Reddit mentions: The best jewelry making tools & accessories

I think you should pick up another straight that has been honed to shave ready. Larry at Whipped Dog has some very affordable blades that are supposed to be shave ready. You can use this as a measure to getting your blade up to snuff.

Also, technique may be an issue. But you've been shaving a while....

If you can't get it keen on a 4K, you may need to set that bevel again... There is no formula for bevel setting, just a feeling. I'd blunt the blade on a thumbnail, then hone until you can easily pop hair with the edge. Then, move up a measured progression like pyramid honing.

Here's a copy past I did you might find useful:

Equipment Essentials

• A pro honed razor at your side. You need to compare the sharpness of the razor you're working on, with the sharpness of a razor that is shave ready. This will decrease your learning curve considerably. You're working blind otherwise.
  
  

• DMT flattening stone. Your hones don't ship flat, and you must even them out to ensure a smooth edge. Flattening before every use is a good idea. If you don't want to buy the DMT, use 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper and atop piece of marble/glass.
  
  
• Norton 4K/8K A popular choice for general honing, and can perform a laborious restoration/bevel set (if you do more than a few razors, get the 1k below to set a bevel).
  
  
• A jewelers loop to see what happens to the blade as you hone, polish, stop and shave. I feel watching the scratch patterns of a straight razor bevel change is a critical educational step in straight razor bevel maintenance.
  
  
• Chromium Oxide on a strop for final polish, or a diamond pasted strop.
  
  
  Honing Supplies for Restoring a Few Straights
  
  
• If you end up honing a few razor from antique stores or ebay, it's good to have a stone dedicated to bevel setting. This stage is 50% of the sharpening process, so it pays to have quality gear at this level King 1000 K For bevel setting on a budget (beware, it's a slow cutter). Or a nice bevel setter like this Chosera.
  
  
  
• Niawa 12K For a nice final polishing of your razor. 8K is fine, but this puts a great edge on your blade.
  
  To hone:
  
  First, you need to flatten your stone, making sure you've removed the top 1/64th or so of stone material to reach the true grits (the top is a bit rough on Nortons especially).Make sure your stone is perfectly flat. Use the DMT or the sandpaper I described above for this.
  
  Next, clean your SR in soap/warm water. Dry it, and put a piece of electrical tape along the spine and fold it over (like a book binding) if you'd like (not necessary, and I don't do this, but some prefer the look of the end product).
  
  I like to clear the edge of possible errand burs before I hone, so I drag the shaving edge against my thumbnail or a glass bottle. These burs can cause issues, and may make for a rough feeling edge. I've found that this is a good way to remove them. It may be unnecessary for some/most blades, but it's part of my bevel setting routine, and by doing this, I've notice good things and increased consistency when I hone.
  
  Now, to hone. You're going to get your razor sharp in these stages:
  
  

• Set the bevel (establish the sharp edge shape)
  
• Polish the bevel (polish the shape you created earlier)
  
• True the bevel (strop the bevel to make sure the edge is very uniform)
  
  Setting the bevel:
  
  While all steps are important, this step is foundational. Place your razor on your bevel setting stone, keeping the razor spine and edge completely flat on the surface togehter. Do tiny circle strokes (circular motion down the hone) so you do about 30-40 tiny circles as you move own the bottom hone. Repeat on the other side of the razor, moving up the hone in the opposite direction (and counter-wise circle direction). Now do 15 x strokes. This is a set.
  
  Repeat doing these sets until you can shave hair on your arm or leg by very slowly grazing over the tops of the hair - it should catch and cut with a bit of a tug.
  
  It will take many many of these sets with a 4k stone, and less with a 1K.
  
  Once you can shave hair on your arm or leg all along the bevel (toe to heel) with uniform sharpness and cutting, you may be set. Do another 10 or so x-strokes, very lightly, very perfectly as a final sharpening for your bevel. See if this helps your edge.
  
  Once you're happy with your bevel, strop it and shave. If it's painful, it's likely your bevel isn't set. If it's decent, you're ready to move on.
  
  Polishing the bevel
  
  Now move up to polishing. On the 4K and do 35 light x strokes. Go to the 8K and do 35 light x-strokes. Repeat this back and forth going 4K 30, 8K 30. Now keep this up, decreasing the stroke number by 5. When you're at 10 strokes, just do 25 on the 8K.
  
  Always check for sharpness along the edge by trimming a bit of arm hair. You'll learn a lot from an edge by doing this.
  
  Following the grits up in this fashion should give you a fairly polished bevel. It's best to go higher than 8K with a high grit chinese hone from a woodworking store, or a naninwa 12k, but 8K will do for now.
  
  Truing the edge:
  
  Strop about 30 passes on your chromium oxide, clean the blade, and the perform 200 passes on leather - all spine leading, done very lightly.
  
  The Shave
  
  After all this, you should have a great edge. Give it a test shave and compare it to your pro honed blade.
  
  While honing, you'll likely get frustrated, but keep at it! If you're getting aggressive with the razor, just give it a break, and come back later. If the shave is no good, post back here and we'll help you diagnose.
  
  
  Some thoughts:
  
  I tired to present information that's very searchable. Straight razor place has archived many of the ideas that I just presented. I highly recommend researching on your own and reaching a personal conclusion. What follows are my personal opinions.
  
  This equipment I suggest is not necessarily the best, nor is it bad at all. It's great way to get started and find out what you like in a stone/routine. Some ideas to consider if you upgrade your set:
  
  
• Try a natural stone for a finisher. I use a vintage Thuringian hone called an Barber's Delight Escher.
  
• Upgrade your progression by adding various in-between grits. I really like going from a Chosera 1K, to Shapton Pro (not glass version) 2K, 5K, 8K, 15K, then finish.
  
• Try finishing a blade with a pasted strop, and try without. Some love one over the other.
  
  The back and forth honing I recommend is a honing series called pyramid honing, where you go between two different grit hones to ensure you don't form a wire edge or a bur. I like to recommend this for folks getting into honing since this is one of the most documented methods for get a razor to shave ready from a bevel set. A quick google search on pyramid honing will give you plenty of reading. I don't hone this way any more.
  
  I highly recommend honing your razor as sharp as possible on one stone, strop as I've outlined, and give it a shave. For example, sharpen as much as you can at the 4K stage, and strop it 200 times. If it shaves ok, you're on the right track. If not, you've got more work to do at that level of stone. You'll be amazed that such a low grit can shave so well. If it's painful to shave after your lowest stone.... you're not done, and moving up the stones will not benefit your edge. Repeating this process of shaving up all the stone grits (4K, 8K, 12K) will help you get a feel for what honing at the different levels provide. Shaving off my 1K bevel provided me the biggest leap in edge quality while learning.
  
  Don't limit your techniques. Once you can confidently bring a restored razor to shave with consistency, I'd recommend playing around and experimenting. Though this, I've developed some strokes that are critical to my routine, and used effectively with every blade I sharpen.
  

Books: This is what I said when replying to another thread for book recommendations. I love the CherryPicker's Guide - these will pay for themselves over and over. I don't personally recommend Striking it Rich, but to each their own. I'd rather see you "creep" a coin forum where die varieties and mint errors are discussed and new finds shared than spend a ton on books right out of the gate. I might also recommend learning about the entire minting process (I think a book called From Mine to Mint?) - this will help you understand how die varieties and mint errors are created in the first place and eliminate the confusion between a true doubled die and something like strike doubling.

