Needed: a recommendation on a spot light or detail light

[Scott Richlen]

Although my shop is well lit, when I am carving or shaping I just don't seem to have enough light.  When the weather is nice I'll go outside as nothing beats a sunny day for illuminating work and "candling" surfaces.  So, here we are in winter and almost all my work has to be done in the shop.

It is time to install some kind of spot light suspended from the ceiling that I can maneuver to brightly illuminate whatever I am carving or shaping.  What has worked best for you?  What type of light (LED, florescent, incandescent)?

Thanks!

[Bruce Shipp]

There are some very bright, lightweight and inexpensive headband mounted LED lights available on amazon (other places too of course). I use these regularly doing full scale aircraft maintenance. They are great for hands free light and removing shadows. Plus it is always focused where you are looking.

I’ve got a couple of these.

https://www.amazon.com/Headlamp-Lighting-Lightweight-Headlight-Batteries/dp/B07924C7P5/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=head+mounted+light&qid=1607889810&s=hi&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFYQ0MzUDBKSjVUVkgmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA2OTYxNjYzOU5GSUZSNVdVTEcxJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTEwMjM2MzJDNEFXUFFKQUlMM04md2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

[Trostle]

When we moved into a new house near Denver several years ago, we had a contractor finish the basement which included a workshop with approximately 21' x 18' dimensions  I told the contractor that there is no such thing as having too much light in that workshop.  He really did a nice job, but soon felt that I needed more.  From Lowes, I now have two LED fixtures, one directly above my walk aroundwork bench, another above my drawing board.  Makes a significant improvement.  These units are almost a flush mount, give off a pleasant light with no harsh shadows.   Called "Lithonia Lighting" about 48" x 9' x 3".

https://www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=led%20light%20fixtures

Keith

[Ken Culbertson]

I solved that problem with 2 100w overhead LEDs and 6 LED drafting spotlights clipped to shelves surrounding my bench and some free ones I could clip where ever I needed. I used the spotlight ones with  60w LEDs.  You can never have enough light.

Ken

[Peter in Fairfax, VA]

Scott,

I have a decent fluorescent round magnifier / light on a spring boom arm that I mean to drop off at your house.  Will need a C-clamp and a block of wood.

One of the tricks of lighting to model shape is to have the light create shadows, as opposed to a direct light.

Peter 

[Norm Furutani]

In addition to 4’ long shop lights, I like having an architect style (Ledu?) swinging clamp light. It has a halogen bulb because I liked the color rendering over fluorescent. The movable light allows one to see contours or to candle to see thickness. Because the light can move, you can see to the right or left when marking or cutting parts. I do have mag based, flexible LED lights on the mill and lathe. The shop lights are getting changed over to LED as the fluorescents burn out.

Another light I like is a Coast Inspection light. It’s a flashlight that does not have the hot spot in the middle of the beam. Try one next time in the hardware store, has to say “inspection”.

NormF

[Scott Richlen]

I have a decent fluorescent round magnifier / light on a spring boom arm that I mean to drop off at your house.

That might do the trick!  Thanks!

[Fredvon4]

I got a LED light for 48 bucks off Amazon that I am going to buy a few more of, right now it is behind my recliner to help me read dinky china instructions, pill bottles, or just old school books.

One in my Model airplane shop, and one in my Reloading shop after first of the year

Fairly sturdy, variable light color and intensity. A lot of Pluses for me

Only Con I can think if--- I think for what you and I are thinking for detail illumination------- I might need a temporary shield....if the LEDs are in your field of view, they are bright and distracting

No link as I can't stop it from including my account on Amazon...

Search google or your fav search---for

LED Floor Lamp for Living Room Bedroom Office with Remote Control and Timer, 5 Brightness Level 5 Color, 1800lm Dimmable Standing Light , Albrillo 2-in-1 LED Reading Lamp, Black