what is this gadget?

**Beercan31** · 07-01-2009, 04:16 PM

Illuminated Microscope
Model: MM-100 | Catalog #: 63-1313

A powerful 60-100x magnification microscope with an extremely lightweight and portable design.

online $12.09
RadioShack.com

Its a handy tool.

**heatgain** · 07-01-2009, 06:35 PM

That`s the one I have. They used to have a 30X lit model, that`s the one I really wanted.
But for $12.00, I`m not crying.

**Ivan Rajic** · 07-02-2009, 10:11 AM

I have the 60-100x one from Radio Shack and use it somewhat regularly... is it necessary, nope. However, you can tell the difference between a deep scratch, a scuff on the cc that comes out easily, and also progress of removing a deep scratch... sometimes I`ll use it when spot polishing and basically decided to stop if I see a really aggressive combo isn`t taking enough out for me to keep going...

Cheapshot, it won`t show which polish/pad combo leaves a better finish because it`s a close up of the paint and magnifies it a lot... no way you see the leveling of the paint, at least I can`t

**cheapshot** · 07-02-2009, 12:24 PM

ivopivo, not so much to see the leveling, but how the finish is left. basically what polish leaves the surface cleanest, or with less micro marring.

Most of the time these micro scratches are hard to see even under a halogen with your eyes three inches from the finish. I have a little leather pocket magnifier i use, unsure of the strength but it helps me see these sick micro scratches. When you stand back the finish looks perfect under the lights, But there are always these micro scratches.

**Beemerboy** · 07-02-2009, 12:44 PM

Originally Posted by cheapshot

Most of the time these micro scratches are hard to see even under a halogen with your eyes three inches from the finish

Here is my take on this, if you can`t really see them under the hallas at the distance of 3 inches you are approaching about as good a finish as you can get under any lighted circumstances.

This means that anyone looking at the car, including yourself will not be seeing them. Fact is they may still be there, but on your next wash or QD wipe down your back to square one again.

Now if this is just a tool to monitor how the process of polishing is coming along then fine by me...but as a tool to see if there are any swirls at all left, there pretty much will always be