what is this gadget?

C

cheapshot

New member
Is this a electric magnifier where could i get one? :inspector:


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What would be the benefit of looking at your car's paint through one of these? I have one in my tool box but never figured it as a useful detailing tool. I am confused here, maybe someone could explain what that guy is looking for.
 
It's for examining paint imperfections up close. Is it necessary? Not to me. Is it helpful? Not to me.

I can decide how I'm going to tackle a paint imperfection without using one of these. Makes you look pro though.;)
 
tuscarora dave said:
What would be the benefit of looking at your car's paint through one of these? I have one in my tool box but never figured it as a useful detailing tool. I am confused here, maybe someone could explain what that guy is looking for.
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Makes it look like you're more "professional" when you do it in front of the customer.
 
tuscarora dave said:
What would be the benefit of looking at your car's paint through one of these? I have one in my tool box but never figured it as a useful detailing tool. I am confused here, maybe someone could explain what that guy is looking for.
Click to expand...

Dave...your missing the real value in having one of these...you pull this out when you are estimating in-front of the customer what the detail is going to cost.

Get on you knees and look at a few spots on the car paint, lay a piece of blue tap on those spots...even one or two on the windows...Write down a few things on a note pad...then deliver the inflated cost to him...makes you look like a detail paint scientist:D

In the sales industry we call it smoke and mirrors.
 
I've used it to see if an imperfection was actually etched in, or laying on top of the clear coat.
 
To tell the truth, it was still hard to tell the difference. However, I'd look at the edges of the imperfection through the magnifier, and that showed either an edge that went down, or an edge that went up.
Not too clear an explanation. :)
 
could this be used to see how polishes finish out, or leave the finish?

For Example I finish with #80 on a section, and finish with 205 on another section.
I check the finish out by eye and halogen both sections look great!
I then take the inspector gadget illuminated 800 gig a watt magnifier and put it to each section or panel, to see which polish really finished better. I'm sure I will have a better idea, know?

PS. how close do you think they are inspecting 8x-12x manification or more?
 
Beemerboy said:
Dave...your missing the real value in having one of these...you pull this out when you are estimating in-front of the customer what the detail is going to cost.

Get on you knees and look at a few spots on the car paint, lay a piece of blue tap on those spots...even one or two on the windows...Write down a few things on a note pad...then deliver the inflated cost to him...makes you look like a detail paint scientist:D

In the sales industry we call it smoke and mirrors.
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Gotcha....
 
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
cheapshot said:
Most of the time these micro scratches are hard to see even under a halogen with your eyes three inches from the finish
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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
 
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