#affiliate For this week’s
#tooltalktuesday I am talking about my Bench Setter's Microscope (item 271 - 3045) from our friends
@gesswein.jewelry, before I get into it I will say that microscopes are a big investment and for many people in our community it might be an item they have never used, may never use or is a wishlist item. However since I have been fortunate enough to work with one I will say it has made a tremendous difference in my work because quite simply it allows me to see my work and work carefully under magnification. I welcome members of the community that use a microscope to take a moment and leave a comment and share your experiences! I am writing this post today not as a microscope expert but a jeweler who has found tremendous value in working under magnification. Back to this particular scope, it retails with the stand for $1,145 which is a great value. I found setting it up and using it quite easy. It’s helpful to have a stool/chair that adjusts up and down so you can have good posture while also getting the microscope the proper distance from your work area. When I first set this up I started experimenting with hammer setting bezels and using my flex shaft under magnification and it has been incredibly helpful. I have way more control over not accidentally hitting a stone when I can see my work, and I can also see the immediate impact a polisher for example is having on my work surface when I’m seeing it up close. It’s great for examining gemstones and repairs. I also do my engraving practice under a microscope. This scope has a standard 10x magnification, a large work space beneath it and it’s maneuverable, important things to think about if you are in fact in the market for one. Would love to hear other people’s thoughts who regularly use a microscope, I recognize it is an investment but depending on the type of work you do it can be a real game changer or even a necessity. Thank you Gesswein for your support of the page and for allowing me access to this microscope! You can get 5% off your entire purchase every time you shop at Gesswein with code MSS5 and each purchase also supports Metalsmith Society!
#microscope
