James River Branch: Tools and Supplies

Tools: Magnification

Being nearsighted, I've had the benefit of not needing magnification; for most of my life I've been able to focus to within inches of my face with no effort. However... age has pretty much done away with that ability, and I've joined the ranks of modelers requiring some sort of magnification.

As it happens, people are highly selective when it comes to vision enhancement, and I can understand why. Some modelers love magnifying goggles ("OptiVisors"); others can't stand them. I fall into the latter category—they feel awkward and clumsy, and they give me a splitting headache. Some love desk magnifiers, which optionally come with built-in lights; others cannot tolerate them. Once again, I fall into the latter category; I can never seem to get my eyes to adjust to them, they're big and bulky, and I can never position them right where I need them.

What do I use? Drugstore reading glasses. It took a year or so to get used to them, but they're far more comfortable on my eyes (and head) than any other form of magnification. Plus, as a bonus, they're really cheap.

Just getting started? Finding just the right magnification product for you might be challenging. They're sold by many sources, from jewelry-making suppliers to lab equipment dealers. If, however, you're happy with reading glasses, then the local CVS has what you need.