Synopsis: In the shop, it might take more than eyeglasses to get everything in focus. Woodworking poses visual challenges; here is a presentation of products that will help bring your work into sharp view, even for those with good vision to start with. From task lighting to various magnifiers and lenses, Jeff Miller eases the strain.

From Fine Woodworking #168

It’s nearly as inevitable as death and taxes. As we get older, we begin finding it a little harder to see some of the small things that are so crucial to woodworking. Whether it’s 1⁄32-in. graduations on a ruler or scribed lines on a mortise-and-tenon, our eyes are less able to focus sharply on close work as we age. And that can be a problem because accurate work requires visual acuity.

One of the biggest hurdles for most people is to admit that the problem exists. But denial, effective as it is with so many problems, doesn’t help with presbyopia (the weakening of the eyes with age). So before doing anything else, get your eyes examined. A good pair of glasses with the proper prescription is a big step toward helping you to see better.

In the shop, however, it might take more than eyeglasses to get everything in focus. Woodworking poses some interesting visual challenges. You not only need to see clearly in a specific area, but you also must have a broad field of vision. You need sharp focus at a variety of distances, and you need good overall depth perception. You also need two hands free to use tools. Nothing out there is going to solve all of these problems at once, but as I discovered, a number of products on the market can help. Many of them are useful even for woodworkers with good vision.

Let’s start with the basics. Good lighting is a must, but as we age, it’s even more important. That doesn’t necessarily mean your shop needs to be rewired. To supplement the overhead lighting in my shop, I frequently employ task lights at the workbench and at machines. Overhead, well-diffused light generally is the best for a woodshop. It minimizes shadows that make it harder to see what you’re doing. That’s why fluorescent lights work well in the shop. When enough of them are properly located, they give even illumination without harsh shadows.

For the full article, download the PDF below.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Shop Fox W1826

The thick, felted bag on this Shop Fox is a plus and a minus. On one hand, it makes the unit much less expensive than collectors with canister filters, and also lighter and easier to hang on the wall. Without a separate plastic bag to catch chips, however, they stay in the felt bag, and the shortish zipper on the bottom makes it tough to shake them out. Otherwise, the W1826 is an excellent value.

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Grout float

The red foam on these grout floats grip well to wood, and the large handle keeps your hands safely away from bits and blades.

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Fein Turbo II HEPA Wet/Dry Dust Extractor

Among the most powerful HEPA-rated shop vacs on the market, Fein’s Turbo II is quieter, more compact, and nimbler than the rest.

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