shop lights

[mikefromsundre]

Just wondering what folks use for lighting in their work areas. I just bought an Ott light for my carving bench and for my fly tying bench. I have not been able to try it out yet. From what I see if does give a very nice true colour that does not seem to be a strain on the eyes.

[mdallensr]

I have and use an Ott light for my bench hook carving, and usually supplement it with another fluorescent. Mike

[xsailer]

They may be true colors, I could argue that, but they don't cast much light. I have one that I use at seminars (carve ins) but it's only good to me for carving right under it. My shop has several 8 foot bulbs(qty 8) and sometimes I turn them of to see shadows. If I paint I use both tube and bulb type lights for cold and warm effects.

[Ed Redwine]

Since my carving area is small, I use a small desk lamp for highlighting the work area.
Ed

[Thor]

Show me your tool rack(s)
post number 95 shows my very elaborate and fancy light system that works better than anything I have come up with before. It is easily shifted to cast shadows on one side or another, and I can run it along the pipe for about 5 feet either way.
Christina

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I have a 4' floresent and 2 clamp on lights, each with a 100 W bulb.

Dave

[Thomp]

walmart had 48" floresent lights units for $9.00 or so each when i got my 12x24 ft storage building, i installed the 3 units spaced equal down the 24 foot center and added 110 screw in florecent energy saverings lamps where needed...

second thoughts now has me looking for a better solution,

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

My shop is 24 x 32 ....I have 9 fluorescents and a couple of incandescents and could still use more light! (and thats with my whole shop white inside!) I also have one of the "daylight" floor lamps..two in fact, larger than the "Ott", they work fine, especially for painting...you don't miss the spots with them imho

[mark yundt]

I have 10 - 8 ft flourescents controlled in groups of 5 , 3 and 2 for overall lighting. For carving I use 2 swing arm lamps to control shadows in combination with the fl. lights as this gives me the best directional lighting.
I don't really care if the lighting is natural or not when carving. Really ..what's the point? I'm only looking for shadows so why spend the money for natural lights? As far as finishing goes I've met many who insist on the natural lights there as well. They finish a piece and then put it in a home where it's lit by incandescent or flourescent lights. Sort of defeats the purpose unless you plan on leaving your carving outside in true "natural' light. But for just plain carving and working,,it serves no purpose at all.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

I do a lot of carving and painting and naturally I want to be able to see what I'm doing so here's my setup:

1. My carving area sets in front of a big window facing north.

2. Directly over head I have a two element 8' fluorescent light

3. About 3' behind that light I have another 2 element 8' fixture to balance out the light from the window.

Not only does this give me all the light I need it also keeps the local Rural Electric Cooperative in business.