Jump to content

shop lights

Rate this topic


beachtoad

Recommended Posts

I don't know temperature performance of LED's, but they are very expensive initially and I do not like the color. I have cheap T-8 fixtures in my shop. I have (10) 4' fixtures with two bulbs each for 1000 s.f. I think it equates to less than one  watt per s.f. Incandescent would require at least three watts s.f  I use some halogen spot's for finishing and fine work but they are off most of the time.



 The lensed fluorescent fixtures od either type are more costly but  will retain some of their own heat and perform better  than the open fixtures if temp's are low. The T-5's are more expensive, probably less available and perform poorly in low temperatures , 60F or lower compared to T-8's and will only save you about 10%...at ideal temperatures.



W


Link to comment
Share on other sites

My electrician (I'm a GC) put 4 uncovered, 4', T-8 fixtures in my garage / shop. The space is unheated so there are zero degree ballasts in each fixture to allow them to start right up without flickering. Excellent AND CHEAP general lighting. I would imagine for really intricate work a spot light would be helpful, but between turning plugs and making custom cabinets etc., I haven't found any need.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Take a look at these...they fit into 5"+6" recessed cans. 75 watts + of lighting that run on 2 watts.

Yeah I know they cost a bit, but at the end of the month, they drop to $20 . The cost of the can is $8-10.

Personally I have flourescents in my garage, but if the cieling was sheetrocked, I would do these in a heartbeat. If you buy from the cree website, shipping could be free on eligible orders, and rebates for the LEDs may come into effect through your power company1823948

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't have a shop anymore...:(

 

And my bride for some reason doesn't like me cleaning guns and wrapping rods in the kitchen :why:

 

This is another issue...

 

When I did, I had both 4' double tubes all around and cheep clip in spots hanging from the ceiling joists.

powerless
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote:
Originally Posted by Speedyreeler View Post

 

Go with the LED, they have no issues with temp and they're more energy efficient.

I have them on my car as license plate lights and fog lights. I have them on my bike too as blinkers.

You can also get the long LED strips with a controller to change the colors, looks really fancy lol





I think it could be problematic to have LED lights in a woodshop. Their are certainly some advantages but the color could really cause problems if any finishing work, color matching, and even board selection for glue ups had to be done. I have completed projects where two pieces looked identical under one light source and totally dissimilar under another. I would be running in circles every time I suspected a poor match...I already have enough reasons to run in circles...that one would really throw me off though.


Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've been eyeing an LED 4ft. light at Lowes for about month now. The only thing that is keeping me from buying several is the cost. They're about $70 each. But the light they give is excellent. If you don't need many it might be a consideration. The item number is: 1345. You may want to take a stroll to Lowes and check it out. I might buy one a month to replace the few tube fixtures I have and wattage wise they're less than the tube type.

CT

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodpecker View Post

 

I think it could be problematic to have LED lights in a woodshop. Their are certainly some advantages but the color could really cause problems if any finishing work, color matching, and even board selection for glue ups had to be done. I have completed projects where two pieces looked identical under one light source and totally dissimilar under another. I would be running in circles every time I suspected a poor match...I already have enough reasons to run in circles...that one would really throw me off though.





Oh I see, didn't really think of that. Maybe just for general lighting then? Couldn't you run a regular bulb here and there?

 



I just have LED lights here and there in my house and I guess I've got used to the color difference by now lol


Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've been eyeing an LED 4ft. light at Lowes for about month now. The only thing that is keeping me from buying several is the cost. They're about $70 each. But the light they give is excellent. If you don't need many it might be a consideration. The item number is: 1345. You may want to take a stroll to Lowes and check it out. I might buy one a month to replace the few tube fixtures I have and wattage wise they're less than the tube type.

 

I purchased this light for my laundry room a few weeks ago. I will try to get it in in the next few days and report back.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote:
Originally Posted by Speedyreeler View Post

 

Oh I see, didn't really think of that. Maybe just for general lighting then? Couldn't you run a regular bulb here and there?

 



I just have LED lights here and there in my house and I guess I've got used to the color difference by now lol





Without getting too technical, metamerism is the phenomenon of  two objects appearing identical under one light source but different under another wavelength. The term also applies to perceived color differences when viewing  an object from different angles as well. It is a workable problem with , as you suggest, some other lights to verify matches though. 



I only suggest the consideration if large quantities are being finished, especially in batches.  It usually only causes problems if multiple light source evaluations have not been done but more frequently the problem is not being able to tell which pieces require another coat. I try to be methodical, but put of the corner of my eye I always see pieces I might have missed and second guess myself so lighting true to the final location is helpful. I find I have the most problems with missed coats or missed spots when I have cool spectrum lights and I miss less with warm lighting.


Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
Quote:

Originally Posted by rwalter7 View Post

I've been eyeing an LED 4ft. light at Lowes for about month now. The only thing that is keeping me from buying several is the cost. They're about $70 each. But the light they give is excellent. If you don't need many it might be a consideration. The item number is: 1345. You may want to take a stroll to Lowes and check it out. I might buy one a month to replace the few tube fixtures I have and wattage wise they're less than the tube type.


I finally got around to installing this light.  Aside from the short delay at start-up it works beautifully, but my other LEDs have a short delay as well and it does not trouble me too much.  That may be an issue for others though.  


Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've been eyeing an LED 4ft. light at Lowes for about month now. The only thing that is keeping me from buying several is the cost. They're about $70 each. But the light they give is excellent. If you don't need many it might be a consideration. The item number is: 1345. You may want to take a stroll to Lowes and check it out. I might buy one a month to replace the few tube fixtures I have and wattage wise they're less than the tube type.

 

Costco has a 4' LED shop light for $39.00. I've Ben using it in my basement as work light while I finish it. (The pyramids took less time). :D

 

Seems just as good as the fluorescents in garage.

"Ban Pre-shredded Cheese, Make America Grate Again"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to register here in order to participate.

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


×
×
  • Create New...