Stereo microscope specs

[narrowminded]

@peteski and all, a question that you guys might be able to help with.  If a stereo microscope was to be purchased for miniature electronics work what magnification ranges are appropriate?  Is 40x as a maximum enough?

[peteski]

Yes Mark, 40X magnification should be way more than adequate.  You're talking about those lab zoom stereo-microscopes like the ones sold by AmScope?

I have the AmScope SM series microscope.  The microscope body has 0.7 - 4.5X magnification.  It has 10X eyepieces, so that results in 7 x 45x magnification.  But I did not like the rather close working distance, so I also ordered a 0.5X Barlow lens which doubles the working distance, but halves the magnification.  So its magnification is 3.5 22.5X.  I don't often go to the maximum magnification, and if I ever need more, I just unscrew the Barlow lens and go back to 7 - 45 X magnification at shorter working distance.  Remember though that at the higher magnifications the dept of field is fairly shallow.  When I had some extra dough I also bought 20X eyepieces for 10-90x magnification, but I don't really find those helpful, excepf for viewing some bare computer chips (just as a curiosity).

Don't forget the ring light. My original one was fluorescent, but I upgraded to LEDs. But I had to refocus the LEDs to work at the increased working distance (with the Barlow lens).

I have been also contemplating getting the new 0.7X Barlow lens for when the  working distance without Barlow lens is too short, and with the 0.5X lens is too large.

[narrowminded]

Thanks, @peteski 

[PJPickard]

Peteski,

Can you share exactly which microscope you have? I've used them at work and have wanted to get one for home. I have used the boom style and that would seem to be the best for modelmaking.  The Amscope ones seem to be "fairly" reasonably priced.

Thanks!

[peteski]

Peteski,

Can you share exactly which microscope you have? I've used them at work and have wanted to get one for home. I have used the boom style and that would seem to be the best for modelmaking.  The Amscope ones seem to be "fairly" reasonably priced.

Thanks!

I bought my setup peace-meal, over couple of years, but looking at the current offers, it is very similar to:
https://www.amscope.com/stereo-microscopes/zoom-power/3-5x-90x-trinocular-led-boom-stand-stereo-microscope-5mp-camera-12.html
I also have an ancient Nikon fixed-magnification stereo-microscope and in my eyes, AmScope is as good as the Nikon (plus it is a zoom type, which is a very useful feature).

[PJPickard]

Thanks! I don't need the camera...I can borrow my wife's who has one for her work!

[Big Windy]

The best set of kit is Vision engineering Mantis Elite. It's an expensive cry once microscope. It's I believe the only scope that has no eye piece but a screen like projector. You get plenty of useful area to work and an excellent sitting position. You also get a two dimensional view that you can move your head to see the sides of things (limited) without moving your object. 4x is the recommended infective/lense. It's on my maybe someday list at a price of $2000+ .   

[narrowminded]

I won't be spending the kind of money that the labs spend, especially because this is not something I have experience with, have limited need, and wouldn't know how to spec out the proper details even if I was willing to spend a wad.  The basic magnification window that @peteski was able to answer at least gives me a starting point.  The rest I'll take my best crack at based on anticipated use and will find out for sure with a little experience. 

For my anticipated purposes I think I can get away with a smallish (2 1/8") work height window, figure I'll need decent lighting (LED upper and lower with brightness adjustment), and if I find it's a little awkward to use due to work space constraints or unknown issues originating in my own inexperience, I'll just suffer through those few times a year.  OR... I'll know why I'm about to drop the mother lode on something else.

There are some reasonably priced pieces available from AmScope (>$300) that I feel will serve the purpose for the very few times I suspect such a thing will be useful.  Those anticipated uses include very small electronics work and surface finish on very small machined parts (like gears or Max's valve handwheel ).  The rest of the time it will be available for my lady friend working with her plants and general garden stuff and when the urge hits, to satisfy aimless curiosities that occasionally creep into a wandering mind.   

