Help me light this area

admin

Had a loft put in, in the back end of my shop. Never occured to me it would block all the light. It's not a huge issue, but as you can see, the lathe is under there and it's nice to have light while using the lathe. I don't want to put one of those carriage lamps on there, as I also want plenty of light while looking at prints, and I have a small storage section back there I'd like some light on as well. So what's the best way to light this area? I'm thinking maybe some of those fluorescent lights that just plug into an outlet. Or someone recommended some of those flood lamps that have the clips, so that way I could clip them to the rafters pointing wherever I want. John 3:16(2) Miller Pheonix 456(2) Millermertic 252Dynasty 210DXHobart 210MVPDoringer D350 SA Cold SawScotchman 350LT Cold SawWebb 10x50 MillWebb 15x40 LatheGeka Bendicrop Ironworker
Reply:I have a ten buck 500 watt halogen floor light mounted to the wall with a magnet at my lathe. Most of the time I only have the light of whatever machine I am working on on. It just makes sense from the efficiency stand point but there is some other elements to why I like it that way that I am not sure of.
Reply:Watch using rotating machinery and fluorescent lights. The lights strobe and if you aren't careful, the strobe effect can make it look like the lathe is running slower or even stopped if the RPMs on the lathe match the lights strobe rate.I vaguely remember something about when fluorescent lights are used in industry, they are often split between legs or phases on the panel. This causes the lights to strobe at different frequencies to help eliminate that issue..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Modern fluorescents (T5 and T8) have high-frequency electronic ballasts so no flicker issues. Even if you already have the old (large tube) fixtures it is worth replacing them as the new ones save electricity as well as eye strain.Those 500W halogens use gobs of electricity and can be a fire hazard. LED bulbs and fixtures cost more initially but pay for themselves in power savings and make better quality light.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:I have the same deal and put a couple of plug in fluorescents in to see with. I have a 100 watt light on a clamp that I position on the drill press or lathe which ever I am using.
Reply:T5 low bays if you can find them. They are around $60 ~100.00 a fixture.  I just replaced the shop lights with all new ones. I used 11 T5 high bays (instock) I was working in a dark dungeon.
Reply:T5 low bays if you can find them. They are around $60 ~100.00 a fixture.  I just replaced the shop lights with all new ones. I used 11 T5 high bays (instock) I was working in a dark dungeon.
Reply:How large are those spaces between the joists?It looks like two lamp fluorescents should fit, I'd skip the T8 and go straight to T5.  The kind designed to be set "into" the ceiling.  Maybe every 5th bay or so and then alternate rows or so that the storage and lathe area gets light fairly directly.