Work Bench Lighting

[kgg]

I haven't found that yet but is a major consideration. Maybe moving the swing arm fixture up and out of the way as I need is helping.

kgg

[coma44]

I got two of these from Harbor Freight for 29$ each and they worked great for me bright and little to no shadow issues.

https://m.harborfreight.com/4-ft-led-hanging-shop-light-64410.html

Here they are hung up in my corner work space

[mikesc]

Painting your walls and ceiling white will make it a lot brighter.

If you don't want to paint the beams / joists and the floorboards that are making the ceiling, fix some sheet rock ( or other board ) up there maybe in between the beams / joists if you want to keep them visible ( they , beams / joists can be useful to hang things from later, mind your head when you do ) and paint it white.

I know that you are just beginning, but that will make a huge difference..Kinda "gloomy" in there at the moment, even with the led strips, you want it to feel like somewhere that you want to be...then "decorate"..:)

Edited May 7, 2019 by mikesc

[kgg]

Comma44 I agree with Mikesc a coat of white paint will make the world of difference to the overall feel to the work area. I would mount a couple of 2x4 to the concrete walls and nail some plywood (painted white) to them for hanging stuff like tools, power bar, gun blanks, etc. For standing comfort on the concrete floor put a anti fatigue matt down.

kgg

[coma44]

Agreed that i could use some paint, wall boards but if you saw what I was working in before this is a step up. One thing at a time and before you know it I will have what i need the way it should be done.

 

[kgg]

I agree doing it one step at a time is a good thing particularly since you were planning on adding a sewing machine in the future. Some things may need to be changed, rearranged or added. The lighting that you have installed may work great for hand stitching items but when you decide to go with a machine you may have to go with something that can be easily shifted or additional lighting that can be more focused on the needle of the machine. I made the mistake of putting permanent lighting over where I planned to put a workbench in the basement and eventually had to put the damn workbench on wheels to get what I considered good lighting. Should have used the workbench with temporary lighting first then install permenant lighting, live and learn.

kgg

[coma44]

3 hours ago, kgg said:

I agree doing it one step at a time is a good thing particularly since you were planning on adding a sewing machine in the future. Some things may need to be changed, rearranged or added. The lighting that you have installed may work great for hand stitching items but when you decide to go with a machine you may have to go with something that can be easily shifted or additional lighting that can be more focused on the needle of the machine. I made the mistake of putting permanent lighting over where I planned to put a workbench in the basement and eventually had to put the damn workbench on wheels to get what I considered good lighting. Should have used the workbench with temporary lighting first then install permenant lighting, live and learn.

kgg

On the lighting I got it can be move with just putting in a couple of dry wall screws in a different spot (for now) and yea if I get in far enough that I jump into a sewing machine (every used machine I find has been gone before I call about it seems like an omen ). I will be changing up the work space and lighting and adding a movable light, right now seems like saving up money and just getting the correct machine is the way fate seems to be pushing me. I have lots of things way more important than just a machine to sew with I just wanted one to start learning about them as I go so I always keep an eye out for deals.  I have lots of pattern work and building procedures to get down and since a plan on doing mostly holsters I have been collecting mold guns here and there so I can plan out patterns "bases" for more than one gun.

[YinTx]

Do you find the direct light into your eyes to be blinding?  I am always trying to direct the light from the source to my work, and block it from my eyes.  Always a challenge.  Is there a way to do this effectively with this set up?

YinTx

[coma44]

6 hours ago, YinTx said:

Do you find the direct light into your eyes to be blinding?  I am always trying to direct the light from the source to my work, and block it from my eyes.  Always a challenge.  Is there a way to do this effectively with this set up?

YinTx

I am a Prototype Machinist as a day job and we use lights like these on a few of the machines that need better lighting than the "stock" ones

Machine light

 

They are not cheap but they work very well and there are tons of different ones, I think a spot style one like the link on a movable arm would be good for may applications even a sewing machine. 

[kgg]

Lighting is for the most part a very individual perception, to much for someone isn't quite enough for another. With my cutting area the swing away (cheap IKEA) can be moved up/down or from side to side depending on what I think I need. Depending also if I am doing something during the day or night as the room has a window giving some natural light. The number of lights in the multi socket can be quickly changed. All the lights in every fixture throughout the house are LED so they don't get hot like the old fashion incandescent bulbs which makes changing them easier and besides they are more energy efficient (~10 watt LED = ~60 watt incandescent). 

On my machine I have a small adjustable magnetic light to give more light to the needle area as well I have a swing away light mounted to the back of the table for times I need a little extra. The area the sewing machine is located in the room doesn't quite get enough light from the rooms main three bulb ceiling light fixture.