[narrowminded]

After looking and deliberating, checking manufacturer and specific model descriptions and reviews, getting @peteski 's sage advise, I found this model on sale for $127 so decided to pull the trigger.  For this money I can get my feet wet.  https://www.amscope.com/cordless-led-two-lights-stereo-microscope-20x-40x-1.html

It has a turret objective at 2x and 4x with 10x eyepieces, affording 20x and 40x magnification.  LED upper and lower dimmable lighting.  The lighting is battery powered so can be used absent a power source and comes with a power supply so it can be plugged in for normal use.  It's furnished with 3, AA rechargeable batteries that are kept charged when using the power supply.  It's also compact enough to store away until needed.

It arrived today.  First impression, I am VERY impressed with the build quality, and even more so considering the price.   With some experience I may find some different features I'd like to have but in the meantime it's a big step forward with capabilities I did not have before.  And with my lady friend's interests I'm sure we'll make good use of it. 

[Big Windy]

Are you able to do any soldering or such? Enough room?  The price is quite reasonable.

[narrowminded]

Are you able to do any soldering or such? Enough room?  The price is quite reasonable.

I haven't used it that way yet but I think it will be OK for that, especially working on physically small boards.  The big boards like you might find in a computer or such might need more room to slide the board about without running into the vertical scope supports.  Also, I think it will be as useful for an inspection tool as much as anything, checking the work after the fact.  One concern that struck me about soldering under the lens is if smoke can be an issue getting on the lenses.  Maybe a clear shield can be put in there for soldering?   

Another thing that I think I will try is to make a flat plate fixture that will allow a small board to be positioned and held and with a simple vertical post (1/8"?) to be used as a register to help steady the iron.  Position the board in range, rest the iron against the post, somewhere back from the tip, probably on the barrel above the tip, raise and lower, pivot around the post as needed to position the tip.   Still hand held and positioned but to steady the iron in at least one plane.  Not unlike locking fingers together when detail painting, except we can't hold a hot iron like that.

And final, if you think you can use it for this or anything else, I wouldn't hesitate.  I think the quality and price are both pretty outstanding. 

[peteski]

Mark, it seems that you bought a microscope that is different than mine. Sounds like yours is a more conventional microscope.  Which model did you buy?

On mine the Barlow lens (which is installed under both microscope lenses) is protecting them from smoke or other debris.

[narrowminded]

@peteski, it's this one from the post above.  Yes, more conventional stereo microscope.  I don't think there'd be a problem sticking a piece of glass under there as a protector if I decide to solder under it.  Or maybe just a small fan would do it.   Solder paste and a hot air gun might work, too.  That's something I've never tried but intend to experiment with it.

https://www.amscope.com/cordless-led-two-lights-stereo-microscope-20x-40x-1.html

I just saw the normal price.  I was able to get it just before Xmas on special for $127.  Thought I couldn't pass that up and glad I didn't.

[peteski]

Thanks Mark.  Is the bottom lip of the tube (where the lenses are housed) threaded?  If yes, you should be able to get a standard clear "filter" designed for 35mm camera lenses.

[narrowminded]

Thanks Mark.  Is the bottom lip of the tube (where the lenses are housed) threaded?  If yes, you should be able to get a standard clear "filter" designed for 35mm camera lenses.

It doesn't appear to be threaded but I'm sure something could be fashioned if it's OK to place a glass piece there.  I suspect it is.

One unanticipated use I have already found is inspecting end mills.  Amazing and I won't ever have to guess about a cutter's condition again. 

I've been organizing my shop items for the last several weeks (with more to do), getting things in shape for the tremendous variety of projects I have going. One of those tedious tasks was/ is coming up with a cutter organizing scheme for the crazy number of different tools, drills, reamers, tapered cutters, dovetail cutters, threading cutters, boring bars, etc. that I have accumulated for these projects, many special to a specific piece.  It grew a little at a time but had reached a point that it was out of control enough that it was hindering productivity.  I knew all along that this needed to be done but it had evolved over time and various projects and finally had reached the point where I just had to stop all work and get it done.  This cutter storage and inspection system includes maintaining all cutters in ready to run condition and accessible without rummaging through drawers, boxes, zip-lock bags, etc. and the microscope is proving to be the perfect tool for verifying the tool condition part of the equation, before it's ever a problem.