Task lighting?

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I have a four foot four bulb fluorescent fixture over my welding table, but it is still hard to see much other than the arc and the puddle.   Yes, I have corrective lenses in my helmet, which helps, but not enough.  I can see perfectly well until I strike an arc.I was wondering about a small task light that I could put very close to what I was working on, to light up the area around the weld.    Years ago it was common to see "high intensity" lights, usually small, around one foot fully extended, with a transformer and a 12 volt bulb, is what I recall.   Maybe they were halogen.  I have not found those for sale, and maybe they are not the best thing either.What is available that would light up the area of the weld?   I mostly TIG weld, but obviously I want something that will not break a bulb the first time splatter hits it.   I am almost thinking I want a glass cover, but then how do I cool the bulb?Ideas, suggestions, model numbers?Thanks in advance,RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:I have a plymovent fume extraction unit and it has a regular MR16 low voltage halogen bulb in front. So I think you can pretty much use any worklight (as long as it is low voltage, 12V-24V or so at the bulb).If you use a LED light it will stay cool as well.Maybe something like this? You could probably set that up behind you since it's so bright.http://www.amazon.com/Power-Tech-Sin...=led+worklightLast edited by Pete.S.; 08-26-2014 at 06:54 PM.
Reply:Tackit built this.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...shlight+holderGravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:I installed a track lighting system right over my table with high output bulbs.  It definitely makes a huge difference over just using the florescents. Careful placing lights behind you as you may get glare on the inside of your helmet.
Reply:I don't get how you can see fine before striking the arc and upon introducing more light than could be produced by a light bulb you lose vision but a light bulb has solved this issue for many people.
Reply:This might be a dumb question but I've got to ask... Have you tried putting a towel or t shirt over the top of your hood when welding? Fluorescent light will kill your eyes ability to focus on the weld if it is illuminating the inside of your hood!Real welders know how to penetrate!(Equipment)Whatever can be used to beat my opponent into submission!
Reply:Here's what I did and it does help. http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...ny+clamp+light   A 3/4 pipe pony clamp to secure to table and a old halogen light. You can slide light off and still use the clamp.
Reply:Originally Posted by mikecwikI don't get how you can see fine before striking the arc and upon introducing more light than could be produced by a light bulb you lose vision but a light bulb has solved this issue for many people.