three eye loupes from Lee Valley are 2X 5X and 10X.....($5.50 for a set of three.)

Don't let the price fool you......They are the same  lenses I used to pay $15.00 "each" for, at Efston Scientific. 
Ross



  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Keith Bradbury 
  To: MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Monday, January 29, 2007 7:42 AM
  Subject: [MouthpieceWork] Re: magnification


  I only use magnification to measure tip rail thickness. I use a linen 
  tester that is about 6X. It is a lens mounted in a small stand. (The 
  stand has some scales on it to gauge the weave spacing of linen.) It 
  is tough to find magnification over 3-4X. I purchased anouther linen 
  tester off Ebay advertised to be 10X but it was only about 4X.



   

--- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "Ross Smiith" <rfsmith@...>
wrote:
>
> The three eye loupes from Lee Valley are 2X 5X and 10X.....($5.50 for
a set of three.)
>
> Don't let the price fool you......They are the same  lenses I used to
pay $15.00 "each" for, at Efston Scientific.
> Ross
>
>
>
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Keith Bradbury
>   To: MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com
>   Sent: Monday, January 29, 2007 7:42 AM
>   Subject: [MouthpieceWork] Re: magnification
>
>
>   I only use magnification to measure tip rail thickness. I use a
linen
>   tester that is about 6X. It is a lens mounted in a small stand. (The
>   stand has some scales on it to gauge the weave spacing of linen.) It
>   is tough to find magnification over 3-4X. I purchased anouther linen
>   tester off Ebay advertised to be 10X but it was only about 4X.
>
For  U.K  &  EU members I have found a source of Magnifiers at
www.westfalia.net
These range from watchmakers eyepieces, one with a headband, to an
anglepoise table clamping  5X  illuminated magnifier at £8.99. I have
examined  a friends one and think it is excellent value. The lamp is
tungsten 60W  ES. Perhaps not as good as the circular neon lit
electronics type, but then, they are expensive.

The only advantage in being short-sighted is, that by removing my specs,
I can focus at six  inches ---- then, I can't find my specs.  [:-B]