Customer Reviews

Grandrich ML-245 WHT Heavy Duty Fluorescent Magnifier Light

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

I never thought I would need one of these until I started getting far sighted. I bought it to mount on my scrollsaw, but I also use it to build railroad models. (I chose N-Scale before my occular decline.) It is also really handy when I'm digging splinters out of my fingers; I'm left with a much smaller hole than when I just use my glasses! I have had mine for several years and have never had to replace the bulb yet. The optics are good, but as with all magnifying glasses, there is a "sweet spot" in the center that is the most useful. It is rather heavy and has a stiff mechanism, so you need to get a full grip with the mounting clamp on the edge of your table. I had it mounted on a compter table that has a beveled edge, and it would tend to slip off when I swung the arm around.

My first one is about 15 years old and has been used on my workbench for that period. I've used it for working with computer circuit boards and later, with miniature wood carvings. The second one, purchased in 2001, is used exclusively with my scrollsaw and is mounted to a bracket I added to the machine's stand, allowing me to mount the lamp in the most advantageous position.

I've found the clamp on the latest saw to be stronger than the earlier version and it also has a courtesy 3-prong outlet that has proved itself to be very handy. The springs and adjustment knows hold the head wherever I place it. The magnifier gives me an excellent view with very little distortion.

The square tubing used in the arm could be a bit heavier as it does vibrate when the table is bumped, but that would probably raise the price of the lamp well beyond what I paid. I wouldn't hesitate to add another lamp of this model if I had the need.

Note: For me 3 stars is a satisfactory product that performs as it is expected. I would give it 3.5 but its not an option since its better than most other options out there for the same price range.

Compared to many other products out there from different companies this thing is amazing and much cheaper but I'm not going to compare it to other products I have seen. Lighting is very good and is a bright white and slightly blue. The magnifier is nice but came with lots of greasy finger prints that were quite annoying to wipe clean. The construction of the lamp is decent but nothing to be proud of. "Heavy Duty" is definitely a relative term and personally I would not label this product "Heavy Duty". The rods that anchor the spring stabilizers are connected to a flimsy threaded rod that ties in with the frame. I have had the lamp for about a month and its still holding up okay but I won't be surprised if they come loose often and need periodic tightening. So as a conclusion it's a good choice for a good price since the majority of other products out there for this price range are pure garbage but that's what you get when you want to pay next to nothing for items build by cheap labor ;)

Had no problems. I tie flies for fly fishing and love this light/magnifier. It can be adjusted easily and locked into position. It also has a power plug! The price is great too.

Very useful in electronic repair. Lamp quality good except cheap plastic knobs to tighten lamp swivels broke off first time. all in all, would purchase another one.

KLM

Lamp comes neatly packed and assembled. Easy to clamp to desk or bench. Easy to move around or fix to a desired position. Light is bright and cool. Magnifies just fine for my needs. I'm a reloader and need to inspect brass for tiny defects. A great purchase.

I'm very happy with this lamp given I could have purchased a different brand costing much more, minus the bulb and free shipping. The tightening screws are not the quality I was hoping but once I set them, I haven't had to change the tension much. The light and magnifier do a great job for my weak eyes. I received the shipment timely with no broken parts and I'd order another one for my shop but I'd like to get black instead.

The unit stopped working after only a little more than 1 year. Replacing bulbs no help. Transformer must be defective. A lot of money for one year's use!!

To call this lamp "heavy duty" is grossly misleading. One of the knobs fell off almost immediately. It requires regular tightening to keep it from flopping down. The springs are not strong enough to keep it in position. This lamp is not suitable for work which requires that it be repositioned frequently.

I looked a lot of places before I bought this lamp. When I took it out of the box it looked fine. But shortly after installing it and trying to move the lamp/lens to where I needed it, the very thin sheet metal on one of the arms tore out at a joint. Upon looking more closely, it's obvious this wouldn't have lasted more than an hour or so before breaking somewhere. It's a shame because the the lamp/lens assemply is pretty well built, but the arms are junk - unless you just want the lamp/lens, don't waste your time or money.