High Powered Fluorescent Work Lights vs. Halogen

[iceberg]

I've just rented a place with a garage that's pretty poorly lit. There's only the garage opener light and a compact fluorescent on the ceiling. Not exactly the best lighting condition for polishing the car. As it's a short term rental, I don't plan on installing any permanent light fixtures.

I was considering getting a fluorescent work light like the 130 watt one from Regent:

Regent: Product Detail for FCTS130

It supposedly puts out as much light as a 1000 watt halogen. I thought the lower heat levels might be nice compared to a high-powered halogen and maybe the light might be more pleasant to work under. I guess I'd get one of those $8 small single-head halogens from Home Depot for more intense swirl spotting.

Anyone have any experience with these fluorescent stand units? Would love to hear about your experience with them.

[Pro-Glow]

I'm just wondering if anyone has had someone "hook" the cord on one of these lights walking through the shop or garage. They scare the h*** out of me. I see a lot of premium rides here with on of these standing beside them. I can just see one skimming down the fender of a Z06.

[jsatek]

Too much halogen lighting "floods" out the details.

[Accumulator]

This might be worth a search as we've discussed the pros/cons of various types of lighting in great depth.

*I* can't see medium/fine marring in fluorescent light, only the worst, most terrible marring shows up for me under that type of lighting. Bill D reported that it works better on white paint than on others, but generally it's just not good for spotting marring (and I've seen all the different types of fluorescent, even the ones used in art galleries). Fluorescent is great for general illumination, but not for inspecting for marring.

Halogens are the standard, but I see light marring far better under incandescent. I do most of my work under halogens and then turn them off and use the incandescents *in an otherwise dark shop* to fo the final inspection.

Gotta use the most unforgiving lighting or you'll have unpleasant surprises when you see your "perfect" finish under some unexpected conditions.

Also, remember to vary your viewing distance and angle; proper inspection isn't easy and on colors like silver you can literally spend as much time inspecting as you do polishing.

[iceberg]

Accumulator, as always, thanks for the thoughts. I hadn't been giving as much thought to the swirl detecting abilities of the lights.

I was more wondering if anyone had tried out similar fluorescent lights and what their experience was with them (i.e. did it put out enough light, durability, etc.).

In thinking some more, I may not have a choice but to go with something like this as the garage is really tight on the sides (i.e. tandem parking) and I was thinking that trying to do work with hot halogens close to me would be really uncomfortable.