Bench Light Idea - Printable Version

Bench Light Idea - Printable Version

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Bench Light Idea - Woodchukker - 08-27-2017

Looking for input here on a convenient bench light. The idea I have is a long swing arm lamp that I would mount overhead. All of the desk type swing arm lamps I've found are not long enough. I have found some rolling floor swing arm lamps. I am considering ordering one of these and mounting it to the ceiling above my bench.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBMLTSZ?psc=1

Has anyone tried this? Is there a better option? I would rather not have a light mounted on my bench.

Thanks

RE: Bench Light Idea - EricU - 08-27-2017

I have a magnifier lamp that sits in a dog hole. It hasn't really bothered me much at all.

Kinda wish you could get an led ring to replace the fluorescent lamp

RE: Bench Light Idea - AHill - 08-27-2017

(08-27-2017, 03:52 PM)Woodchukker Wrote: Looking for input here on a convenient bench light. The idea I have is a long swing arm lamp that I would mount overhead. All of the desk type swing arm lamps I've found are not long enough. I have found some rolling floor swing arm lamps. I am considering ordering one of these and mounting it to the ceiling above my bench.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBMLTSZ?psc=1

Has anyone tried this? Is there a better option? I would rather not have a light mounted on my bench.

Thanks

Lee Valley sells a lamp bushing that fits into the dog hole on your workbench. You can then move a lamp (that they also sell) anywhere along your bench you need. Most common desk lamps and magnifying lamps have a 1/2" post that fits into the bushing.

[Image: 05G4801s04.jpg]

RE: Bench Light Idea - Cecil - 08-27-2017

(08-27-2017, 03:52 PM)Woodchukker Wrote: Looking for input here on a convenient bench light. The idea I have is a long swing arm lamp that I would mount overhead. All of the desk type swing arm lamps I've found are not long enough. I have found some rolling floor swing arm lamps. I am considering ordering one of these and mounting it to the ceiling above my bench.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBMLTSZ?psc=1

Has anyone tried this? Is there a better option? I would rather not have a light mounted on my bench.

Thanks

I grabbed a couple of these off the trash heap
[Image: 11S1arg070L.jpg]

I drilled two holes vertically in a block of wood. I uses a band saw to cut a kerf to one hole, so I could pinch the hole. I then drilled a hole horizontally and put a bolt through it to pinch the block in position on the pole.

I picked up one of these at a yard sale and tossed the clamp. You could do the same with the lamp A. Hill shows.
[Image: 51WtnWLjrDL._SY550_.jpg]

My bench is in the middle of the floor, not against the wall.

Another option is to put a 3/4" dowel into your custom built post and mount whatever lamp you want on top. It depends on whether you need the adjustment, or you just want to move the light to where you are working.

RE: Bench Light Idea - Woodchukker - 08-27-2017

The Lee Valley bushings are definitely an improvement over having to clamp the lamp to the bench. And the rolling floor stand is even better. But I was thinking if a swing arm lamp was mounted to the ceiling you could just pull it down and position it and then push it up and out of the way when you were done. I suppose if you move your bench around this approach would have a drawback. I think I'll give it a try and see how it works.

RE: Bench Light Idea - bandit571 - 08-27-2017

The Dungeon Shop has a 2 bulb "Shop Light" hanging over the bench....T-8s, 48" bulbs.....Might have been...$15 at Walmart....
Rolleyes

RE: Bench Light Idea - Admiral - 08-28-2017

(08-27-2017, 03:52 PM)Woodchukker Wrote: Looking for input here on a convenient bench light. The idea I have is a long swing arm lamp that I would mount overhead. All of the desk type swing arm lamps I've found are not long enough. I have found some rolling floor swing arm lamps. I am considering ordering one of these and mounting it to the ceiling above my bench.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBMLTSZ?psc=1

Has anyone tried this? Is there a better option? I would rather not have a light mounted on my bench.

Thanks

I picked up a heavy bottomed microphone stand at the flea, u-bolted a cross arm to the top to mount two desk lamps; on the lamps, the best I've found out there are from Ikea, if you've got a store near you as they don't ship them, cheap, $10 each and very well made. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20355434/

RE: Bench Light Idea - JimReed@Tallahassee - 08-28-2017

This is what I use on my bench. One of them is always handy.

[Image: DSCN3831.jpg]

RE: Bench Light Idea - Jack in omaha - 08-28-2017

(08-28-2017, 07:47 AM)Admiral Wrote: I picked up a heavy bottomed microphone stand at the flea, u-bolted a cross arm to the top to mount two desk lamps; on the lamps, the best I've found out there are from Ikea, if you've got a store near you as they don't ship them, cheap, $10 each and very well made. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20355434/

Admiral we need a photo....

RE: Bench Light Idea - Alan S - 08-28-2017

I like the magnifying Lee Valley lamp in a dog hole for things like saw sharpening. But for spots and glancing light at the bench (and for clamping to bandsaws) I have several of the Ikea Jansjo lamps http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30310176/

One "advantage" of the low ceiling in my shop is the ease with which I can clamp these to the floor joists close overhead, and point them where I want.