Can anybody tell me please which is the sturdiest floor stand and magnifying light for needlework? I didn't realize until lately how much mickey-mousing I do with these things. I would like a magnifying glass / light that I can see 43 ct mesh with at night, and a floor stand that won't keep collapsing in my lap every time I move. I'm not the gentlest person around, so sturdy would be a great feature too. :) Is there anything out there that won't break down in a week, nor need my mortgage payment to purchase? Thanks,
IMNSHO, the Ott Light is THE best thing around. If you have a Joann's nearby, wait until they have a 40% off sale and that makes the price a bit more palatable. Then wait for the next 40 % off coupon to get the magnifying glass that goes with it. I can easily see 40 ct. silk using this magnifier. Of course, I have two other light sources and THAT is a necessity once you are past 40 years old. Rule of thumb is that at 40 you need two light sources, at 50 you need three and at 60 and above you need 4! I need to add another light source I am afraid -- LOLOL! As for a floor stand, I can't help you there. I sit in a recliner that rest flat on the floor (no legs) so there is no way to get a floor stand underneath the chair. That being said, I MUST second Sheena's recommendation for our own dear Fred's products (
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). Check out the website and see his floor stand. Whether or not it meets your specific requirements, I can GUARANTEE that it will be made of ***the*** best materials ANd of the highest quality craftsmanship. Dear old Fred wouldn't even ***think*** about selling one of us a crappy product. I know where he lives and would go beat the livin' begeezus out of h im if he did :-))))). So would Marjorie, I would assume. Personally, I use a GripIt Legend Sit On It "stand". It works great but you have to be able to sit on the thing. Not the most lady-like maneuver but hey, I'm not a lady so I don't mind. CiaoMeow >^;;^<PAX, Tia Mary >^;;^< (RCTQ Queen of Kitties)Angels can't show their wings on earth but nothing was ever said about their whiskers! Visit my Photo albums at
Can't help on the floor stand, but the lighted magnifiers I like best are Dazor Circlines.
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'll also find them in medical offices, laboratories, and factories, and they just keep right on working. Expensive and worth it.Remember, the greater the magnification, the closer the working distanceand, usually, the greater the edge distortion.http://www.dazor.com/lighted-magnifier.html
If you ever have an opportunity to get in on the dismantling or refurbishing of a medical office, make a beeline for the lighted magnifier on a stand that doctors and dentists often have! They are spectacular! I imagine you could try to purchase one from a medical supplier, but also imagine the cost would be really spectacular, too, because of the quality of the magnifier itself. Even if you get one with the light broken, that is OK since the electric light can be replaced for very little money -- the glass on the stand is what you want!
I'll echo on Dazor magifiers. DM has one because she has macular degeneration and while that has been arrested by treatments she does use the light. I'm not to the point where I really use it much for the magnification but do use a portable OttLite that she purchased to take with us on vacation.
I love the Ott Lite too and wondered a little why a friend bought me another one since I had two already. the lady that said that you need more with age might be right. The least expensive places to buy one from my research are Costco and the home shopping show on tv. There are not regular stock items but do come in . This new one gets less hot and can be recharged which is good for non electric situations. But I don't think my workplace will allow it...HAHA Pioneer VIllage in costume....
Floor stands--- I bought a cheap one at micheals because I had a long term project on my first floor stand. My friend added some carpet to make a foot rest which works for her. I'd try a weighted pillow to stabilize it. I figure the adjustments are a good time to change my eyes' focus.
Magnifiers--- The ott lite magnifiers are not included at the placed I mentioned. I am still working on this issue,,,, Hope this helps Nancy
Wow! Thanks for all the information you guys. This has given me lots to think about. At 53 and far sighted, I need all the magnification I can get! lol My local Michael's had a "Buy the 1st item at 40% off" day about a week ago but I was too lazy after work to drag my butt down there to check them out. Now I'm kicking myself. :)
Thank you everyone. I'm not near a Joannes, but they do sound like a great store to have nearby. I'm just outside of Vancouver, B.C. and we don't have those stores here.
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