Lighting on the lathe

[cambournepete]

I've been wondering about how best to see what I'm doing on the lathe.
I quite fancy the Axminster lights, but they're rather expensive, however I've just come across this idea on woodcentral.
Scroll to the bottom of the page to see a cheap way of getting lots of light.
Thoughts?

 

[pete honeyman]

I've just hung up a halogen floodlight over the tailstock end (7.00 from Aldi)- loads of light, but gets a bit hot, so has to be rested from time to time.

pete II

 

[Bodrighy]

Those things get very hot and don't forget thart wood dust can be explosive. I have a couple (well one now SWMBO nicked one for he sewing machine) of anglepoise lights that I got in a bootsale for £1 each. One has a really heavy base and the other one (the one I use) has a rod. I have a series of holes at the back of the bench that I can shove the lamp into wherever I want and then angle to shine at the best angle. I find that a 60 watt bulb is ample.

Pete

 

[beejay]

Daylight Fluorescent on the ceiling above the lathe, old anglepoise behind the lathe and one of those magnetic bendy led lamps that Craft supplies sell.
They're great for lighting up the inside of boxes etc.
regards, beejay

 

[wizer]

5 Fluorescents on the ceiling and 2 anglepoise lamps each end of the lathe.

 

[robo hippy]

I never liked the Halogen lights, they get too hot and are a fire risk. I send a lot of shavings flying, and if the shavings sat on or in the lamp for much, they would catch fire. I have heard of turners using old Dental lights. They are on a flexable arm and can be moved into any position. Your dentist may have some up in the attic that they aren't using any more. They also tend to be multi spectrum for better visibility. I have one floor model with the multi spectrum bulbs in it. If you know any quilters or needle point people, they can tell you about them. I also have a magnetic lamp on a 2 foot long bendable arm (Moffat Lamps available through Craft Supplies, and maybe others) which is great. The 2 foot long arm can go just about anywhere, and an standard 'rough duty' 100 watt bulb gives plenty of light. Don't really like the flourescent ceiling lights, they give good general lighting, but not good for close up work, well maybe but my eyes aren't that sharp any more.
robo hippy

 

[Bodrighy]

I have heard of some people having probklems with fluorescent lights as they flicker and this can apparently go in synch with the turning wood causing problems seeing what is happening. Maybe with modern ones it isn't so...maybe it's an urban myth?

Pete

 

[hog&bodge]

Get as much light as you can without causing shadows..I am sure
there is an advance turner who has cracked this problem, Till then I use
lamps like wizer..'but' I believe wizer used magnets on his lamp bases..
I have no problems with the fluorescent strip lights..