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[machinist] LED Magnifying Swing Arm Light Passing on a Good Option for Close (lathe) Work.

From: Lawrence London <lfljvenaura@gmail.com>
To: machinist@lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [machinist] LED Magnifying Swing Arm Light Passing on a Good Option for Close (lathe) Work.
Date: Tue, 4 Feb 2014 12:24:29 -0500

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/led-magnifying-swing-arm-light-passing-good-option-close-lathe-work-279562/

dgfoster
Stainless

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Bellingham, WA
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LED Magnifying Swing Arm Light Passing on a Good Option for Close (lathe) Work.

I recently purchased an LED magnifying light that I am mentioning only because it is well-made and convenient. I know this is not a new concept but the execution seems to be a bit better than most I have seen. The arms are fairly robust and there are no exposed springs. There is a plastic cap to flip over the to of the lens when not in use---keeps the crap from collecting on it. The illumination is very bright with 96 LEDs in a ring where a fluorescent tube is usually located and consumes only 6 watts. The unit lifts out of the clamp-on base. It also is very easy to swing out of the way when not needed/wanted.

I like using it a lot on small work as it allows very clear visualization of the work in progress without having your nose in the chuck.

Disadvantages: Cost--86 bucks but considerably better quality than the cheaper lights. The focal length must be about 6." So, if you have a largish chuck or other obstruction you may not be able to get close enough. Also the arm's down-swing is somewhat limited so I had to be a little creative to mount a bracket on my lathe to allow good positioning of the magnifier.

It is, obviously, useful in many tasks besides the lathe. I use the lift-out feature to have other sockets near my vise, on my mill, etc. If I were not so penny-pinching I would buy one or two more lights.

I will provide a link that I used. Not sure if this is the best price on this light or not.

Amazon.com: Ultra-Efficient 90 LED Magnifier Lamp - Adjustable Arm - 5" Lens: Office Products

Sorry if this sounds like a commercial. But if any one of you had stopped by my shop recently, you would have been subjected to the same spiel. I have been in the market for one of these for a while.

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02-04-2014, 11:59 AM #2

kenh
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How does the brightness compare to the standard 22 watt lamp?
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02-04-2014, 12:03 PM #3

Vernon Tuck
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It is hard to argue or reason with a satisfied customer ha ha.
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02-04-2014, 12:16 PM #4

dgfoster
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Originally Posted by kenh

How does the brightness compare to the standard 22 watt lamp?

Hard to give a really good answer to that because I have not had them side by side nor measured lumens. But I think the LED version is a lot brighter. I mean it is BRIGHT.
I also think it is likely to survive a light hit a lot better than a compact fluorescent.
As Vernon says: "It is hard to argue or reason with a satisfied customer ha ha."

Denis

[machinist] LED Magnifying Swing Arm Light Passing on a Good Option for Close (lathe) Work., Lawrence London, 02/04/2014