Replies

1. 
   9michael9 | Dec 24, 2007 02:37pm | #1

   Supplement you lighting with strip lighting  with fluorescent daylight flood bulbs in the pods. (regular bulbs will do if you use daylights in the other lighting) You can buy the strips at Menards very reasonable.  I purchased 5 pods and a 8 foot strip. They should be placed a little behind where you work and angled to your preference.  Be sure and use daylight bulbs in your tube type 8 footers ,or you can't match stain well, nor know how it looks until you get it in real sunlight, and then its too late.

   ~~mike

   
2. 
   boilerbay | Dec 24, 2007 04:52pm | #2

   Lou,

   I have a similar size shop. I have 10 4' doubles with daylight(5500-6000K) fluorescents and 6 spots with daylight bulbs. The spots are for better local clarity and contrast. ie, crosslight and back raking light on projects to assess flaws in my work, coverage of finishes, better clarity where the bit meets the workpiece or the bevel meets the stone. I'm going to add 4 more 4' doubles.
   Hope this helped.

   John

1. 
   TonyCz | Dec 24, 2007 06:56pm | #3

   Lou you can also think about adding some sky lights as well for a more natural light.

   If you are going to use 8' t-8s, set them up on two switches so you can alternate to every other fixture and use only the light which you will need.

   I seldom turn on the lights in the day time, with a good sky light installed. It also helps save on the electrical bill.

   I would think you would need a minimum of 5, 8' fixtures.

   Tony  

   Edited 12/24/2007 11:35 pm ET by TonyCz

   Edited 12/24/2007 11:36 pm ET by TonyCz

3. 
   81treehouse | Dec 25, 2007 12:25am | #4

   Re:  Shop Lights

   Suggestion:  Use 4 footers.  Easier to transport, replace, dispose of.

   Also, add more than you think you need and be able to switch each fixture individually even if all are wired to a wall switch!!!!  I have a chain pull on every one and many are usually off.  Some are usually on.

    

   A bad day woodworking is better than a good day working -- yes, I'm retired!
4. 
   troys | Dec 25, 2007 02:13am | #5

   I think your problem is to much shop space and I don't have enough:)
   that aside I have a shop that is about the size of a small 2 car garage and I have 4 2tube 4 foot fixtures. It is fine for over all lighting but I could use some additional lights over my bench for sharpening and fine hand work. Anyway I think a mix of ceiling mounted fluorescent and task lights over your bench areas would be the trick. Merry x-mas

   Troy