The Importance of Good Illumination and Magnification in Model Ship Building
- Updated on:
- Written by Rob Smith
I see lots of requests from beginners for a list of tools and long and short lists supplied that include knives, saws, measuring…well the list is almost endless. Yet the most important item to me and the one most used is also the most forgotten or overlooked. It is adequate illumination and magnification.
Why are illumination and magnification important?
Plenty of light over the work bench is a must. Particularly in a hobby like ship models that sees us focused on very close up fine detail work for hours on end.
Not only does it make it easier to see our work but also reduces eye strain and fatigue which lead to better work and more enjoyment of our hobby.
How to choose effective illumination and magnification devices
I work in a room that is flooded with natural light but the amount of extra detail provided by the extra illumination makes every job so much easier. Likewise, magnification is a must. Particularly when it comes to rigging and other fine or miniature work.
Reading plans, interpreting scale, doing planking, preparing masts, doing rigging and handing tiny parts are all essential tasks that call for effective illumination and magnification. There are many products on the market, in a range of prices, but here’s some pointers to get you considering what might suit your needs.
Devices for illumination and magnification.
There are many different products you can choose to do the job starting with relatively inexpensive headband style magnifiers and lights and moving to more elaborate and expensive fixed units.
Amazon is selling a big range of hands free headband rechargeable LED Head Magnifiers with interchangeable lenses.
Others may prefer a magnifying lam . For example this 52 LED Magnifying lamp with desk clamp provides high brightness with low power consumption.
Rob’s Choice and Advice
Having both my preference is for a fixed unit that offers both illumination and magnification when required. Whatever you decide to purchase however please consider the amount of use it will get and if you go for the headband type consider comfort of wear over long time periods. Please be aware that it will not provide extra illumination over your whole work area all the time This may well mean you will need to purchase a separate desk or overhead light. Rob’s desk illumination and magnification lamp showing specifications. In second photograph you can see how effective the magnification is in allowing the finer detail of this model to be shown.
Key Takeaways
- Good illumination and magnification are crucial for model ship building, improving visibility, reducing eye strain, and enhancing detail work.
- A variety of devices are available, from inexpensive headband magnifiers to more elaborate fixed units with both lighting and magnification.
- Rob Smith, the author, emphasizes the value of testing devices, considering comfort for long periods, and ensuring the chosen solution adequately covers the work area.
Where to purchase your illumination and magnification devices
You will find a large range of devices available online across many stores. If you are able, it’s a good idea to go and test out the device yourself rather than buying sight unseen. This will give you a good idea of the level of comfortable if you are purchasing a headband type of device. Also, it can something be good to experiment with devices wearing your glasses and not wearing your glasses. Where ever you decide to buy be sure to compare your prices, returns policy and time for delivery when you do purchase.
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