old eyes need better illumination

[Trog777]

Anybody know where I can get some quality fluorescent workbench lighting? I've found that as I get older my eyes ain't what they used to be. I'd like a couple of the 2 bulb 4' fixtures that hang with a chain from the ceiling to put over my assembly table. I've seen them both hard wired and plug-in style. I could use either one. I dropped by Lowes last week but they didn't have what I was looking for. Everything was surface mount. And, since they're basically the only game in town here, I thought I'd ask if anyone has seen any elsewhere for sale. I usually do most of my shopping on the web, but something tells me this is not something I'd probably wanna pay shipping on.

Also, where and what type of bulb do you guys recommend? Never knew there were so many different types til I started reading up on em.

Thanks.

[NC Scroller]

Trog, is this what you are looking for?

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...6&ddkey=Search

[JimmyC]

Trog,

One other thing to think about is cold weather starting. Some of the cheaper fixtures won't light well in cold weather (depending on whether your shop is heated all of the time or not), In NJ I had to swap out all of my overhead fixtures because of this. The difference of cost then was about $22 to $8 for double 4ft bulb fixtures.

Jimmy

[RayH]

Trog,

My local Home Depot, in Raleigh, also carries a similar fixture but with electronic ballast and a T-8 bulb. I have several of them and have been pleased with them. They are not shown on the HD web site. As for visibility, I have found the "whiter" bulbs better for me. Something with a Kelvin temp around 6K. Anything less and my aging eyes start losing some color definition.

Luck to you,
Ray

[newtonc]

I picked up several at the lowes in Garner that were prewired with the chain.They were not kept in the ailse with the lighting/suface mounted ones.
They were actually an aisle or two from that aisle.I don't remember exactly what they were near,but they do have them.And I wouldn't expect to much help finding them by asking someone who works there.
Sorry that's much help,but I find them by wandering.

[WNC_Dave]

I was at Lowes and Home Depot yesterday and both had the chain style. For More light see if they have the T-8 High Output ones instead of the T-12. Those put out more light and are more energy efficient (cost more too).

I was looking cause i need 2 more lights myself got my shop and cant decise on permanent mount or drop down.

Dave

[Badabing]

Trog, I second the recommendation for better fixtures. I too had to replace the overhead lights in my garage because they would not work in the cold. I suggest you spend a little more up front if you have a cold shop. Also, the electronic ballast type will light up almost instantly rather than flicker on like the others.

Might I also suggest the protective plastic sleeves for the bulbs? They are invaluable if your lights will hang down low. They are basically clear plastic sleeves that slip over the bulbs. If you happen to hit the fixture with a long board you won't have shattered glass rain down on your head!

BTW, I got my fixtures at HD and Lowes, they are there you just have to find them

[Partman]

Trog, May haft to go up road to Greensboro. You and me know that Asheboro store not hitting on much.

Danny

[McRabbet]

Here is a departure from the 2-bulb models -- I bought 2' x 4' four lamp suspended ceiling troffers at HD (also have them at Lowe's) that come with 32 watt T-8 lamps, a good plastic diffuser, an electronic ballast and a 6-foot metal whip that simplifies connection to ceiling boxes. I hung them on short lengths of chain and "S" hooks and they provide superb light in my shop. The best part was that they are around $43-45 each. I have 5 in my 15' x 25' main shop room (in an "X" pattern, with the center on the "X" over my table saw) and three in a line in my 12 x 32' shop room.

[Trog777]

Originally Posted by Partman

Trog, May haft to go up road to Greensboro. You and me know that Asheboro store not hitting on much.

Danny

Ain't it the truth. I guess a northerly jaunt may be in order. I have to go next Monday anyway...

So you guys think the T8 bulbs and electronic ballasts are the way to go? I know whatever I have now was probably the cheapest thing they could find when they built my shop. A total of 16 8ft dual bulb fixtures that I seem to constantly have to replace bulbs in, and it isn't cutting the mustard for my eyes. What I used as a paint bay in a past life has plenty of light. The restof the shop, not so much. I just need some better lighting over my workbenches and especially my assembly table.

Rob if HD in Greensboro has those fixtures that'll be what's hanging over my table come next week.

Thanks for all the help.

[WoodWrangler]

Just yesterday we installed two new sets (4 bulbs total) of the Lowe's "cold weather" 8' lights in my shop, adding to the two I already had ... and WOW!!!! With the 110w bulbs to add to it, the shop is bright as ever. I can see again!

[alleng]

i used the 4' fixtures that hang by a chain,but instead of hanging them i used 1'' pvc couplings between the fixture and celing.this makes it a lot easier to change out the bulbs.and they just look better imo.as for cold weather,ive never noticed that it was a factor,ive not noticed them flicker like the 8' ones do

[scsmith42]

I use the 8' "high output" flourescent fixtures, also known as the "cold start" fixtures. Bulbs are available between 85W - 120W, with 90 or 110W the most common.

I think that these are the same fixtures that Jeremy is referencing.

They really work great and put out a lot of light. Over a period of 3 - 4 years, the light will start fading and they don't start quite as quickly when they're real cold - however they fade to the same level as the standard 8' bulbs put out when new. I've been using them for about 4 years, and have them in several different shops/barns here on the farm.

The last time that I purchased the fixtures, they were about $49.00 each. Both Lowes and Home Depot normally carry them. The bulbs are more expensive too, but again well worthwhile.

I have some that I mounted to chains and suspended from the rafters, and others that mount directly to the rafters. You should not flush-mount these directly to a drywall ceiling - the ballasts produce a lot of heat and should be mounted at least 1" away from the ceiling for heat dissipation.

Scott

[mcoston2]

I use the 4' from Lowes. One is directly over my workbench. Sure made it better to see. I'm blind in one eye and can't see out of the other.

[DavidF]

A very timely thread as I too was looking at hanging a double 4" ft fixture over the bench.