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Bookmarks: John Wexler has a very useful site called doubleddie.com with lots of images and descriptions of die varieties. CONECA has a Master Listing of all known die varieties for US Coins and a forum (that, honestly, I rarely visit because no one ever replies to my posts there.) These are just a couple examples; there are tons of great websites out there for you to reference (even PCGS and NGC have some nice high-quality images of varieties they attribute, which also can be very helpful when determining value.) Start building your set of web bookmarks and it will make things easier for you in the long run. PCGS Photograde is a free online reference to help you learn how to grade US Coins, for example.

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Loupe: I'm always happy to recommend the BelOMO 10x Triplet Loupe - it's the loupe I've been using for about a decade now. IMO 10x is large enough to see even tiny varieties, and you'll mostly be concerned with the quality of the glass and metal. Lots of those cheap plastic loupes say they are higher magnifications, but aren't, or the "glass" isn't even glass (let alone high-quality glass.) I like the shape of the loupe and the texture of it - if your hands get sweaty, it won't slip out (like the cheaper chrome-plated examples you find at every coin shop.) You really, really want good quality glass here - save your eyes - and the better quality glass and larger field of vision (wider glass) the easier it will be on you. Cheap loupes make it hard to focus properly.

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Magnet: Get yourself a decently strong magnet - this will help diagnose some bad counterfeits out there. I think I got mine at a local hardware store. I'm always amazed when a coin shop doesn't USE the magnet and buys a bunch of fakes...like, did we forget how to deal coins today or something?

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Scale: I have been using an AWS SC-2kg scale for a few years now with decent results. My older version doesn't have an AC Adapter (just battery operated.) This will also help you diagnose counterfeits and other various mint errors.

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Lamps: IKEA sells their Jansjo gooseneck LED lamps for less than ten bucks. They have a few different styles of these including some with clamps. They will be bright enough for variety hunting and if you get a few of them can be useful in coin imaging.

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I tried to use gloves, I really did. But when you drop half the coins because the cotton is too slippery, it's best to learn how to properly hold a coin in your hand. I bought a really nice set of coin tongs in person at a coin shop somewhere - can't remember where - but they are sold on Amazon and eBay now. The problem with them, though, is that the company is in Germany and the shipping is more than the cost of the item.

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I'd start learning how to image your coins as you look for varieties and errors. If you can take a good image of a die variety, chances are someone will be able to help you attribute it. I've never had good luck with the cheapo LED USB microscopes that are available, they all take crappy images, don't work with my computer, etc. I've returned every one. This could be an entire other discussion, honestly.

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I love using my tablet (I maxed out with an iPad Pro a couple years ago) for reference books and cherrypicking on eBay. It's wonderful to have a ton of reference books/manuals/coin images handy and portable.

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Other than that - best of luck to you, and we'll do our best to help. Just remember at the beginning to take a breath before you get all amped up and start thinking you've found a valuable variety on every coin you see. I've seen it so many times - new person shows up, posts thirty threads about thirty different coins, none of which have usable images (all out of focus for example) and then gets butt hurt when people tell them their coins are worth face value.

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Don't take it personally.

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It takes time and persistence to learn how to find real varieties. THEY ARE OUT THERE, though...I just found a nice 1934 DDO Quarter in a bag someone told me fifty times had been searched and searched (he's just that kind of a person, though, so I just ignored him.)

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I'd check out a TWSBI Eco. Very nice pens for about 30 euros. Order it in a fine or extra fine nib.

And yeah, you can have some problems. Bleedthrough is an issue that can be solved by using a well behaved ink. Noodler's Black or X-Feather are good inks for preventing this. Using better paper is a good solution, too, but that's more expensive. Black n Red notebooks are pretty cheap and work well. In my experience, TOPS notebooks work super well with fountain pens and are dirt cheap.

A finer nib will be slightly more feedbacky (but it shouldn't be scratchy - it shouldn't feel like it's digging into the paper). If it feels like it's digging into the paper while writing, something's wrong. Try writing figure eights, and if it feels more scratchy in one direction than another, then the tines are probably out of alignment. This is a very very easy fix. All you need to fix it is some sort of magnifier (I find that a 30x/60x jeweler's loupe from Amazon is the best tool to get a good look at the tip of your nib. If you can't afford the ten buck to get one, that's fine, use a magnifying glass or whatever you can get your hands on. Even zoom on a camera would work. If you don't have ANY of that, you can even just do trial and error.

Basically, see if the two metal tines (the two sides of the nib) are misaligned at the tip, and if one is longer than the other. A head-on view and an above view work well for this. If they're misaligned, it's an easy fix and I'll tell you how to do it. If one is too long.... that's more complicated and if that's the case, I'll tell you how to fix it then.

So: To fix misaligned tines, basically just press the one that's too low up with your thumbnail. Don't push hard, just until you feel what feels like a little bit more resistance than you'd use while writing, and then let go. Keep doing this, and check through the magnifier to see if it's aligned yet. If it is, then go ahead and try writing with it and see if it's better. If it's not aligned or not better, keep trying.

Hope this helps, ask me any questions you want! Have a great day!

Here is the standard list I send out to people. :) I want to really stress how useful the spray bottle is too. My lord, so useful for keeping the paint wet on the palette.

Acrylic


Cheap set of paint: Which hopefully contains most of these colors: Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Red, Colbalt or Cerulean Blue (I prefer Cerulean), ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, zinc or lemon yellow (optionally yellow ochre if you don't get Raw Sienna), burnt umber, titanium white, ivory black.

cheap brushes (these can come in packs...you'll probably want nicer brushes after a while but this is a start): a couple rounds (be sure to have a nice small one), a few square edge (1/4 inch, 1/2 inch, 1 inch), and a couple filberts

a palette: either a gessoed piece of wood, a piece of glass, plastic plates, etc

a spray bottle (so freaking important): helps keep the paint on the palette or surface wet

Gesso: not necessarily required for acrylic (because gesso is made out of acrylic) but paint binds well to gesso and it makes it possible to draw on the surface as well.

canvas, heavy paper, or wood: whatever you want to paint on. If you find pieces of wood just be sure that it is the raw surface and not varnished, covered in oil paint, or laminate.

Matte Medium: Always mix paint with a medium. It helps it have a better consistency and keeps the paint workable longer. They have a whole bunch of different types but matte is pretty standard.

Plastic containers for storage: Why was paint? Store your mixed paint in these

Edit: You may also want some acrylic retarder to make blending a little easier too. Also, titanium white replaced zinc white.

So I've seen a lot of " is this ready" posts and wanted to share my experience.

I bought one of these back in July when I had an auto finishing up and it was great.

Blue Dot Trading 2 in 1 Jewelers Loupe, 30x/60x Magnified Jewlers loupe (jewelers-loupe-30x-60x) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00MMP6VRW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2epFDb8Y7Z4EW

They are super cheap and with the led on you can see the trichs perfectly. I'm still not sure if the trichome colour is the most scientific way to do it, but at 50/50 milky / amber, mine turned out well.

With the loupe you can almost nail it down to the day when to harvest.

Just wanted to share how cheaply and easily you can time your harvest as we approach the end of the season.

Also great for checking out weird growth, diseases and pests if you are unfortunate enough to have them.

Good luck and good growing everyone.

The three finger test is a great test, but only once you have properly calibrated your fingertips against a knife that is truly sharp. If you don't know what a sharp knife feels like on your fingertips, it isn't going to be a whole lot of help here.

