Detectamark Watermark Detector

A little tongue in cheek title. Just cannot seem to find the correct place to post questions and I think the correct place for this requires a minimum 50 posts, so any way - I am looking at the attached watermark detector. Can anyone who may be using it please provide pros and cons.
Thanks Paul

Hey Paul:

We welcome the questions. Don't worry if you're uncertain of the best place to post. You friendly neighborhood moderators will help.

For example, I'm going to move this one to the "book, supply, and software" area. We move them not because we're control freaks, but to increase the number of answers. You'd be surprised how many members here don't read the whole board, but just focus on a couple of areas.

I'll let other, more-knowledgeable folks answer your question now.

Rats! and Thanks!

Wheelman,

The consensus seems to be that Ronsonol and a black tray works better. Cheaper too!

Jack

OH man you got a good one- that tool is the right correct you got money to buy that that thing and hope the light is bright enough for you to see the water mark thing-a-ma-jig. I always wanted one-'there cool!' in the end its true, the little black tray you can get a Hobby Lobby or online and the Ronsonol in the blue and yellow can works right now any where and you can see that watermark right now. Just my opinion, but I seem to see those machine for sale all the time--hhum

I think it's pretty expensive - just for some pressure and light.
What about a SAFE Signoscope T1? Works with battery as well and needs no turning around.

You get those really cheap very often, because the glue fixing the plate where the glass block is put in decomposes over the years and makes an ugly mess in the viewing box. Try to get one of these (I once got one for € 2,50 on a flea market!!), buy a spot remover for glue, and after half an hour you will have a clean, working Signoscope.

They often turn up in the "accessories" sections of stamp auctions, usually at a small fraction of the original price.

I bought one because they're cheaper than a Signiscope. I haven't used it lately because I've been working on German stamps, and Clarity and a black tray is all you need for them. Sometimes I can see the watermark without fluid, just by looking at the back of the stamp.

My main interest is U.S. stamps, and I have a heck of a time reading them. If it is not obvious with fluid in the tray (I use Ronsonol for US stamps because of the slower drying time.) I try the machine. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. A hinge fragment makes it very unlikely to reveal anything.

One frustration: The instructions say on one line that the more pressure you put on, the better. The next line says too much pressure will break the machine. So how much pressure is just enough?

Don

Thanks all for the feedback. Guess I will stick with my little black tray and fluid. Thought this may have assisted the old eyes.

Wheelman,
I agree with jkelley01938, go for the cheaper and far more effective option! I know, I bought one.
DavidR