Quote Originally Posted by wizard69 View Post
Marv;

Some great ideas there.

On the issue of old eyes seeing small things, one of the best bits of dumpster diving I've ever done was to take a video projector apart to remove the lens cells in the projector. I ended up with a magnifier that has the optical quality of a high end device (loupe or hand held magnifier) and it cost me nothing but time. No pictures at the moment but your link reminded with the magnified punch.

Unfortunately I'm finding more and more needs for optical aids.
LEDs have established a new level of performance for magnifiers. My goto 10x magnifier is this model with built-in lighting...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077PK49HB/ref=dp_prsubs_2

and, for really small stuff or stuff that's typical to approach with a larger magnifier, this conventional loupe design, which also has built-in lighting, fits the bill perfectly. Worn on a neck chain, it's always to hand...

https://www.amazon.com/Magnification...3130089&sr=8-5

Of course, I also have bigger magnifiers (e.g. visor, lamp with lens) but the two above get the most use.