Until you get to that point, here is a much better guide:

http://knifegrinders.com.au/Manuals/Sharpness_Chart.pdf

Also, while a 8x - 10x jewelers loupe is certainly helpful, one of these is much more helpful:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078N34WZR

And one of these is much more helpful still:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XNYXQHE

Learn in stages. Right now you need to figure out how big you want to go, and pick out your three fundamental pieces of equipment. Tent, light and blower/filter. First you pick out a tent. Common tent sizes are 2x2, 2x4, 3x3 or 4x4. They will get you around 4oz, 8oz, 8oz, or 16 oz per grow. They will require around 150w, 300w, 300w, or 600w of quality light. Quantum board lights from alibaba.com are an excellent affordable option, but you need to be comfortable ordering from China and putting it together. 315w or 630w CMH lighting is a very good option if you want plug-and-play. CMH runs a little warmer than quantum boards, and fits best in a tall tent. This Active Air 6" is a great blower/filter for a medium-large tent. You can use the 4" version for a small-medium tent.

Yep! Mine is the same way -- fits great during summer but is annoyingly big during winter. I've thought about buying [these things] (https://www.amazon.com/RING-NOODLE-1-Petite-1-Narrow-Adjuster/dp/B00GUTWY5E/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1475253457&sr=8-4&keywords=ring+size+adjuster+for+loose+rings) to help it fit better but haven't bit the bullet yet. Also, congratulations! :-)

Pistils have nothing to do with time frame. You need a loupe. To check the tiny little “diamonds” on the buds. (Not on the sugar leaves)

Some people like to look at pistils, but really the best way to judge is by looking at trichomes. You’re going to want more cloudy, less amber(I wouldn’t do no amber. It’s better to have some amber rather than more clear.)

If you don’t have a loupe I would recommend buying one. It’s like 10-15$ on amazon. one I use, nothing fancy

Edit: from the photo you recently posted, you look like you have a ways to go!

Holy shit this is one of the best guides I've ever seen for something like this!

However, what are some good tool alternatives for people who don't normally do something like this? I don't have a pickle pot. Or a tumbler. Or a leather mallet. Or a ring mandrel. Or a buffing wheel.

Leather mallet isn't hard, I have a wooden mallet I can just stick some leather on. But pickle pot? Idk what that even does. Tumpler? Nope. Ring mandrel...eh...I could figure something out. Who knows, maybe they're cheap. Buffing wheel? Big fat nope.

Any ideas? I love the idea. I've worked with metal and soldering before, but that was with model airplanes, so things weren't meant to look pretty, they just had to function properly.

EDIT: Ok, time to answer my own questions.

I've already covered the hammer thing, so we'll skip that.

Boom, ring mandrel.

Boom, DIY pickle pot

BOOM, DIY tumbler thingy

And then you can buy a buffing attachment for a Dremel tool, and you can solder with just a standard propane blow torch. Easy peezy.

(October '18 bride here!) Firstly, congrats on your upcoming marriage!

Someone on r/weddingplanning suggested not trying on dresses too early. She went pretty early on in her weight loss and bought a dress that, while she still loves, isn't the style she would have bought for the body she has now. If you've always been fat, you might not be able to guess what will look good after you've lost weight. My FMIL is very excited to go dress shopping and I have to keep reminding myself that at this point it'll do more harm than good.

Another thing to remember about dresses is that dresses with beading are going to be much harder and more expensive to alter than other dresses. Corset backs can usually be added pretty easily, which will also help with sizing. Switch to maintenance after your last fitting to make sure your dress isn't too big on the big day!

If you're losing slowly, you have a better chance of avoiding loose skin. There's also anecdotal evidence that intermittent fasting will help tighten your skin, too. r/intermittentfasting might be of better help with that!

Last bit of advice is to not let anyone make you feel bad about losing weight "for your wedding." At least for me, losing weight is something I've needed to do for a long time- the wedding is just a motivator for making changes.

Edit: last-last piece of advice is to get a ring adjuster! As you lose more weight, this will allow you to keep wearing your ring without actually resizing it.

Yeah, no problem -- in order:

1. There's several places to get the tools, OttoFrei, Harbor Freight, Rio Grande, all have sites you can order from.
   
   
2. That's a doming block, here's a really fancy one I wish I had! Mine's only a 7-piece, does what I need for the most part. It's not 100% necessary for most coin rings, but it has two primary uses here: First you can use it to help pre-stretch the hole and bend the coin back -- if the coin fits on the mandrel fine, then this isn't needed, as you can just hammer it from there. But if the hole punched is too small to fit the mandrel naturally, you can use a smaller dome, just a bit bigger than the hole to stretch it out. Secondly, once the rings are almost done, the outer rim edge is always thicker, so the rings have a flared effect, I use the dome punch to flare the thinner "inner" edge out so the ring appears more flat. It looks better and feels better when wearing it.
   
   
3. The metal ring sizer is called a ring mandrel, most hobby stores carry them.
   
   
   
4. I used red rouge compound, I have a flex-shaft which makes for quick work, but if you have a dremmel, you can get polishing bits for it, too.

I got mine on amazon too for around $2.5 with free shipping

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007GJJRZC/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's probably not really 40x, but it definitely is better than when I was trying to details with my eyes alone. I got lasik, but it didn't make my vision THAT good haha

amazon has a great selection of loupes

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K0BGNNC/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This one has a stronger 60x magnification. I use this to confirm the laser inscription on my diamond as well as to really look at small details on the diamond

When I lost weight, I went on Amazon and bought this. it worked like a charm for me. I have three bands that aren't soldered together, so I just put it on the last band, and never had any issues.

Then of course, once you're ready, go have it sized!

Edit: I didn't see the part about the reason I made the choice I did...

I had gained weight, and also added a 3rd band, so having all 3 made it tight. I sized up, and they fit perfectly. I then lost weight, and because we were going to try to get pregnant again, it didn't make sense to pay $90/ring to get them resized. This was a quick, cheap solution for me, and I'm glad I did it the way I did.

Once I pop this kiddo out, and my swelling goes down/I lose more weight, I will get them resized again to fit..but, I'm guessing that I'm probably a year or more out from hitting my goal weight.

You're on the right track waiting for summer to make sure your ring is not too tight on hot summer days. Don't rush into resizing it. My fingers change a LOT between summer and winter, and it's better to be too loose than too tight.

Rather than alter the ring just for the season, I wear these in the winter, and they work great.

Once summer rolls around, and you've seen some hot days, bring it into a local jeweler and see what they say. If it's a plain metal band, it should be super easy to resize, and I'd expect it to cost on the order of $100 (or less). If it's got designs carved or stamped into it, or tiny stones, it will be tougher.

Man I wish! Just found out I should have been wearing glasses my whole life. I'm 21 and I play baseball in college 😂 I have both the usb microscope and a loupe and let me be honest, i prefer the loupe.

Happy Hydro LED Loupe 30x & 60x Magnifying Lens - Includes Batteries & Carrying Case https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M8MDTAN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_b0DKzb5F4GHBA

I bought a Jewelers Loupe from Amazon and held it up in front of my Google Pixel phone. It took a few pictures to get a good one, but my phone has a pretty good camera to work with. I think next time I would get something with 100x, the 60x is decent (what I used for the closer ones), but the 30x is pretty hard to tell what color the trichs are.

Purchase a jeweler's loupe.

Use it to look at the individual trichomes (crystals) on the buds. They will initially be glassy clear and will look like small mushrooms. Then will begin to turn cloudy/milky as the buds mature. Then amber. When about 30-40% of the trichomes are amber, she's ready. This will give you the most potent buds and the most accurate expression of the plant.

Looking great though!

Something like this may work if it's only a small size difference. https://smile.amazon.com/Adjuster-Invisible-Transparent-Silicone-Tightener/dp/B07G5Z9X4G/

Amazon has a ton of nice looking tungsten and titanium rings for super cheap. I can share some of the ones on my list if you'd like.

