I have had a stereo microscope capable of 10x & 30x magnification at my workbench for 15 years and now wonder how I ever got on without. These bad boys are a bit pricey but absolutely indispensible. Highly recommended.

Cody

OK -- some of you may accuse me of being a rivet-counter, but I have drawn the line before modeling with a microscope ... yow, Cody, that makes my head hurt to think about ...

Once you use a stereo microscope for assembly, clean-up of parts or shaping itty-bitty P/E gooh-gahs you will never go back to the Otivisor. Plus they come in real handy for the occasional minor surgery we tend to perform on ourselves.

Cody

I hope all of these surgries are done with a Heine(ken) in hand.....

Dang! I'm supposed to have an Optivisor, too???

Sorry to tease a bit, Cody, but I try to work within the limitations of my bi-focaled eyes. I drive myself crazy enough seeing what I can see ... if I could see more ... I'd REALLY never finish anything!

Sorry, but I'm sure a stereo disecting microscope is great to use, but I think I'll stick with my desk mounted magnifier with it's light (like the one used in a microbiology lab for checking growth plates).
Mind you, I agree that it would be good for stiching up your fingers from those accidental cuts we tend to get from knives, but we won't go into that............

It would be great to have that thing but I think I'll just stick to my Ott-Lite magnifier.

Ahhh, it brings back memories of separating out me Drosphilia in genetics class. Ever since then, I have always wanted to get a stereo microscope. But alas, they are a bit pricey....

The microscope was essential for imparting appropriate texture to the Milliput faux weld and for aligning the little black decal strap across the end of the .020 diameter rod. This starter attachment for a 1/16 Tiger 1 measures 1" long overall. Manipulating and aligning the various details and more importantly 'building cleanly' was made possible by doing much of the assembly under the microscope. Can't say enough about the benefits of a good stereo microscope nearby. Ya' can find em' in liquidation houses for under $300 - that's what a good airbrush costs. You will reap as much if not more benefit from the microscope which will elevate your building skills. Again, highly recommended.

Cody

I just throw an extra contact in my left eye and close my right! :-)

Dragon has released 1:144 kits,so this may be a new wave of necessary tools for the changes in the hobby.......

I have one of those bad boys It looks so expensive I did not know what to do with it. This gives me an idea