Trying to find a cheap microscope clamp arm

[stevenhoneyman]

I have a stereo microscope which I got for a really good price, but came as a 'standalone' unit (with a heavy base with a light in it). I'd like to take the microscope bit and put it on some kind of moveable arm that'll clamp to my desk. It's a standard(?) 14/15mm metal pole that it's on at the moment and will just unscrew and slide off no problem.

My issue/question is what's the magic keyword I'm missing to find a suitable arm to hold it? I can get an LCD monitor arm for about £20 (well, I actually have one spare), but as soon as I look for microscope arms the price jumps to the hundreds of £s, despite them being the same thing just with a little hole on the end instead of a VESA plate.

[zapta]

Pic or you microscope?  Picture or drawing of what you look for?

An ebay search for 'microscope base' return many results. Same goes for 'articulating microscope'.

Also, if you can find similar monitor arms you can potential modify them to fit.

[stevenhoneyman]

Sure, here you go. My microscope, what I'm looking for, and the monitor arm I have spare.
The microscope (excluding the base) weighs about 1kg or so. Feels too heavy for a cheap camera arm which was another idea.

The little 1 LED light I've replaced with a ring light so that's out of the way.

I'm in the UK, that seems to make a difference! All I see on ebay UK are microscopes on arms for approx £1000-£1500, or just the arm for approx £400-£500 e.g. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRAND-NEW-UNUSED-LEICA-MICROSCOPE-BOOM-SWING-ARM-STAND-/221780343554

[mij59]

I used a Ergotron LX for my microscope http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ergotron-Desk-Mount-LCD-Arm/dp/B00358RIRC

[stevenhoneyman]

I used a Ergotron LX for my microscope http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ergotron-Desk-Mount-LCD-Arm/dp/B00358RIRC

What did you use to adapt/hold the microscope on the end?

[mij59]

I used a Ergotron LX for my microscope http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ergotron-Desk-Mount-LCD-Arm/dp/B00358RIRC

What did you use to adapt/hold the microscope on the end?

I used one bolt to connect the microscope with the monitor plate.

[stevenhoneyman]

I used a Ergotron LX for my microscope http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ergotron-Desk-Mount-LCD-Arm/dp/B00358RIRC

What did you use to adapt/hold the microscope on the end?

I used one bolt to connect the microscope with the monitor plate.

Great job, thanks for the pic! I'll see if I can find some way to attach mine

[stevenhoneyman]

I found a cheap (but seems well built) clone of that arm which arrived today. I'm waiting for a 120mm bolt to arrive (tomorrow I hope) and then I can put it all together. I'm using a couple of bits from my spare monitor arm and bolting the vesa plates together.

Here's the clone: http://www.allcam.biz/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1417

[Neganur]

Good find! I am down that road as well with a Nikon microscope without stand. A proper boom stand almost costs as much as a complete new scope...doh

[stevenhoneyman]

Crazy isn't it! Still, I'm happy with this solution. It hasn't dropped to pieces yet anyway

[mij59]

Crazy isn't it! Still, I'm happy with this solution. It hasn't dropped to pieces yet anyway

Nice build, don't worry the bolt won't snap !

[Fraser]

I have the same challenge. This is a very helpful thread. Thanks 

Fraser

[Neganur]

Received the arm and had to hack something to mount the scope to the VESA plate but I think the result is good.
The only thing I may poke a stick at is that the whole arm shakes a little when my nose hits an eye piece so it's of course not as solid as a real 10 kg stand.

The lights are cheap IKEA Jansjö.

[stevenhoneyman]

 

I also started with those same Ikea LED lights, but the shadows and reflections made be buy the ring light (which even though it's just an ebay special was really expensive for what it is)

I'd highly recommend one if you're looking to improve lighting.