USB microscope

This topic has 13 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 24 September 2013 at 19:54 by Rik Shaw.

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20 September 2013 at 08:57 #130221
Douglas Johnston
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@douglasjohnston98463
With less than perfect eyesight (just the normal ageing thing ) I was thinking about buying one of these USB microscopes for looking at cutter edges before and after regrinding to check the condition. Does anybody have experience of these devices (just thinking of the cheap ones on ebay etc ) and know whether they are just a waste of money or really useful?

Doug
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20 September 2013 at 08:57 #22842
Douglas Johnston
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@douglasjohnston98463
20 September 2013 at 09:08 #130223
John Haine
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@johnhaine32865
They are very useful. Maplin one is good.
20 September 2013 at 09:09 #130224
Russell Eberhardt
Participant
@russelleberhardt48058
Here is a picture of the tip of a no 2 centre drill I have just taken with one:

.. and 50 thou diameter clock pivot:

They are better than nothing but can't compare to a decent binocular microscope. The worst thing I found is the stand – throw it away and make a decent one.

This is the one I have.

Russell.

Edited By Russell Eberhardt on 20/09/2013 09:14:02

Edited By Russell Eberhardt on 20/09/2013 09:18:08
20 September 2013 at 09:48 #130228
Ed Duffner
Participant
@edduffner79357
Hi Douglas,

Yes, very useful and handy for removing splinters too. If you see one you like make sure it will work with the operating system you are running as there are a few older models which do not have up to date device drivers.

Regards,
Ed.
20 September 2013 at 11:11 #130240
Russell Eberhardt
Participant
@russelleberhardt48058
The software supplied with mine was poor but it works well with guvcview for me. There is lots of suitable software out there that will work with virtually any webcam which is what these are.

Russell.
20 September 2013 at 13:32 #130254
Sub Mandrel
Participant
@submandrel
I'm not sure it's agood idea to look at your cutting tools under a USB microscope. It can be a bit of a come-down!

Neil
21 September 2013 at 01:16 #130301
Danny M2Z
Participant
@dannym2z
G'day

I made a Centrecam from the article in MEW a few years ago. it is handy when mounted in the lathe chuck to inspect tools. I actually mounted it to test the concentricity by rotating the chuck to observe the runout. The cenrecam software is actually one that I would actually like to register and pay the author but he has disappeared.

* Danny M *
21 September 2013 at 08:52 #130312
Douglas Johnston
Participant
@douglasjohnston98463
Thanks for the replies about the USB microscopes, it does sound like they are not just a toy (not that there is anything wrong with toys! ). Prices seem to vary quite a lot with the cheaper ones being 0.3M pixel which does seem rather low and the slightly dearer ones at 1.3 or 2M pixel.

I also see that these microscopes use basic webcam hardware and can't help wondering if I could adapt an old webcam that I have to work as a microscope. I feel the urge to do some experimenting and perhaps a little Googling.

Doug
21 September 2013 at 11:20 #130327
Phil P
Participant
@philp
They are good for looking into places where you otherwise would not be able to.

I used mine to find a problem inside a motorcycle petrol tank.

Apparently mine is waterproof as well, so next time the bog gets blocked we now have the right tool for the job !!.

Phil
21 September 2013 at 16:40 #130350
Engine Builder
Participant
@enginebuilder
These usb microscopes look very inexpensive. Has anyone made a centering device using one. Would a prism might be required to change the viewing directon like the optical ones available, or can the camera part be removed and mounted on a shorter body that could fit in the chuck on mill or lathe?
21 September 2013 at 17:41 #130358
Rik Shaw
Participant
@rikshaw
Someone a while back had an article in ME (I think) using a web cam as a centre/edge finder.

My old eyes continue to weaken as well and I am now on 4.5 for reading so
I use an American made Bausch & Lomb stereo microscope for very, very close work.

But most of the time I find this angle poise illuminated magnifier an absolute godsend.

Both items outrageously cheap from my usual supplier – the Sunday boot.

Rik
24 September 2013 at 18:50 #130615
Douglas Johnston
Participant
@douglasjohnston98463
In the end I ditched the idea of a USB microscope and bought a lovely Olympus stereo binocular microscope off ebay in excellent condition despite being about 40 years old. These instruments are perfect for low magnification work and you don't even have to switch the computer on. There is something very satisfying about using a good quality instrument where everything moves so smoothly and precisely.

Doug
24 September 2013 at 19:54 #130620
Rik Shaw
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@rikshaw
Just so…….

Rik
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