Best magnifier to use to inspect wheel bore
- Thread starter jatofau1
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I currently am using a similar type of device for wheel bore inspection. I'm debating a similar question and even thought of an inspection microscope with magnification levels up to 100x. I'd be curious to hear some recommendations regarding a binocular microscope also, if anyone is using or has experience with this type of equipment.
I suggest something like this
You want the bottom light to shine up through the bore, and the top light to inspect hub surface. This has a good field of view depth, but you still need to move the wheel a bit and run up and down the bore to see everything. I find the 20x is more than adequate, and you get a larger zone in focus.
You want the bottom light to shine up through the bore, and the top light to inspect hub surface. This has a good field of view depth, but you still need to move the wheel a bit and run up and down the bore to see everything. I find the 20x is more than adequate, and you get a larger zone in focus.
- Nov 24, 2011
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With all of the pricey things out there that you can buy, I have never used anything more than a simple loope without a light. This doesn't have to be hard.
Not sure about you Chris, but my eyes are needing more help as the years go by. More light is always better, as is greater magnification.
- Nov 24, 2011
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Oh my eyes are getting worse. I believe it's called presbiopia (sp).
I just hate for newer guys to get the idea that thousands of dollars of equipment is needed to do well. A standard loope has served me well and mine is only a 10x. I understand the want for more light and magnification.
I just hate for newer guys to get the idea that thousands of dollars of equipment is needed to do well. A standard loope has served me well and mine is only a 10x. I understand the want for more light and magnification.
Good point! I can certainly appreciate your concern for the newer racers. Use the jewelers loupe until your eyes out grow it.
GX look for an inverted dissection microscope on eBay you might find a good deal. I remember using one for looking at Drosophila fruit flies using one of these a long time ago. A 20X objective with a 10X eyepiece will serve you well.
- Nov 24, 2011
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jatofau1 said:
Sorry, your OP didn't say anything about having trouble, just that you wondered if there's something better. You already have better than me so I can be of no help here.
People have been able to successfully complete with the top Pros without a track of their own; however, its far easier to understand the effects of changes made to a car more quickly with your own track. In turn, the learning process can be accelerated.
Trying to become just a mid-pack contender, I struggle with identifying problems with the different cars I build. A microscope (which I now do own one) can certainly validate my polishing technique, both on the wheel bores and axles, much more so than a jeweler's loupe can. A seasoned builder may not need one after the process is learned.
In my case, I was burning through parts, not knowing if my axle polishing was as it should be, not knowing if my bore polishing was as it should be, etc. With a microscope, the feedback was instantaneous, with a clear "picture" of possible improvements. Its not right for everyone, but for me, I want to compete at a high level (not mid-pack or scout racing), and a microscope is a tool to help me do so. I need to eliminate every variance possible.
Trying to become just a mid-pack contender, I struggle with identifying problems with the different cars I build. A microscope (which I now do own one) can certainly validate my polishing technique, both on the wheel bores and axles, much more so than a jeweler's loupe can. A seasoned builder may not need one after the process is learned.
In my case, I was burning through parts, not knowing if my axle polishing was as it should be, not knowing if my bore polishing was as it should be, etc. With a microscope, the feedback was instantaneous, with a clear "picture" of possible improvements. Its not right for everyone, but for me, I want to compete at a high level (not mid-pack or scout racing), and a microscope is a tool to help me do so. I need to eliminate every variance possible.
Ha. I dug up my old microscope set at my dad's house from when I was a kid. I was using that for my axles but gave up on that for now because you are always going to find flaws with it and I'm not far enough in the learning process to know whether it matters or not.
The 40x jewelers loupe is what I use for my axles and bores but rather than use the light for the wheel bores, I grab the flashlight off my duty belt, set it on low and medium, and just set the wheel right on top of it while I look through the other end with the loupe. It's easy and cheap to recharge the flashlight. Not so cheap to replace the batteries inside the loupe.
The 40x jewelers loupe is what I use for my axles and bores but rather than use the light for the wheel bores, I grab the flashlight off my duty belt, set it on low and medium, and just set the wheel right on top of it while I look through the other end with the loupe. It's easy and cheap to recharge the flashlight. Not so cheap to replace the batteries inside the loupe.
- Nov 24, 2011
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I just picked up an Ironton headband magnifier from Northern Tool for $10.00. It has 3 different magnification levels and an adjustable LED light. I take one of those mini LED lights that are at the counter at every store and I stand that up on the table so it shines straight up. I can then hold the wheel over that light and view it from top and bottom.
I like it because I can just tilt my head to work away from the magnification. It also adjusts up and down like a welding helmet. Not sure if it magnifies enough for you but for me it seems to show me what I need to see.
My wife even borrowed it for some sewing and now carb work in the garage will be easier too. It looks exactly like this below.
http://www.pjtool.com/magnifier-visor-removable-led.aspx
I like it because I can just tilt my head to work away from the magnification. It also adjusts up and down like a welding helmet. Not sure if it magnifies enough for you but for me it seems to show me what I need to see.
My wife even borrowed it for some sewing and now carb work in the garage will be easier too. It looks exactly like this below.
http://www.pjtool.com/magnifier-visor-removable-led.aspx
Hard to look cool with one of those things on your head while working some pinewood derby toy cars, but I know a guy who wore one all over the MA premises, and then crushed all comers in the race event.
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