I use a jeweler's loupe for magnification, specifically I bought this one:
https://smile.amazon.com/DBPOWER-Illuminated-Jewelers-Magnifier-Magnifying/dp/B00K0BGNNC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1486750468&sr=8-5&keywords=jewelers+loop

I just put my phone camera lens on the eyepiece to take pictures, and it works pretty well. The one I linked to is nice as well since it comes with LED lights to high illuminate it, which can be really useful considering how close you have to get.

Congrats!!! It's so lovely~ I love 6 prongs too.
I just bought this because the cold weather has made my fingers shrink, but I won't resize mine because it fits perfectly in summer.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B073FDFLSF/
I'm not sure if it's cold where you are but I would take that into account before getting the ring resized :)

I'm doing the same thing! Best option in my opinion are these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073FDFLSF/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


You can cut them to size perfectly and they are SO comfortable!

I have this one now to check my final work: 12X,16X Illuminated Dual Lens Jeweler"s Loupe https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003MCHXT4/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_P4yDwbKCJ23HD It's pretty cheap but it gets the job done. The depth of field on the smaller magnification is decent. The larger magnification has a very small depth of field but wow, you can really see small details with it.

I generally wear a headset mounted loupe while working, then check it with that. Again, I'm not a professional or anything... Just learning a dying art.

Best $5 trade insurance ever.

I got this one. Construction is a bit shitty and the battery sometimes need a bit of jiggling, but having a LED is very nice and it works perfectly:
http://www.amazon.com/SE-MJ362242L-Power-Illuminated-Jewelers/dp/B003MCHXT4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1368053581&sr=8-2&keywords=loupe

A 10X triplet loupe is a great place to start. I use one of these though it's probably a little pricey.

Also, there's a lot of cheap USB microscopes around these days, and I've found them to be pretty useful for trace/solder inspection on fine pitch SMDs.

heh, diving right in then?

• tines are about 0.08mm apart. Various vendors sell brass sheets, or you can use a feeler-guage. The Pilot Parallel comes with a mylar sheet for flossing tines. I don't actually use this often, but I usually use nice paper that doesn't shed fiber.
  
• magnifier - I like 30x with LED, and use it all the time to check tine alignment, for modifying feeds, etc.
  
• sand paper - woah there. Unless you're grinding nibs you'll want micromesh to do smoothing. I like feedback, but if you want glassy-smooth you can use mylar to put a super-polish on. 12,000 micromesh is probably all you need.

I totally voucher for using these. They come with loads in the pack and I change it out for a new section whenever the plastic starts to turn colors from getting dirty. My hands fluctuate so much throughout the year, between different activities (like cold day at work to doing hot yoga) or even within the normal progression of the day. I have found these to be fantastic and have no complaints. I'm only probably a 1/4 off, but when I tried to my wedding band in addition to the e ring without the plastic loops, it fit perfectly. I don't want to resize my e ring.

Unfortunately the exact one I bought on Amazon is out of stock but look for the same spiral loop. It gives you lots of customization for exactly how much space you need. Much better than the traditional plastic tube, or the metal crimped wire

Ring Size Adjuster with Jewelry Polishing Cloth,2 Sizes Fit for Any Rings,Clear Ring Sizer,Perfect for Loose Rings,Pack of 12 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBUZPZP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_jZjYBb8DQST2X

DREAME 30X 60X LED Lighted Illuminated Jewelers Eye Loupe Jewelry Magnifier for Gems Jewelry Rocks Stamps Coins Watches Hobbies Antiques Models Photos https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DWG89KQ?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

That’s the one I use. Works perfectly, is super affordable, and has saved me twice already.

If you're curious and think they could be bands, I recommend getting an inexpensive metals testing kit from some place like amazon If you want to search for yourself: Precious Metals Testing Kit Silver, Platinum, 10k 14k 18k 22k Gold Tests Plus Stone

Yes, I do brush load. :) -- I actually have these little ink pots so it's convenient even if I make too much because it'll be covered. I don't plan on buying any more colors anytime soon because by the rate of my usage, it looks like this primary set will last me quite a while. Your ultramarine suggestion is filed for future purposes, is all. :)

Im using this one: https://www.amazon.com/DREAME-Illuminated-Jewelers-Magnifier-Antiques/dp/B01DWG89KQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480381794&sr=8-1&keywords=jewelers+loupe
has x30 and x60 and im pretty Happy with it, might want to give it a try. :)

This happened to me too! Someone on Reddit recommended these and they saved my life! Not going to resize until I order my wedding band 😊 https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01M0OX3EW?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title

He sounds very knowledgeable (and lucky! He must use a metal detector.)

He should have (or get) an acid test kit for precious metals online. This is one type. They also sell these kits on eBay too.

They contain a piece of slate on which to rub the metal on, leaving a streak. A drop of the acid you think is appropriate is applied to it and the reaction is matched to what the manual says it should be. I've never used one, but it seems like an interesting concept.

I'd get a jeweler's loupe over a microscope, I've tried both and vastly preferred the loupe. The microscope (at least the one I tried) was really finicky to get properly in focus, with the loupe you just whip it out and you're ready to go with little to no adjustment.

Here's the loupe I use:

[Jarlink 30X 60X Illuminated Jewelers Eye Loupe Magnifier, Foldable Jewelry Magnifier with Bright LED Light for Gems, Jewelry, Coins, Stamps, etc] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078N34WZR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_eLzMBbB47M9SY)

Edit: as a bonus, it's way easier to take pictures through the loupe than the microscope.

Hey I just read a comment the other day about how a quality 10x loupe is better than anything else and all you'll ever need, so I gave it a shot.

At first I was using this and it was OK. The 30x lens was easiest to use but still sucked so much.

I just got this one today and I am blown away. The quality of the optics and construction is unbelievable. I can't wait to look at trichs with it. Definitely invest in a good lens.

We are getting married Nov 7, 2020 and I have lost about 40 lbs since we got engaged!!!! My ring was getting super loose, but I didn’t want to get it resized quite yet, as I still have a bit of weight to lose to get to my goal. I got this from Amazon for $5.99 with low expectations. But it works PERFECTLY and is so comfortable, I hardly even notice it’s there. Just wanted to recommend to anyone in a similar situation!

In my experience those two finger turning adjustable types are garbage. They never last for very long and are dificult to manage.

I purchased these two years ago and it's all I've eve used.

[1] (https://www.amazon.com/KINGMAS-Pocket-Microscope-Jeweler-Magnifier/dp/B00AQAANDS/ref=pd_sim_200_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KEDEDRG711YM9A2DM25Y) 60x LED and adjustable. Is great for looking at trichomes.

2 40x fixed. Is great for everything else when you don't need to get as up close and personal.

I have a loop and one of these:
Phone Camera Lens 3 In 1 Kit, 180 Degree Fisheyes Lens, 10X Macro Lens, 0.4X Wide Angle Lens High Definition, Clip-on Smart Cell Phone Lenses Universal For Iphone, Samsung, LG, Android Phones (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072525MR8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8.Iyzb1WQAD0J

The macro helps with taking pictures but the loop has better mag for looking at the trichromes.

My loop has an led light built in and works really well when I remember to turn it off when I'm done:

DREAME 30X 60X LED Lighted Illuminated Jewelers Eye Loupe Jewelry Magnifier for Gems Jewelry Rocks Stamps Coins Watches Hobbies Antiques Models Photos https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DWG89KQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0bJyzbPP25G5H

Yeah, I have a 30x and 60x which you can buy from Amazon here. It definitely requires a steady hand since the depth of focus is pretty shallow, but I like how much detail it gives.

