Comments

1. 
   davept | Sep 06, 2014 10:28am | #1

   guys,
   a few notes re fluorescent lighting,
   1. Lamp life is definitely in the +/-25,000 hour range.
   However the industry defines "lamp life" as the length of time at which 50% of the lamps in a large group would burn out. Not an exact science. That test is based on a three hour cycling (3 hours on/20 minutes off/3 hours on/...). Sooo, 4-5 years in a typical home shop would be but a heartbeat in the life of a fluorescent lamp, at least for half of them. Shorter on cycles lead to shorter life and longer burn cycles lead to longer life.
   2. Light output from a fluorescent lamp degrades over time to about 85% of original light output. Dirt depreciation of light output can be a bigger consideration. Check out the top side of your lamps that have been burning for four years and while you are there, wipe them off (and the reflector and/or lens of your fixture).
   3. LED lumen output and fluorescent lumen output are a equal measures of the light energy, however, the majority of LED fixtures are significantly more efficient in getting that light energy out of the fixture than a fluorescent unit. Half of the light leaving a fluorescent tube is not going downward and has to be redirected. Consequently direct lumen comparison can be treacherous.
   4. Linear source lighting is very important in a shop. It significantly reduces shadows and provides a better light level consistency as you move farther away from the fixture compared to a relatively point source type light.
   5. LED lighting has definitely arrived and there are many many options for fixtures. They absolutely use less energy and last typically more than twice as long as fluorescent. They are however more expensive, coming down in cost but definitely higher first cost. There is a lot of snake oil out there. Reputable national manufacturers are the way to go if you go there.

   anyway i have talked too much, back to the woodworking.

   peace,

   dave

2. 
   JohnHancock_ | Sep 07, 2014 12:36am | #2

   In response to davept on the subject of lighting, I am currently fitting out my shed with LED Fluro replacements. I am using the cooler white (towards the blue end similar to daylight) and they are roughly twice as bright as standard fluros. They cost me $12 in batches of 10 off eBay and with this particular unit I only need to remove the starter and they are good to go. The coverage and level of light is great. There were only two dual fluro fittings in the shed when we moved in (long story) so I am scrounging second hand fittings to fit out the rest of the shed. The only down side is that they tend to generate a lot of RF interference which upsets my radio. This gets worse when I have the led lights on the same power circuit as the radio. I am also a long way from the radio transmitter which does not help.

3. 
   flyillusions | Sep 14, 2014 01:52pm | #3

   After listening to the guys pick on Mike this week, I thought I'd send him a big "thank you" to make up for it.
   I was a hobby woodworker for a lot of years, but strayed from the fold to take up fly fishing. When I found out I was expecting my first grandchild last fall, I decided to make a child's rocking chair.
   My wife searched through Google images until she saw Mike's. That was the one she wanted.
   With just an email, Mike sent me his dimensioned plan. Let me say that the chair was a huge hit with everyone.
   So I am back into the woodworking mode, thanks to a granddaughter and a rocking chair.
   I've caught up with all the podcasts, which I thoroughly enjoy, and can't wait for the next one to come out.
   Thanks so much.
   Rex