Workbench lamp buying guide

Any DIYer or professional with a custom-built workshop will tell you that you need the right tools, a high-quality workbench and a range of machines at your disposal. But it's also important to think about lighting whether this be supplied by a natural source like a window, artificial lighting or, better still, a mixture of the two. Tube lights and spotlights won't always provide enough light for fiddly tasks that demand attention and precision. But never fear – there are plenty of options when it comes to lighting and it's well worth taking the time to hunt down the perfect modern and practical workbench lamp to get your job done!

While we may not notice the change with each passing minute, suffice it to say that pretty much every human on Earth will see their vision deteriorate over the years. In fact, it's estimated that a person aged just 45 needs roughly double the amount of light as a 20-year-old! With this in mind, lighting manufacturers have come up with a variety of cleverly designed lamps to enhance user comfort, light up your workspace and provide you with the visibility required to carry out your activities. Magnifying lamps are ideal for any kind of detailed work such as precision mechanics, model-making, and jewellery and watch repairs.

Magnifying bench lamps look more or less like a standard desk lamp with a few extra features. They are made up of:

• a flexible assembly: the length of the arm can usually be adjusted thanks to carefully positioned springs which firmly hold the lamp in your chosen position;

• an articulating arm designed to lock the lamp head into three or four positions using a swivel joint;

• a base that can either be clamped or screwed into position. Alternatively, the lamp may simply be freestanding with a weighted base.

• a white or cool white light. The lamp may be equipped with a tube light, LED or fluorescent bulb;

• a dichroic light for enhanced lighting. This type of lighting is both economical and eco-friendly. The colour temperature can vary depending on the angle of the lamp.

• A central magnifying glass. Magnifying glass lamps allow you to spot every detail and every mistake as you work. A removable lens cover protects the magnifying glass itself from impacts and dust.

Here are the main characteristics to look out for when investing in a magnifying bench lamp:

• operating voltage: 12 V, 24 V, 220 V; replaceable or rechargeable batteries;

• light source: number of LEDs, etc.;

• light temperature: white or cool white;

• colour temperature: measured in Kelvins (K). Magnifying bench lamps tend to feature a 6000 to 7000K light;

• power rating in watts (usually 2 to 22 W);

• light output in Lumens (lm); usually 400 to 1050 lm;

• magnifying glass diameter;

• number of dioptres (indicates the optical power of the magnifying lens) and magnification;

• arm length;

• clamp system;

• weight.

Don't forget to look into the availability of spare parts and replacement light bulbs or LEDs.

Whether you're looking for a magnifying lamp for a lab or an electrical workbench, you'll want to choose a model that offers the highest level of precision. In this case, a 12 to 15 W freestanding round magnifying lamp with a cool white fluorescent light and magnification of 1.74x to 4x should work well. If you're looking for a lamp for welding work, you'll need something that is spark-resistant and easy to clean. A lamp with a tube light or LEDs should provide enough light to eliminate any shadows on your work surface. It's up to you to decide if you need a magnifying glass.

A traditional architect's lamp can be adjusted as required and may be freestanding or attached to a surface via a base clamp fitted with a wing screw. Fly fishers will find the ideal lighting in a dichroic lamp which will help to highlight the different colours of their lures. A well-designed clamp base will complete the design.

Sight is a precious thing and buying a lamp requires a lot of consideration. Ask yourself the following questions before investing:

1. Imagine your lamp in position on your workbench – is it appropriate for the space?

2. Will it provide enough light?

3. Is it going to produce glare?

You'll find the answers to all these questions by looking into the product specifications. Most importantly, don't forget to check that it is possible to find replacement parts for the lamp you have chosen.

When choosing a magnifying lamp, consider the following characteristics:

• number of dioptres and magnification measured in multiples (i.e. 3x, 5x, 10x, etc.);

• field of view: increases the further away the object is but will still be fairly limited;

• shape: round or rectangular;

• design: handheld, freestanding, headband magnifier or optivisor;

• lens diameter;

• light source;

• colour temperature: indicated in Kelvin (K); cool lights generally sit around 6000 to 7000K.

When it comes to the magnifying glass, you'll need to think carefully about the shape and size of the lens, and number of dioptres for the tasks you plan to carry out. The most basic models will usually feature a built-in light.

Reading magnifiers

A reading magnifier features a wide magnifying glass with 2 to 3x magnification with the option to simply place the lens over the book you want to read.

Standard magnifying glass

For occasional use, it's a good idea to have a basic magnifying glass on hand for tasks like threading needles or removing splinters from your fingers!

Powerful magnifiers

If you're hoping to see details that your deteriorating vision sadly can't quite make out – such as a feature on a stamp or the last little drop of paint on a model – go for a powerful magnifying glass with 6 to 10x magnification.

Freestanding magnifiers

Light-up magnifying glasses are particularly popular among those of us in advancing years. A freestanding model will prevent fatigue and you won't have to worry about a shaky hand making your magnifier less stable.

Magnifier designs and features

A few different types of magnifying glass are available to match a range of needs and requirements. Choose from the following options:

• a round battery-powered magnifying glass with a handle, on/off switch and 3 to 10 dioptres;

• a rectangular magnifying glass with 2 to 6x magnification for reading maps or looking at stamps;

• a headband magnifier with dual lights and interchangeable lenses (for different dioptres);

• LED pocket magnifiers with 3x magnification and a case with a slide-out rectangular lens to ensure the magnifier takes as little room as possible;

• a measuring magnifier to highlight distances on maps;

• aspheric LED magnifiers: the lens of these magnifiers isn't entirely round which improves optical performance by providing a widened field of view. The light of these models does have a limited service life but they can provide up to 10x magnification.

• warm light magnifiers (3000K) for uniformly clear lighting without glare; equipped with SMD LEDs (multi-LEDs) and 5x magnification.

 Electronic video magnifiers

Electronic magnifiers are fantastic pieces of equipment that provide 3x, 4.5x or 6x magnification. These magnifiers are designed to provide you with:

• an unbeatably clear image;

• a 16/9 LCD screen that can fit in your hand;

• a viewing angle of up to 170° which is ideal for viewing a range of details;

• use in daylight or even in the sun;

• true colours and adjustable contrast;

• a fixed image function or auto shutdown;

• a LED light that can be turned off.