Here's what's in my toolkit...

Polishing cloth

Fine Mesh Pads

20x Loupe

10x Loupe

! Canned Air

Cotton Tipped Applicators

Goulet Mylar Paper

Goulet Brass Sheets

Goulet Grip

Goulet Silicone Grease

! Careful with the canned air. It can be the cause of some funny and not so funny accidents.

A bright desk light with a magnifier comes in handy.

I don't know if I'm missing something here, but this doesn't look odd to me at all. I actually like the gap. If the ring moves around so that the little stones don't align with the big stone maybe you could bind the two rings together. You can try using ring size adjusters first if you want to save money instead of going to the jeweler and having them permanently connect them: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M0OX3EW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

DREAME 30X 60X LED Lighted Illuminated Jewelers Eye Loupe Jewelry Magnifier for Gems Jewelry Rocks Stamps Coins Watches Hobbies Antiques Models Photos https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DWG89KQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_n4KFyb8GRG988

I use a similar one. It's good enough to verify rosette pattern, clean black ink lines, blue paper layer, and the LEDs are strong enough for light tests.

I use a 30x/60x loupe with LED lighting. Super cheap and does a fine job. Loupe $11 now, same as when I bought it.

For coins or anything I need a finer, more stable look at, I use a 60x-120x LED-lit microscope. Microscope $13 now, bought it for $6.60 a couple years ago.

From Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078N34WZR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_taOSjJI7Urjft

This picture was taken with the 30x magnification lens on the loupe with a Pixel 3. More importantly, my OtterBox Commuter case was still on, which provides a small gap between the lens and the loupe, which takes clearer pictures.

So Pixel 3 in the case, and the lens held directly to the case, if that makes sense. Hope this helps!

Sorry I didn't see your reply, I use a loupe I got from amazon and I'm pretty happy with it.

DREAME 30X 60X LED Lighted Illuminated Jewelers Eye Loupe Jewelry Magnifier for Gems Jewelry Rocks Stamps Coins Watches Hobbies Antiques Models Photos https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DWG89KQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_jzAkWlzFE5QCn

Those pics are taken with my iPhone 7 though the 60x magnifier.

u/SandraRosner has offered good advice on this issue.
I would go with clear silicone ring size adjuster, not metal ones. Here's acouple from amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Anpro-Adjuster-Sizes-Clear-Resizer/dp/B073FDFLSF/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540226182&sr=8-3&keywords=ring+size+adjuster


and


https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Adjuster-Loose-Rings-Assorted/dp/B07C15P2F7/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1540226182&sr=8-4&keywords=ring+size+adjuster

Good for you!

One of my goals is to fit back into my wedding ring. I haven't been able to fit since my 8th month of pregnancy, and I'm almost 10 months postpartum. I didn't want to get it resized when I KNOW I need to make a change to my health.

You could always get it resized, or try one of these ring size adjusters

Poppy seeds

A jeweler's loupe for admiring your dank weed

There are some videos on r/lsd, I think, of someone who combined these two trip toys. It ends up looking pretty cool. http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Motion-12665-1-Laser-Sphere/dp/B003150CFO // https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009S3IBI8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_jq4xwbNWTAEY9

1500 lady bugs

Edit: here's a video of those two projectors together https://youtu.be/1LSuhEAC3u0

Number 1: What is a "Crafle"?
Number 2: Make sure it is a real Crafle. There are a lot of fake Crafle's running around. It is one of the more commonly made fakes and there are numberous versions. Take the Crafle out of the sleeve and ensure that it feels like a normal card (compare it to another rare from the same set, preferably a known real Crafle, or another land). Also, use the light test, it is the easiest one to do. A jeweler's loupe or a small microscope would be good too.
Number 3: Seriously? I would trade in some goyfs for a Crafle any day of the week. Crafles are on the reserved list and will likely only go up. Goyf is practically on the "print 'til you can't cash in anymore" list.

My ring is a bit too big for me right now as well and, I think based on recommendations here, I found this product on Amazon. It's been great for me as I weight to lose the last bit of weight before resizing and as you can see was like $8. Highly recommended.

I purchased a Jeweler's Loupe after reading about identifying legit vs. counterfeit cards. There was an image and link in r/MagicTCG a while ago showing what a legit Mythic symbol looked like through one of these Loupes. It was pretty cool. I'll see if I can find the link.

This loupe is super affordable and honestly I’m a huge fan, don’t have any issues seeing tric’s with her. I’ve heard this slightly higher priced loupe ($16 usd) is a bit better but I really don’t mind my cheaper loupe one bit!

$8 Precious Metals Testing Kit I bought one a while back and it comes in pretty handy. Several YouTube vids on how to use.

I have RA so my hands are different sizes depending on how well I’m feeling, so I use a plastic ring adjuster pretty much permanently. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0OX3EW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share is the one I use and it’s worked really well, comes with different sizes adjusters.

I would recommend waiting to re size until your weight has stabilized. Getting the ring re sized multiple times can weaken the ring.

I generally do too, I just dont paying premium price or not getting exactly what I want because its out of stock or they dont carry that exact model. The loupes I could find locally were either way less power than they were stated for, or the lense was so small it was difficult to see as much as I wanted too, more the size of the 60x lense on the one I linked.

This is the Loupe I picked up, was there in under 24 hrs, its not amazing but it does what I need it too well and the price is amazing.

https://www.amazon.ca/KINGMAS-Illuminated-Jewelers-Magnifier-Magnifying/dp/B00KMSE100/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=jewelers+loupe&qid=1564073738&s=gateway&sprefix=jewelers+&sr=8-3

I've used this one for three years and really like it. It's small, cheap, and has good magnification. It also comes with batteries for the built-in light.

Awesome !

Get some ring sizers like these and keep them handy. I had a friend who lost quite a bit of weight and before she even thought of it, her ring slipped off her finger and I don't think she ever found it again. https://smile.amazon.com/Adjuster-Invisible-Transparent-Silicone-Tightener/dp/B07G5Z9X4G/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?keywords=ring+sizers+for+loose+rings+women&qid=1572872233&s=instant-video&sprefix=ring+sizer&sr=8-7

Sorry for the wall-o-link. I'm not great with reddit formatting yet. I'll get the hang of it eventually. I just don't know where to practice.

I've been thinking about picking THIS one up. It is really well received in the watch collecting community. I love the little leather pouch on yours.

This 40x Loupe from Amazon does a fine job. I chose it because it had a really big lens (25mm), two bright white LED lights, and enough magnification (40x) to really see the tricones. I hold it up to my iphone camera lens and easily get enough detail to tell me everything I need to know. Oh yea, it's dirt cheap too - about two fiddy. Here is a sample image taken today.

You might consider a folding hand lens.. Very cheap and useful for looking at little details (e.g. head scales) in all sorts of critters and other nature nuggets.

This looks right to me. The corners look more real than most of the fakes i see imo. For more information on some fakes check out my post here. It needs some damn upvotes though for awareness ha
http://www.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/comments/30a4xa/what_are_all_of_the_different_fakes_you_all_are/

but ya, definitely get a loupe like this one which also works well for the light test
http://www.amazon.com/Illuminated-Jewelers-Loupe-40x-25mm-Lighting/dp/B007GJJRZC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1427465874&sr=8-3&keywords=jewelers+loupe+led

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AKYYSCM/ref=shptrk_scth these ones. The Meow ones are the 5 gram, I think? The acrylic case came with these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0036C0RT8/ref=shptrk_scth which I would NOT recommend. The threads on the lids don't really match up half of the time and quite a few lids were cracked and wouldn't close at all. The case is super nice though.

