Has anyone ever used a magnifying lamp?

**sanya** · February 27th, 2012, 10:14 AM

Hey folks,

So, I spend most of my day sitting at a drafting table, and I was wondering if a magnifying lamp (one of those clip on, articulated magnifying glasses) would keep me from hunching over my work and in turn save my back in the long run. And, more than that, if they're easy to use or get used to. I saw a neat one on sale yesterday but it felt a little odd to look through for a moment I tried it, so I thought I'd ask if anyone's used one before picking it up to try out at work.

Thanks and have a great Monday everyone.

**[email protected]** · February 27th, 2012, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by sanya

Hey folks,

So, I spend most of my day sitting at a drafting table, and I was wondering if a magnifying lamp (one of those clip on, articulated magnifying glasses) would keep me from hunching over my work and in turn save my back in the long run.

I suggest using a magnifying lamp for magnifying and lighting, and not so much for saving your back (there is a reason why they are calling magnifying lamps).
You may want to consider a drafting table that allows you to bring your working surface towards your eyes, as opposed to the opposite...

**Stoat** · February 27th, 2012, 12:38 PM

I've used those things. As I recall, they made me crouch over my work more than without. [email protected] (how that rolls trippingly off the tongue) probably has the right idea.

**Wooly ESS** · February 27th, 2012, 01:04 PM

I have used both a magnifying lamp and magnifying lens mounted on a head band. Cataract growth and age related close vision deterioration is my reason for using them. Both work well as they are intended but they do cause you to hunch over your work as has already been noted. I don't think they would be useful in dealing with back problems.

**sanya** · February 28th, 2012, 12:58 AM

@ eezacque@xs4all.nl-- you make a good point! Right now, my desk is as close to square with my face as it can get-- I simply can't get it any higher, and have trouble avoiding curling over my work. Also, I work in detail fine enough that it makes me worry for my eyes as well-- I just want to try to get into some good habits early on if possible.

@ Stoat-- really? They made you curl over more? That's hard to imagine but I'll take your word for it!

@ Wooly ESS-- thanks for your input! Long term eye issues are also a concern to me, which I probably should have mentioned at the outset. Do you think I should at least give it a try, or is it really not worth it?

**sanya** · February 28th, 2012, 12:58 AM

@ eezacque@xs4all.nl-- you make a good point! Right now, my desk is as close to square with my face as it can get-- I simply can't get it any higher, and have trouble avoiding curling over my work. Also, I work in detail fine enough that it makes me worry for my eyes as well-- I just want to try to get into some good habits early on if possible.

@ Stoat-- really? They made you curl over more? That's hard to imagine but I'll take your word for it!

@ Wooly ESS-- thanks for your input! Long term eye issues are also a concern to me, which I probably should have mentioned at the outset. Do you think I should at least give it a try, or is it really not worth it?

**Wooly ESS** · February 28th, 2012, 06:54 PM

By all means, give it a try! Much of my work is fine detail, and the magnifiers help a great deal with this kind of work. If you can make it look good under a magnifier, you KNOW it will look good to the naked eye. This kind of work is dependant on good near vision and the magnifiers are a necessity as one's near vision begins to fade.

These type of magnifiers are not particularily expensive so it doesn't cost much to experiment.

**OldJake666** · February 29th, 2012, 01:59 AM

I wish I had a reverse magnifying lens...

**triggerpigking** · February 29th, 2012, 10:50 AM

I was actually wondering whats the difference between a magnifying lamp and a magnifying glass I think ive used a lamp before but found it a lot easier to use a magnifying glass.