The reason i use a ring light + a side light

Sam · Apr 4, 2014

Here's why I use an LED side light in addition to a fluorescent ring light. My pencil layout is very difficult to see in the top photo because graphite reflects the light coming from directly above.

In the middle photo the pencil lines are much easier to see when I turn on my LED side light. Even more so than this photo depicts.

The sparkle of the cuts is very apparent in the last photo because of the light coming from the side.

My LED light of choice is the Kate Wolf EcoFlex by Dazor, available with 4 and 7 LEDs. And they're dimmable!

mrthe · Apr 4, 2014

Thank you Sam very usefull!

Willem Parel · Apr 4, 2014

Thanks for this info Sam....oh and btw, nice cutting...

mdengraver · Apr 4, 2014

Thanks, Sam. The nuances of light aren't always noticeable but definitely affect the outcome of one's work and the ease with which one executes it. That translates to less fatigue overall.

scott99 · Apr 4, 2014

Hi,thanks for the tip.

scott99

Sam · Apr 4, 2014

mdengraver said:
Thanks, Sam. The nuances of light aren't always noticeable but definitely affect the outcome of one's work and the ease with which one executes it. That translates to less fatigue overall.

Very true. When the vise is turning is where you really see the difference that side lighting can make, especially with a pencil layout. While there might not appear to be a huge difference between the top and center photos, the difference quite dramatic during the cutting.

Big-Un · Apr 4, 2014

Very interesting Sam. I too use a ring light and sidelights, although the sidelights are halogen, which gives a more harsh glow than I want. I may try LED's for a more user-friendly light source.

Bill

bildio · Apr 4, 2014

Sam, does yours have 4 or 7 LEDs?

Sam · Apr 4, 2014

bildio said:
Sam, does yours have 4 or 7 LEDs?

I have two of the 4 LED models and one 7 LED. The 4 LED models are sufficient, but I opted for the 7 LED since I have a greater working distance of 8" with my Zeiss scope.

Big-un: The halogens are hot and harsh (I hate 'em!). I think you'd really like a dimmable LED.

Big-Un · Apr 4, 2014

Gotta get the LED's.....too much eye strain when working under harsh lights for any length of time.

Bill

KCSteve · Apr 4, 2014

I have the GRS LED ring light and when I'm working with pencil lines it's much easier to see them if I set it to just one segment on - basically a side light. I'll have to try adding an additional light.

Dale Hatfield · Apr 4, 2014

I just bought a 144 LED ring light on ebay for 40 bucks plenty more to be had came out of New York Import from Hong Kong. Its has a dial to dim the light . I really like it .

Donny · Apr 4, 2014

sam said:
Here's why I use an LED side light in addition to a fluorescent ring light. My pencil layout is very difficult to see in the top photo because graphite reflects the light coming from directly above.

In the middle photo the pencil lines are much easier to see when I turn on my LED side light. Even more so than this photo depicts.

The sparkle of the cuts is very apparent in the last photo because of the light coming from the side.

My LED light of choice is the Kate Wolf EcoFlex by Dazor, available with 4 and 7 LEDs. And they're dimmable!

View attachment 28574

So what your saying is "Don use this lighting set-up and you will be able to cut clean lines just like me" right?

Donny can't receive messages right now he is on eBay buying a hobby saving LIGHT!!!!

Native-engraver · Apr 15, 2014

Sam, May I ask what graver are you using here?

LVVP · Apr 23, 2014

Sam,

Thank you for the info

jerrywh · Apr 23, 2014

Sam.
Beautiful script . Where did you get the side light ? What type is it?

Sam · Apr 24, 2014

I have both the 7-LED and 4-LED models with 25" flexible arm and clamp.

Wolf EcoFlex lights

SalihKara · Oct 14, 2015

sam said:
Here's why I use an LED side light in addition to a fluorescent ring light. My pencil layout is very difficult to see in the top photo because graphite reflects the light coming from directly above.

In the middle photo the pencil lines are much easier to see when I turn on my LED side light. Even more so than this photo depicts.

The sparkle of the cuts is very apparent in the last photo because of the light coming from the side.

My LED light of choice is the Kate Wolf EcoFlex by Dazor, available with 4 and 7 LEDs. And they're dimmable!

View attachment 28574

Mr. Sam,

When I look at the first photo I can see your fingerprints and when I look at the second photo I can not see them,

Did you take those two photos from same angle and under same condition except second one additional led light.

Sorry for my English, you might not understand what I mean so I will ask it in different way,

Can you see the finger print if you turn ( side ) led light off and you can not see finger prints if you turn ( side ) led light on

Also, I have very simple desk light to study on my desk during nights and it has a white light but not led, will it give me the same result or shoul I buy a led light.

Best Regards

Sam · Oct 15, 2015

Yes, same angle and same conditions.

Any side light will work. LED is good because it doesn't get hot.

SalihKara · Oct 15, 2015

sam said:
Yes, same angle and same conditions.

Any side light will work. LED is good because it doesn't get hot.

Thanks Mr. Sam,

Now I have a different question, what do you mean by '' it doesn't get hot ''

I know light will start to get hot after 1 or 2 hour but does it really effect the view ?

The reason i use a ring light + a side light

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