Halogen/Fluorescent Worklight Recommendations

[jasonmac]

Can anyone recommend a decent fluorescent or halogen worklight for a garage? It`s mainly for when I work on the VWs...



Thanks!

[Gonzo]

Go to Home Depot or Lowes or whatever "home builder`s" store you have and ask to look at the 500 or 1000 watt contractors work lights. Pretty intenst lighting and really shows of the scratches you miss during polishing and the streaks you miss while wiping down finish. I got 1000 watt dual lamps on a tripod stand that extends to 7 feet for under $100

[jasonmac]

Great, thanks for the response -- so, does it even matter if the light is fluorescent or not, just the intensity?

[jfelbab]

Fluorescent does not seem to highlight the swirls and fine scratches as well as halogen. I`ve got 18 40watt fluorescent tubes mounted in my garage (yes, it`s really bright) but I find the halogen light actually shows more defects.

[jasonmac]

So, do you think something like this would work:



http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=40210



Not necessarily going to go with that particular model, but probably similar. Thanks!

[Jesstzn]

jasonmac .. here ya go .. and on a VW too .. I paid less than $35 up here so should be $25 there.



http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/3076/12805dsc00640-med.jpg

[jfelbab]

That would be ok but I think you`d be happier with this one for $40 at Sears. Be sure the tripod will extend high enough to highlight the roof. Higher tripod = better angle. Two lights allow for less moving.



http://content.sears.com/data/product_images/034/73926/03473926000-dlv.jpg

[jasonmac]

Great, thanks for your tips guys and gals. Yeah Jesstzn, I know what you own ;-)

[lflorack]

Originally posted by Gonzo

Go to Home Depot or Lowes or whatever "home builder`s" store you have and ask to look at the 500 or 1000 watt contractors work lights. Pretty intenst lighting and really shows of the scratches you miss during polishing and the streaks you miss while wiping down finish. I got 1000 watt dual lamps on a tripod stand that extends to 7 feet for under $100



That`s the same thing I did. Bought my 4-bulb, two head, 1600 Watt (total) halogen work light set on a (up to) 7-foot tripod for under $60. They had several other choices -- both higher priced and lower priced too.



BTW, those lights are unmerciful in showing all the defects in your detailing job.

[Bill D]

Originally posted by jfelbab

Fluorescent does not seem to highlight the swirls and fine scratches as well as halogen. I`ve got 18 40watt fluorescent tubes mounted in my garage (yes, it`s really bright) but I find the halogen light actually shows more defects.



My experience exactly

[Bill D]

Here you go:



http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/11355100_0067-med.jpg

[Gonzo]

Mine are halogens, similar to jfelbab`s. Sorry - I forgot about the flourescent part you asked about.



Also, to really embarass your polishing efforts, go park your vehicle at night under the (sodium vapor ??) lights at your neighorhood grocery store........

[1999NCSU]

I got 1000 watt lights from Sears for Father`s day. They were and still are on sale for $20, through 7/3/04. I don`t know the difference between the $20 and $60 models. But these have served me fine so far.




Craftsman 1000 watt Work Light with Tripod Stand and Portable Base




Twin head halogen work light with a waterproof 3-position switch. Both lights combined provide 4 level light output, 250W/500W/750W/1000W. Extra large frame with Tempered Glass lens and metal grill.



Link (http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=03473925000)

[lflorack]

Originally posted by 1999ncsu

I got 1000 watt lights from Sears for Father`s day. They were and still are on sale for $20, through 7/3/04. I don`t know the difference between the $20 and $60 models. But these have served me fine so far.

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The difference I noticed was in two areas:

- the wattage of the set (1000 vs 1600)

- the sturdiness and construction of the tripod



Of course, it`s a matter of personal choice as to relative worth between your choices.

[Bill D]

The other kinds of inspection lights aside from the 1000watt halogens I have are a hand held flourescent trouble light and another trouble light that accepts 75-100 watt regular light bulbs. From the hardware store, what other kinds of lights could Iuse for inspection? In time, I want them all :D