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USB Microscope x500 – The Cheapo Version

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  • #22872
    CliffCurry
    Participant
    • Topics: 42
    • Replies: 461

    So what can you get for $20? I wasn’t prepared to be overwhelmed with the results. I was prepared to start modifying the plastic housing to find the maximum zoomed focal point up inside the shroud.

    For my test subject I used a penny, mostly because it had an interesting image at the center and it fit up inside the clear plastic collar. I did end up with a stack of pennies 5 high, about a 1/4 inch up inside the clear plastic. Lucky I kept playing around. I was so prepared to grind down the clear plastic shroud I almost missed the higher zoom focal point almost down at the far end…right where it should be! 😛

    Here is my first test results, I will post more pics soon on actual knives and hope to show a variety of combo grinds as I go if possible.:

    1st – Camera 3-4in above object

    2nd – Low magnification at bottom of shroud

    3rd – Minimum focal distance. 5 pennies stacked up inside shroud.

    4th – Maximum zoom in focal distance back at bottom of shroud.

    Its a rainy Saturday, so will try to get this setup into the Bat Cave(aka broom closet) for some real world pics of knife edges later today. Overall I am more then happy so far for the $20 spent and even more surprised that no modifications were needed to improve it. Hmmm, wonder what it would look like on a 50in TV? :whistle:

    #22874
    Gerald Welsby
    Participant
    • Topics: 5
    • Replies: 34

    Cliff,
    yes, it’s amazing what 10c of raw materials will get you, eh? 🙂 But it’s true that these very cheap scopes can show us a whole lot about our edges. My problem is that I need to take the knife out of the WEP and lie it down and use my up/down microscope stand to get the best x500 view of my edge. What I need, and haven’t found yet, is a tripod stand which will let me see the edge in situ.
    I think that that latest edge of yours could use some work though.
    G.

    #22880
    CliffCurry
    Participant
    • Topics: 42
    • Replies: 461

    Thank you, as per normal, everything is a work in progress. For starters today I simply zip tied it to a flexible goose neck lamp. A bit fiddly but functional for sure.

    Here is theCPM S30V Para 2 shown above w/ 12dps, micro bevel at 14dps under low magnification:

    This is a standard VG10 Endura at 14dps/ micro-bevel at 16dps. Ued moderately heavy cutting carpet and woodworking. Edge blew out and chipped several places:

    I can see this more as a tool for edge analysis and documentation. The pictures are great for the whopping $18 investment IMHO. For on the fly edge checking Id certainly still reach for my $4 pocket scope. Mostly was posting to get caparison feedback and to show that basic functional tools can be had on a shoestring budget if needed.

    Aloha,
    Cliff

    #22881
    SHVentus
    Participant
    • Topics: 14
    • Replies: 64

    Cliff,

    Nice pics. Is that Big Foot or Pele between the columns on the penny? 🙂

    #22882
    Gerald Welsby
    Participant
    • Topics: 5
    • Replies: 34

    Yes, Cliff. That’s about what I’m looking for! I definitely recall seeing your 5th picture on one of my edges somewhere though….. :))
    Keep on rocking’ Cliff!

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