Workshop Lighting

[tom hagan]

I am curious as to what the members are using for lighting in their shops. Type of lighting, manufacturer, style, etc. I am in the process of building a new shop area in a steel building. I plan to have an area of around 20' x 35' to set up in. Give me some ideas on how best to light this area. If you have pictures of your lighting, please show them as well. Thanks

[Ken Darga]

Not all fluorescent lights work in cold weather.

Select a fluorescent fixture based on lowest temp in your shop/garage.

Regular magnetic ballasts in standard T12 fixtures, which have 1-1/2" dia lamps, are not recommended for 

temps below 50 degrees F.

[Ken Darga]

Tom,

Re portable lights

I use portable lights, on ocassions.

One fixture features "high-intensity" bulbs.

The lamp has a selector switch for 150, 300 and 600W settings.

This type uses Halogen bulbs, and they do get hot.

These type lamps can be placed on a floor, hung overhead, placed on a wall, or mounted on a telescoping tripod work stand.

Works great when I need to focus more light on a project, for a specific task.

Ex, when working on an automobile, or the like, and need a brighter light focused on an area.

Portable work lights are also available with LEDs.

[tom hagan]

Ken,

More good stuff to know when considering portable (or any Lighting) in a workshop that may not have full heat during the winter. Thanks for advice.
Ken Darga said:

Not all fluorescent lights work in cold weather.

Select a fluorescent fixture based on lowest temp in your shop/garage.

Regular magnetic ballasts in standard T12 fixtures, which have 1-1/2" dia lamps, are not recommended for 

temps below 50 degrees F.

[Gary roofner]

Just buy the t 12 florescent fixture and  follow direction on the web for rewiring fixtures for led bulbs to buy About 7 bucks a bulb at earth LED. Fixture about 10 bucks. The LED are T8 but they fit .

[tom hagan]

Gary,

Sounds like you are trying to save me money . . . I'll make sure my son checks this out. He's the electrician in our family. I did see some 4' FEIT replacement LEDs at Menards today for $8.99 a two pack. Thanks for the option.
Gary roofner said:

Just buy the t 12 florescent fixture and  follow direction on the web for rewiring fixtures for led bulbs to buy About 7 bucks a bulb at earth LED. Fixture about 10 bucks. The LED are T8 but they fit .

[Bill L.]

For some definitive answers from an expert go to the Sawmill Creek Woodworking Forum and read this article:

 http://www.sawmillcreek.org/content.php?146-Lighting-the-Small-Work...

[tom hagan]

Bill,

There is some very good stuff in this article. I especially liked the section that talked about ESTIMATING HOW MANY FIXTURES ARE NEEDED.  Since I am way over 25 I know I need the 100 fc. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. 

[Gary roofner]

The LED's are much brighter than florescence. My shed is only 10 x10 Only needed 2 fixture .