DIY LED Work Light (much better than halogen!)

[tropicsteve]

great upgrades Zach ! thanks for taking the time to write this up.

[zmcgovern45]

Yup, these LED bulbs are awesome, just make sure to realize they show more than the sun shows!

Isn`t that the point

Zach--I have a single bulb version of this I built last summer (see post 18 and 37 here -- http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/show-off-your-garage/40239-finally-comprehensive-review-best-bulbs-out-there.html)--) ---since I only take care of my own cars I`ve found one bulb to work out fine. Only drawback to the inexpensive light stands is they can be a little top heavy especially when extended up to view the higher spots on the car.

I found a small sand bag that I throw over whichever leg is pointing to the rear which stabalizes the unit very well.

Great point, and something I should have mentioned. I also have a few small sand bags that I keep around for this just in case I bump one of the stands.

[ElLeon]

I used the info on this thread and built the lamp setup last weekend. It is very top heavy as others have said. I simply took a 5lb rubberized disc weight and sip tied it to the three arms coming off the bottom of the central pole. Worked like a charm!

[RaysWay]

Great thread Zach! I`ll be using your guide to build my own stand soon. Thanks for sharing!

[Angus]

Great thread Zach! I`ll be using your guide to build my own stand soon. Thanks for sharing!

I`m kinda surprised we haven`t seen a PBMG branded light stand by now. Seems like it would be a hot seller!

[zmcgovern45]

Happy to help

Be sure to pick up some rubber washers or even metal washers to help increase clamping load on the lights as the bulbs are quite heavy and the bulb holder will struggle to hold them after a while without some help!

As others have mentioned, if you wish for a more sturdy base, a small sandbag or 5lb weight also helps tremendously on the bottom of the stand.

[XxBoostinxX]

I have been meaning to do this for some time now. I bought the bulbs over a year ago and they have just been sitting.

[Ronkh]

I have been meaning to do this for some time now. I bought the bulbs over a year ago and they have just been sitting.

and Jen says I procrastinate..............................

[XxBoostinxX]

and Jen says I procrastinate..............................

Lol! I bought a Husky LED work light so it got put off.

[mc2hill]

Happy to help

As others have mentioned, if you wish for a more sturdy base, a small sandbag or 5lb weight also helps tremendously on the bottom of the stand.

I found some ankle weights at a thrift store that worked great. It has removal-able weights, and I took out 2, so I am at about 4 lbs.

[mc2hill]

And BTW, thanks Zach for putting this together! I built one several months ago, but did pick up 4 of the Lowe`s bulb before they completely disappeared. Now need to get a 2nd stand that goes lower and a `peg` for the lower sections.

[RaysWay]

Thanks again Zach! I got my light stand together following your guide and it came out GREAT. I polished this car with the lights off in the showroom, and only using the lights from this LED stand.

I ordered the stand and dual sockets from Amazon like Zach.






Then purchased the bulbs at Home Depot.





But even with the lights on in the showroom, the size of the area these bulbs light up to show EVERY imperfection is amazing. The light source on the left is my Flex Swirl Finder light, while the two lights on the right are the LED Light Stand. I still carry the FLEX light in my pocket, but leave the big lights on behind me.



Light stand + dual socket swivel head: $26.18 on amazon
Bulbs: $29.97 x 2 = $59.94 at HD
Used 2.5lb ankle weights = $5

Total cost = $91.12

[zmcgovern45]

Got a steal on some new light stands.... took these lights to a whole new level.


These Studio Titan Sidekick stands were being sold by a local studio on craigslist for $150 for a set of 3... they retail for ~$200 each. These things are monsters... 7` tall, 3` base with locking casters. The easily adjustable light mount is awesome and can hold a ton of weight... no doubt a HUGE upgrade, but certainly at a premium price.


I will likely do an updated thread with some other upgrades that I have made to these lights over time.


Glad to see this type of setup being used in so many shops throughout the world though


-Zach

[madicev8]

Awesome write up and thanks a lot! Saves me from having to do the research for this project.

[RaysWay]

Glad to see this type of setup being used in so many shops throughout the world though
-Zach

Ya I see your stand in a lot of pictures. The new stand looks a lot nicer. Especially not having to turn a few knobs to adjust the height. Nice catch!