Comments on: Easy Measurements Conversion

By: Ellie

Ellie — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 15:56:56 +0000

Linda
I found the best metric to inches conversion chart on a site called Beadaholique.
The best thing about this chart is that it shows the picture of a penny with the 1 inch and 25mm next to it for reference. I just printed it out and keep it on my jewelry making table for quick reference.
Also, to relieve eye strain I bought a pair of reading glasses at the drugstore that magnify enough for me. I didn’t like the Optivision Visor, gave me a headache from the band.
Hope this helps
Ellie

By: Adrien

Adrien — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 04:50:16 +0000

I also use a couple of Ott lights and wouldn’t think of making any jewellery without wearing my Optivision visor. I even pack it in my tool box when I go th shows. Ott lights are about $40-50 here in Canada. For under $100US you can get an Optivision visor, lens of your choice, (I use a 2.0, my wife prefers the 1.5), a led light frame that goes around the lens so there is no back glare and a louoe attachment. There available at jewelrysupply.com and wiresculpture.com. I love the led light attachment becuse it reduces shadows significantly, a real plus in tight corners such as prong settings and counting wire coils.
Getting back to conversions, I found a free unit conversion widget for my iMac at the Apple store. I’m sure there must be one available for Windows. I prefer metric because the units are much more precise, (Millimeters are almost half the lenght of 1/16ths of an inch.) so there’s less interpolation and guess work.
The two conversions I use the most are 2.5 centimetres = 25 millimetres = 1 inch and 30 centimeters = 12 inches = 1 foot.

By: Colleen

Colleen — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 14:44:05 +0000

YES lighting is a must, one that I have to work on. I have an Ott light and a couple more regular lights around me. I will definitely be purchasing another Ott light. These are great because of the natural light they throw off. And YES jewelry making has unfortunately made my eye sight worse. Nothing a cute pair of cheaters won’t fix. Great advise!

By: Carol

Carol — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 14:13:10 +0000

I agree with all of the advice. In addition, at my local bead store I purchased a pair of clip-on magnifiers that just clip on your glasses. They come in different strengths. I also use my Optivisor and Ott Lamp with a natural daylight bulb.

By: Linda Barton

Linda Barton — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 16:42:41 +0000

Hi Yodis. Thank you for the suggestions. Sometimes the obvious isn’t realized until you have struggled for a time. Yes! Dad was right. Good lighting is a must when doing any jewelry work. I also use a magnifying headset, that is sometimes cumbersome but it sure does help. And you can find some good ones at Harbor Freight. I am lucky, so far, that I don’t need glasses for reading or driving, but when it comes to jewelry making with all those small bits, a magnifying pair of glasses or headset is a must. My best to you and I’m happy to hear your migraines are much better. Be Well.

By: Yodis

Yodis — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 07:11:47 +0000

Hi Linda –
I may be telling you something you already know, but even so, maybe someone else reading this could benefit…

I just turned 28, and have only been working with jewelry for a few years now… But, working with Chainmaille, tiny beads, and wire, was putting so much strain on my eyes, that I realized I went from having 2-5 migraines a year, to at least one a month. My dad always told us to read/write with ample lighting. I just assumed he was making a big deal out of nothing, but after 3 years of tedious Chain-mailling, I decided to follow his advice. Not only did my “irregular” migraines cease, but there was a noticeable improvement in my craftsmanship, and increased detail/complexity in my work. I now have a small collection of various work-lights/desk lamps that I don’t think I could work without.

Aside from good lighting, you may want to consider glasses (reading/progressive lenses). The doctor made it sound difficult, but my partner just got his first pair of progressives, and completely forgot how much he hated himself in glasses once he realized that vast improvement in his vision. Even a pair of reading glasses from your local drug store could be a life-saver.
Working with jewelry will only make my vision deteriorate that much faster, according to my Dr., but with good lighting (and, in ur case, possibly a pair of glasses) could help immensely…. but make sure the bulb/source is not blinding in your peripheral vision — that can have just as negative of an effect on ur eyes). Good luck and best wishes. I hope this helped you… Or, at least, helped someone else.

By: Linda

Linda — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 21:26:31 +0000

Thank you Alicia! Good suggestion and I will give that a try then save it to “favorites” for future use.

By: Alicia Rivera

Alicia Rivera — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 17:12:11 +0000

Linda,
If you search in Google for “cm to inches conversion” it will pull up a conversion tool that you can use right there from the search results.

Hope that helps. 🙂

Alicia
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