It's hard to tell through a picture since we don't know the strain..If you know the strain, look it up and see what it generally flowers for.
To be certain of when your plant is finishing, I highly suggest getting a Jewelers Loupe, Kinda like a magnifying glass, will allow you to see the trichomes go from clear to cloudy to amber.
https://www.amazon.com/Illuminated-Jewelers-Magnifier-Magnifying-Lighting/dp/B00K0BGNNC/ref=sr_1_3?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1510069533&sr=1-3&keywords=jewelers+loupe+100x

It's obvious once you've seen it. I have a Carson 7x loupe. Grab a flashlight and point it at the coin. Look through the loupe. If there are tons of tiny scratches in one direction, it's cleaned. If you rotate the coin and see tons of tiny scratches in the same direction while the coin is rotating, it's cleaned. Basically, if there are any micro scratches in a little cluster, clusters, or on the whole coin, is cleaned.

If you don't have a loupe, I recommend you get one. They're also good for familiarizing yourself with real coins so that you can spot fakes. I'm surprised how easy it's gotten.

I have these and really like them.

Carson LumiLoupe 7X Power Stand Magnifier With Dual Lens (LL-77) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0010PCL5Q

BelOMO 10x Triplet Loupe Folding Magnifier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EXPWU8S

Looks like it’s time for some of these . Congrats!

In my noob grower's opinion, looks like it could possibly fill out a bit more... maybe keep feeding over the next week and then flush to completion?

Most importantly invest in a loupe to take out a lot of the guess work. Here is the cheapest I could find, that still has both 30 and 60x magnification! KINGMAS Jewelry Loupe 2-Lens 30x 60x Jewelers Eye Loupes Magnifier LED Illuminated Magnifying https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KMSE100/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_DsN1MbbVvz3T8

I personally use: https://www.amazon.com/DREAME-Illuminated-Jewelers-Magnifier-Antiques/dp/B01DWG89KQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539801468&sr=8-3&keywords=loupe

The bigger lens is mostly useless but the smaller one lets me tell if the tines are even even slightly misaligned and if there is a sharp edge somewhere which is great. You can also watch a comparison vid here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzfHkJggT7A

I bought these for my wedding rings. Huge lifesaver.

This is the one I got, and it's served me well so far. There's probably better ones, but it should show that you definitely won't break the bank.

I much prefer coin rings with the writing on the outside and inside, like this.

I tried to make one for my girlfriend's birthday this year, but it was fairly difficult.

I used a punch and die set to punch out the center of the coin, and then put the coin on a ring mandrel and then hammered it down the taper slowly with a nylon faced hammer.

The biggest problem is that my girlfriends ring finger is quite small and I couldn't get the ring any smaller than size 8. I may have to pick up another mandrel with a really narrow top so that I can punch out a smaller hole from the coin to begin with.


I'm sure with enough practice I'll get it looking great, and this method is much quicker than the spoon method (I tried that one first).

Not knockin OPs ring though.. it looks great so far. I know how long it takes to get to that point!

This is the least expensive method. You can spend hundreds of dollars for electronic devices designed for testing precious metals as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Silver-Platinum-Testing-Stone-Jewelers/dp/B000OVHWLK/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Precious+metal+test+kit&qid=1573313307&sr=8-3

The cheaper ones I've used seem to distort more near the edges of the lens and just feel cheap. I've done my fair share of core logging and the Belomo is my go to and is popular with loggers I've worked with (who use their lenses ALOT). It has a bigger lens than the Bausch and Lomb and is reasonably cheap. I also have a Bausch and Lomb and it's a fine handlens

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etY_v7A3P2k

​

Please, for your sanity, watch this video. It gives multiple tests that will help you better distinguish between real and fake cards.

​

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K0BGNNC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

Buy this or an equivalent. For ~$10 you'll save yourself a lot of grief and heartache.

The hair method is pretty unreliable, it varies from strain to strain. Just get one of these 30x jewelers loupes and look at the heads of the trichomes. When they seem at least 50% amber, 50% cloudy is a good time to harvest.

Get a Belomo 10x from Amazon for $32. I’ve got a 10x and a 20x, the 10x is more than perfect.

It is hard for me to tell from this picture. But I can see your plant is very healthy at this late stage, so you have little to lose by erring on the side of waiting another week or more. Of course I agree with those who said to use the trichomes as your guide as soon as you are able.

This little guy works really well and is only $8.99:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078N34WZR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have tiny fingers and I use these to size down my too-big rings. I'm usually a 4.5-5 US and I bought several packs of size 6 rings (they were the smallest size...) and the larger piece works pretty well for most of them!

It's best to check the trichomes with a loupe.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DWG89KQ/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.growweedeasy.com/harvest#trichome-method

Nutes: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006XTQGLO?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

Few packages of these to hang lights and filter:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B010DD743O?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

Extension cords
Plenty of options

Lights
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01B4GQ6MO?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

Fabric pots:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00TF9E6XE?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

Air control
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01H1R0K68?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

Fans
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001R1RXUG/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Outlet timer:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XC7GTCN/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Tent https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01731MNJE/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Carbon filter
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01CJ5D4AG/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

4 inch duct
Can find anywhere

Jewelers loop (super important)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00K0BGNNC?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

To dry your buds
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01GXHQIKO?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

Surge protectors and ext cords
Find anywhere

Inline fans
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01M7S46YZ?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

Soil probe

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017GQ9VVY/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

A few other things I got locally from grow shops. Quality seeds are important. Greenpointseeds.com is always having bomb sales, ship from Colorado, and are top quality. Soil from local grow shops but can also buy from online. I went cheaper on light, but I wouldn't do that again. Get good quality lights.

Like this?

JARLINK 30X 60X Illuminated Jewelers Eye Loupe Magnifier, Foldable Jewelry Magnifier with Bright LED Light for Gems, Jewelry, Coins, Stamps, etc https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078N34WZR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_OG5JDbP0GQC6W

Need pic without the blurple on...
Looks like about a month based on your last post.


https://www.growweedeasy.com/harvest#trichome-method


Check this out at Amazon.com
JARLINK 30X 60X Illuminated Jewelers Eye Loupe Magnifier, Foldable Jewelry Magnifier with Bright LED Light for Gems, Jewelry, Coins, Stamps, etc https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078N34WZR/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_5YxWCb03A89GS

I bought this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036C0RT8/ref=oh_details_o00_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. The jars don't come with sisters but that doesn't bother me. It does have a little tray that all the jars sit in which is nice for storage.

I got this one for about $10 https://www.amazon.com/Lighted-Illuminated-Jewelers-Magnifier-Antiques/dp/B01DWG89KQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1504493035&sr=8-3&keywords=loupe and it works great, I prefer it to the Goulet type, which doesn't enlarge enough for me. I haven't tried one that fits on your head. The loupe enlarges the view so much and has such a small, shallow focal area that it would be hard to keep anything in focus while you were actually working on it. That really isn't a problem though - you make a tiny adjustment, check it, make another tiny adjustment, etc.

I have this one https://www.amazon.com/BelOMO-Triplet-Folding-Magnifier-Anti-Reflection/dp/B00EXPWU8S/ref=mp_s_a_1_35?keywords=jewlers+lupe&qid=1568929940&sprefix=jewler&sr=8-35. Works like a charm.

Here's a temporary fix until you want to do something permanent.

