Work bench lighting

Bandaid · #1 05-30-2004, 11:33 AM

I'm looking to puchase a portable light for my work area and was curious about what I think is called an Ott light. I believe Callynne uses one on her portable work table.
I would appreciate any comments on the pros or cons of this particular make or maybe someone has a suggestion or recommendation on another type they like.
I'm hoping to get something that gives a good light for painting as well as carving.
Thanks...Reg

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #2 05-30-2004, 11:48 AM

Look up 'nextten' on the search...I bought an ott light and the large one from nextten and the nextten, even tho more money is a lot better light, its larger and puts out a lot of light, it also has a dimmer switch on it....I really like it! I need all the help I can get! My wife doesn't seem to have the problem seeing the fine detail that I do, both in carving and painting the carvings, so she uses the Ott light....

dart · #3 05-30-2004, 12:00 PM

The fluorscent lights are whiter than the incandescent lights that give a yellower light. But when working with power tools it may be better to use the incandescent light. The fluorescent light seems to make, for instance, a piece of wood in a woodlathe look as if it is standing still when it's really moving fast. That's why I use the incandescent light for all my power tools. Just my experience tho. 8)

Randy48 · #4 05-30-2004, 01:55 PM

I use a cheap $10 magnifying lens light with a 60 watt bulb clamped on my bench for extra light if I need it. Other then that I've got 5 - dual 4 foot fluorscent shop lights in my garage. But that's soon to change. I finally found a new job and be going back to work in 2 weeks, now I can 'un-freeze' my savings and get my shop built

AlArchie · #5 05-30-2004, 03:31 PM

The Ott light is designed to simulate daylight, and is great for color comparisons while painting and finishing. It is also quite bright and doesn't throw a lot of heat. There are also full spectrum flourescent tubes available to fit in standard 48 inch flourescent fixtures, that serve the same purpose for a lot less money! These run about 10 bucks a piece +/- . (last ones I bought, anyway.) I still use the Ott light on my painting table and consider it a good investment. Mine is the folding table-top model with the magnifier included. My wife has the foor model she uses for cross stitch work, and she loves it.

Con on the Ott and comparable other brands is mainly expense! They ain't cheap. We picked ours up at a JoAnn's fabric shop with half price coupons, so the investent wasn't all that bad. Michael's Craft stores has similar discounts. I'd suggest looking around for these in-store specials.

Finding replacement bulbs may also present a problem, depending on you location. Mine are still going strong, so I don't have any first hand knowledge about replacement.

Al

#6 05-30-2004, 06:39 PM

I just picked up four Ott lights at Cosco thats what its called here in Canada I think it may be Price Club in the US. I just love them and my wife uses them for quilting I cant say anything but good things about them. As I said we found them in Costco at $39.00 Canadian thats about $30.00 or less. My wife informs me they sell them at the quilting shows at $80.00 so we both now have two each.
Colin

mdallensr · #7 05-31-2004, 10:10 AM

I've been using an Ott light for carving for a few years and really like it. The only drawback for it or any fluorescents is the lack of sharp shadows for relief carvings. So, I keep a regular incandescent lamp next to the Ott light for relief carving.

Bandaid · #8 05-31-2004, 10:38 AM

Thanks a lot for the input guys. I'll check out the local Michaels to see what they have. I've got a 40 % off coupon so that should help on the price.

Thx. again...Reg

Callynne · #9 05-31-2004, 04:59 PM

Hey Reg, I have a light similar to the Ott Light, it's called a Daylight, I got it from Blick Studio. I asked the girl I ordered from what the difference was between the two, she said 'the name', which is just what I think too. The Ott Light lists for $79.95 sold through Blick at $49.98, the Daylight lists at $49.99 and sells for $36.98.
I loved the light so much I ordered another one for my painting table. They really do give a nice light with, as mentioned, a lot less heat than other lighting so you can keep it closer to your work....where you need it.
If you want to check out Blick Studio go to http://www.dickblick.com or you can call for their catalog at 1-800-828-4548.
Either Ott or Daylight, I think you'll be pleased with this type of lighting! Callynne