How to instantly improve your soldering

[madbean]

I put off getting one of these for a long time, but I received it as a gift for Christmas and I have to say it has proved to be a tremendous help in soldering. I wear glasses for working at the computer and for soldering and the addition of a magnified light has made a huge difference for me. I'm getting better joints with less solder. And, I can actually see what I'm doing a lot better!

There are probably cheaper ones out there, but this is what I have:
https://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-Daylight-Heavy-Duty-Magnifier-VS103B/dp/B00UV41UR2/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1517708913&sr=8-13&keywords=magnifier+with+light

I found that the color temperature on the stock bulb was way too cool for me, so I replaced it with this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009F90J7Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The replacement bulb is much better on my eyes!

(of course, I am not shilling for this equipment)

[somnif]

Dude, get out of my head. I bought one of these just a few hours ago!

Granted, I went for a smaller, cheaper one, but same brand:

https://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-Natural-Daylight-Magnifier-Mounting/dp/B00D5WM8EG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517710924&sr=8-1&keywords=full+spectrum+natural+daylight+effect+magnifier+task+lamp

Can swap between the base or clamp mountings, and is 20$ less. Its 19 inches as opposed to 37 inches, but my work space is tiny and cramped, so I figured it would fit the theme.

[Philtre]

Looks good, but not available in UK. Any similar UK ones?

[pickdropper]

Looks good, but not available in UK. Any similar UK ones?

Search for a magnifier lamp 3x diopter (or some variant of that).  They have a lot of different options.

[Adam_DIY]

I bought this one Phil it's been excellent.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B000B8JNWM/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1517751602&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=magnifying+lamp&dpPl=1&dpID=31dgBTsNQdL&ref=plSrch

[peAk]

I have actually been using visors like this

Carson Optical Pro Series MagniVisor Deluxe Head-Worn LED Lighted Magnifier with 4 Different Lenses (1.5x, 2x, 2.5x, 3x) (CP-60) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007CDJKM2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_E-XDAb40620MG

Couldn't live without them

[Philtre]

I have actually been using visors like this

Carson Optical Pro Series MagniVisor Deluxe Head-Worn LED Lighted Magnifier with 4 Different Lenses (1.5x, 2x, 2.5x, 3x) (CP-60) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007CDJKM2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_E-XDAb40620MG

Couldn't live without them

Ah, then perhaps I should get this:

[pickdropper]

Another good, albeit pricier option is a stereo zoom microscope.  I have one like this:



Some folks (like me) prefer working under a microscope, especially for really small parts.  Other folks prefer a diopter lens like Brian posted as it's can be a bit easier to use with your standard work process.

[blearyeyes]

I use a visor.

[blearyeyes]

I put off getting one of these for a long time, but I received it as a gift for Christmas and I have to say it has proved to be a tremendous help in soldering. I wear glasses for working at the computer and for soldering and the addition of a magnified light has made a huge difference for me. I'm getting better joints with less solder. And, I can actually see what I'm doing a lot better!

There are probably cheaper ones out there, but this is what I have:
https://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-Daylight-Heavy-Duty-Magnifier-VS103B/dp/B00UV41UR2/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1517708913&sr=8-13&keywords=magnifier+with+light

I found that the color temperature on the stock bulb was way too cool for me, so I replaced it with this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009F90J7Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The replacement bulb is much better on my eyes!

(of course, I am not shilling for this equipment)

The round light has got to help a lot

I put off getting one of these for a long time, but I received it as a gift for Christmas and I have to say it has proved to be a tremendous help in soldering. I wear glasses for working at the computer and for soldering and the addition of a magnified light has made a huge difference for me. I'm getting better joints with less solder. And, I can actually see what I'm doing a lot better!

There are probably cheaper ones out there, but this is what I have:
https://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-Daylight-Heavy-Duty-Magnifier-VS103B/dp/B00UV41UR2/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1517708913&sr=8-13&keywords=magnifier+with+light

I found that the color temperature on the stock bulb was way too cool for me, so I replaced it with this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009F90J7Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The replacement bulb is much better on my eyes!

(of course, I am not shilling for this equipment)

and then there are the leprechan potties:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q50LF08/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00Q50LF08&pd_rd_wg=aAu5f&pd_rd_r=E72E8KSCJK78DJ19983D&pd_rd_w=nWV2L

[davent]

I tried the light and magnifier fixture (years ago) and was pretty disappointed. Like others have already mentioned, i use a flip down visor over my glasses and totally sold. Pop it on your head and it's wherever you are ready for action, not tied down to one spot in the ability to see clearly, never in the way of your hands or taking up bench space. They are great!
dave

[Philtre]

I tried the light and magnifier fixture (years ago) and was pretty disappointed. Like others have already mentioned, i use a flip down visor over my glasses and totally sold. Pop it on your head and it's wherever you are ready for action, not tied down to one spot in the ability to see clearly, never in the way of your hands or taking up bench space. They are great!
dave

Which model do you use?

[davent]

I bought mine years ago from Lee Valley Tools, looks to be the same one still available. I don't have the light for mine. Visor swings up out of the way when you don't need the  magnification. Similar are available from all kinds of different places.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=52368&cat=1,43456,43351,52368

dave

[madbean]

One more benefit I thought of - if you don't have fume extraction the glass serves as a pretty good buffer between your face and solder fumes.

[blearyeyes]

It also cones in handy when you explode caps.