Ring Size Adjuster with Jewelry Polishing Cloth,2 Sizes Fit for Any Rings,Clear Ring Sizer ,Perfect for Loose Rings,Pack of 12(2mm/3mm) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBUZPZP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_EcNYzbBZAB7VN

Try this ring sizer:

https://www.amazon.com/GWHOLE-Adjuster-Silver-Polishing-Cloth/dp/B01M0OX3EW

Creepy name, but it works much better on my ring than the traditional sizers. I've got a tacori too btw!

I got a ring adjuster that is basically a plastic spiral that wraps around the ring--like this one. I've had it for about a year now and it's been great. actually haven't replaced the first that I put on, even though I probably need to at this point.

These work great. I used them til I got mine resized.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0OX3EW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ZYcZzbFMGJ69B

I bought this mandrel on amazon and have been using it to shape coin rings. A bit cheaper and free shipping (prime).

Get those silicone ring sizers to keep it fitting until you're ready to resize it. Something like this....
https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Adjuster-Loose-Rings-Assorted/dp/B07C15P2F7

You could answer so many of your own questions by picking up a loupe and having a look

See heads? Good job. Don't see heads? Bad job, go back and try again.

I've been very happy with this. I'd steer you away from cheaper loupes.

Yeah I have two similar to this. Yeah I guess I'm waiting until I hit my goal weight, realistically I probably won't have to because I don't think I can lose much more in my hands. They are the lankiest piece of me right now.

I've got one of these guys. I primarily use the 12x lens but if I really want to get into the nitty gritty I also have the 16x. The LED lights work quite well for illumination.

Get something between 5x and 10x. Triplets are going to be some of the nicer ones.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bausch+%26+lomb+triplet+loupe&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
https://www.amazon.com/BelOMO-Triplet-Loupe-Folding-Magnifier/dp/B00EXPWU8S/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=triplet+loupe&qid=1555943740&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I bought the BelOMO most recently and like it a little more because it's bigger. I had owned and lost two of the bausch & lombs before getting this one.

This is the one i got in case you did get one that doesnt work 😔


Happy Hydro - LED Loupe - 30x & 60x Magnifying Lens - Includes Batteries & Carrying Case https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01M8MDTAN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_otQDDbTHKYA0R

I got a two pack on amazon for under $10.


JARLINK 30X 60X Illuminated Jewelers Eye Loupe Magnifier, Foldable Jewelry Magnifier with Bright LED Light for Gems, Jewelry, Coins, Stamps, etc https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078N34WZR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TqlKDbP81PPA4

Don't use micromesh--your nib tipping is probably just fine, but the tines are out of alignment. I just bought this loupe (with Amazon Prime). Use that to look at the tines and use light finger pressure to adjust them until they are even. It's a good tool to have around anyway for general fountain pen maintenance, especially when you buy vintage pens that need some work.

Solid choice. Cheap too. I have this one and am blown away how good it works for the price.

I bought these ring size adjusters and they are quite cheap and useful! Lots of women in the reviews section said they bought the item because hey have larger knuckles than the rest of their finger https://www.amazon.com/GWHOLE-Adjuster-Silver-Polishing-Cloth/dp/B01M0OX3EW

My ring finger also fluctuates a ton! When necessary I use these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073FDFLSF Soooo helpful on days it's rolling around and making me nervous! I had it resized when we got engaged because it actually arrived 1.5 sizes bigger than my fiance ordered, but had it done again this past weekend while we were ordering wedding bands. Apparently I'm half a size smaller now than I was in December? Even since Saturday the fit varies day to day and throughout the day, so it's not just you. Maybe you can have yours enlarged slightly and use the adjusters during loose times too.

Here is the loupe I use, it has a built in light and blacklight too: https://www.amazon.com/Illuminated-Magnifier-Construction-Kare-Kind/dp/B00YBHQ7X2/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1521233001&sr=8-6&keywords=jewelers+loupe&dpID=41kfrmUFCkL&preST=_SX342_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

The cover started getting wobbly after ~2 years of use, but other than that works really well!

Here's my set. The wedding band is a quarter size smaller than the ering, and they're not perfectly flush. It doesn't really bother me, but I also plan on getting a separate stackable set since we're using those as the "special occasion" rings. Another option you have is to get a spacer to give a little cushion between them.

My vote: Nib tuning supplies. Some micromesh, and a decent loupe. Then grab one of your Jinhao nibs or a goulet steel nib and learn how to make a nib buttery smooth. Then, whatever pen you end up buying in the future, you can fix and modify to your liking.

Or, a shit ton of ink samples. Get a bunch of colors, and throw in a few "Random" ones, too. Breathe new life into pens you already love.

I highly recommend something like this for your wedding ring. My husband and I both have them. I'm cico and he has unintentionally lost weight as a result of my healthier dinners.

I know nothing about ring making, and I could be completely off here, but I thought id say it anyway. It could be a "pre-hammered ring". All I know is the put something that looks like that, on one of these things

https://www.amazon.com/Steel-Ring-Mandrel-Size-1-15/dp/B0013TSW9I

Then they hammer it down onto the mandrel. It would shirk in that case, and there are some people who make rings out of actual coins.

Here's an example:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RiCFOwChJwA

I use this one. I haven't experimented with different magnifications, but 30x seemed fine. As another use pointed out above, you might want a cheap USB microscope instead

I don't think a lot of people here use loupes, and there's no one brand that they use. I happen to use this 10X one. There may be cheaper/better ones, though. Also, note that this is a 10X loupe. I have a 7X one (same brand) that I like better, as it has a wider field-of-view (less magnification). However, it doesn't seem to be available any more.

Most of them come in a 30x and 60x combo for like $8 on amazon.

This is the one I have

Beemoon Jewelry Magnifier, 30 X 60X Illuminated Jewelry Loupe for Gems Jewelry Rocks Stamps Coins Watches Antiques Models Photos https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K0BGNNC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_y-VRCbC1F1RKM

Got the same one. Then got this DREAME 30X 60X LED Lighted Illuminated Jewelers Eye Loupe https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DWG89KQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_jo8uzb28VTH2J makes looking at trichomes very easy.
You can also just take a pinch from your bud and put it on a dish or table then use the one you have.

I got this one

Would have been more helpful providing a pic of in use...oh wait, try these.

I see 60x loupes with LED light mentioned in this thread as well as a few others very recently. Awhile back someone linked to a Belomo on Amazon, which I bought. The Belomo is a 10x

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EXPWU8S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Was this purchase made in error and I should make it a point to get the higher magnification loupe with LED? Or can I make things work with this loupe and my own separate LED?

I am not sure if the meteorite is too brittle but if you try again you could use a similar sized meteorite by making the ring a different way.

Drill a hole just big enough to fit the meteorite onto a ring mandrel and then hammer around the outside edge to enlarge the hole.

This lets you keep more material so you avoid ending with a thin section.

If you used a brass hammer you might even be able to keep some edge geometry.

This is not my ring if that wasnt clear.

I believe they are made by drilling out the center and then slowly hammering it down a ring mandrel. I lost interest before I ever bought the steel mandrel lol.

yea i went from this handheld loupe to the USB scope. Glad I did, it really is more convenient imo to snap photos and record video. Even has a button on the butt of it that you tap and it snaps photos. And can be hooked up to android phones if you get an OTG adapter too

I got these for my engagement ring after it fell off, and it’s working for now.

GWHOLE Ring Size Adjuster with Silver Polishing Cloth,Set of 4 (2mm/3mm) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0OX3EW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_mZQZAbQZQ020S

I'd also recommend these plastic adjusters! I was worried about my fingers swelling during pregnancy so I didn't want to do anything permanent, and these stay on really well.

