Would anyone care to recommend an online source for credit-card sized fresnel lenses? I'm looking for something like the one in Doug's PSK.

Bear

Your wish is my command:

Fresnel Lenses

Although, I just pick them up at my local bookstore.

I've bought a few from this site:

http://www.campingsurvival.com/crcamaposifr.html

I got some good ones from Lee Valley Tools. They came in a 5-pack, I think. Gave away a bunch for Christmas. They're credit-card sized, flexible, have a protective pouch, and are quite good optically. Though to be honest, I haven't tried them for firemaking.

I believe you can get them online at http://www.leevalley.com/home.aspx

Bookstores, office supply stores, and sometimes even drug stores (near the reading glasses) have these.

I get mine from a bookstore/jewelry combo store called Le Parchemin. Regular bookstores don't always have them it seems.

I find them easy to carry in the wallet and they DO start a fire, but I found it "touchy" in getting the sunlight into that nice round beam of light. It's kinda squarish and I don't think it is as hot and quick as a regualr mag glass lens (although, it lit my char cloth instantly and from that, I was able to easily get a fire going.)

Michael

Try widgetsupply.com - they have a lot of interesting stuff.

Great pricing, communication and fast shipping. Just got an order from them yesterday. Placed the order Thursday afternoon and they contacted me with a question Friday morning. Stuff shipped Friday and I got the Priority box on Monday. Pretty good considering the time difference and distance.

http://3dlens.com/shop/fresnellens.php

I bought small, medium and large fresnels.., work great, and inexpensive, but it takes about 3 weeks to get them..., they're from Taiwan.

Walmart carries them. Look in the pharmacy area next to the reading glasses.

Greg