I will second the 10x Belomo, although the price is closer to $30-35. The loupe feels very sturdy and has a much larger lens than the Bausch and Lomb. Belomo recommends you purchase through an authorized dealer but the page seems outdated. It appears the authorized Amazon seller ToysNGames (who I purchased mine from) is now called River Colony Trading.

I see above you are considering 30-60x magnification... Depending on what you want to use it for that may be overkill. A 10x is entirely sufficient for grading, determining varieties and counterfeit detection for most collectors.

It is size 6 but its a tiny bit loose (not easy to come off but shifts on my finger most days), currently waiting on an order of ring size adjusters from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/GWHOLE-Adjuster-Silver-Polishing-Cloth/dp/B01M0OX3EW

I’m using this loupe
JARLINK 30X 60X Illuminated Jewelers Eye Loupe Magnifier, Foldable Jewelry Magnifier with Bright LED Light for Gems, Jewelry, Coins, Stamps, etc https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078N34WZR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_a9GIDbYZTHBZE

This is one I bought from Amazon.... Anpro Set of 15 Ring Size Adjuster with 3 Sizes Clear Ring Sizer Resizer Fit for Loose Rings(Please See The Below Picture for The Steps. 2mm/3mm). https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073FDFLSF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0GcECbGFH0YF4

Cauli rice is one of my go-to meals, and I spice it up many different ways! Penzey's or Mountain Rose have some amazing spice blends you can get to try something new. Also, on the ring front, I bought these little ring sizer adjuster thingies which will do the trick until you can afford to get the rings resized, cut to length and choose the one that is correct for your finger.

FWIW, I bought this one below and it works pretty well - it has a LED that really helps illuminate the trichs. I tried one that clips onto the phone lens but couldnt' get a good pic and returned it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K0BGNNC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/Illuminated-Jewelers-Loupe-40x-25mm-Lighting/dp/B007GJJRZC for those interested.

I have the same issue, I bought this on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M0OX3EW

It comes with several wrap styles and fits my wide band and helps a lot.

Just for ease of access.

$10 amazon$10 amazon

Maybe something like this?

Don't waste your money on those expensive magnifiers. This is really all you need. Maybe 40 or 50x but any higher will be too hard to keep stable and at this level you will be able to see all you need to.

Ring guards! Buy them on Amazon. I got mine and it had like 12 long coils and i thought I wouldn't need that much because I only have 1 ring too big, but I think I will need most of them. I have to take my wedding/engagement bands every 6 months for cleaning and I'm going to have to replace them each time. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NBUZPZP/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My wedding ring started getting unsettlingly loose, so I ordered some of these. They work great if you're not ready to get your ring(s) resized.

You can buy a little ring guard (not sure if that is the real name) that will reduce the size until you are at your goal weight and have them resized.



Edit: it is a ring guard. https://www.amazon.com/GWHOLE-Adjuster-Silver-Polishing-Cloth/dp/B01M0OX3EW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1535852337&sr=8-3&keywords=ring+guard

As a temporary solution, there are plastic ring "size adjusters" you can wear. Here's one example, here's another example.

I bought one of the USB ones with a stand that does photos and videos and I think it's worthless for trying to look at the live plant. Trying to hold the camera still, the plant still, adjust the focus and look at your laptop screen and capture a photo... a lot to do at once. Plus the photos are potato quality.

I got this loupe and it works great.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K0BGNNC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

the one i got from amazon works well.

They sell clear ring sizers to help make them smaller. I wouldn't apply anything in case you do damage it

https://www.amazon.com/GWHOLE-Adjuster-Silver-Polishing-Cloth/dp/B01M0OX3EW/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=1XH0PWFUEOQ8G&keywords=ring+size+adjuster&qid=1551069587&s=gateway&sprefix=ring+size&sr=8-3

I use the same one - it's also very easy to hold against your phone's camera and take pictures with.

Same one but a couple bucks more because Prime: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00MMP6VRW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&psc=1

Like Supremecowboy said, perhaps some nutrient issues, and probably a couple weeks left (2 at most, based on pic, but we need more info).

Got a nice fade going on with the leaves, but the buds look as if they have stalled - they tend to get fatter/taller during flower, but this could be related to the strain itself.

Hard to tell with this kind of picture. One glaring "issue" is that we see no trichs/crystals on the base of the leaves close to the bud..

What're the specs? Days flowering, nutes, light, etc

The only way to tell if she's ready is by looking closely (get a loupe ) at the trichs.

Looks tasty no matter what, tho!

There are kits you can buy for testing precious metals. Found one on Amazon, though I haven't personally used this one. To test, you rub the metal onto the provided block and then apply the corresponding acid. The acid will eat away at other metals and show if it isn't gold or the indicated karat.

I use a magnifying loupe. No batteries required. A good one is the BelOMO. Get it at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EXPWU8S

Definitely wait! From my heaviest, my ring finger is now 2 sizes smaller than it used to be. These size guards can keep it from spinning around or being too loose until you’ve settled into a goal weight.

https://www.amazon.com/Anpro-Adjuster-Sizes-Clear-Resizer/dp/B073FDFLSF

Look through a jeweler's loupe or equivalent and look at the trichomes to look at when to harvest for your desired effect :-) check /r/microgrowery for more tips if google fails.

I like this one. Compact and easy to use. No problem looking at watches, dials, movements, jewelry, or anything else up close.

I have a similar one to this. Does what I need for a casual such as myself. I don't deal with jewelry but sometimes engravings are microscopic and I break this out. Get one with an LED light, it's necessary sometimes

https://www.amazon.com/Illuminated-Jewelers-Loupe-40x-25mm-Lighting/dp/B007GJJRZC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1465409007&sr=8-4&keywords=jewelry+loupe

I've had this one for about two years and it works fine. It's just a cheap Chinese loupe that probably doesn't magnify anywhere near the extent that it claims, but it does what I need.

Here is the link to the Canadian Amazon, same thing but skips the duty and import fees.

Just spend $3 on a jewelers loupe and keep it with your stuff. It costs less than a booster pack, and will actually show you if a card is fake, vs all the guesswork methods out there

http://www.amazon.com/Illuminated-Jewelers-Loupe-40x-25mm-Lighting/dp/B007GJJRZC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427823510&sr=8-1&keywords=jewelers+loupe

40x illuminated loupe for $3 with free shipping.

You could always get a gold testing kit to find out what karat it is plated with.

Exodus has color fluctuations between cards. Buy a loupe, it's $2.

[Estwing Leather Hammer] (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Estwing-Rock-Pointed-Leather-Grip-/dp/B0002YWWVE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=8-1&keywords=Estwing+leather+rock)

and

[Belomo Triplet Loupe] (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belomo-Diamond-Loupe-Triplet-Magnifying/dp/B00EXPWU8S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1409975334&sr=8-2&keywords=belomo+10x+triplet+loupe)

Necklace would work - or, there's these: http://www.amazon.com/RING-NOODLE-1-Petite-1-Narrow-Adjuster/dp/B00GUTWY5E...

This one. To take these photos, i align the 30x with my camera lens and use one of these chip clip things to hold it in place

KINGMAS Illuminated Jeweler's Eye... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00KMSE100?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

https://www.amazon.ca/KINGMAS-Illuminated-Jewelers-Magnifier-Magnifying/dp/B00KMSE100/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=jewlers+loop&qid=1562034529&s=gateway&sprefix=jewler&sr=8-2