One time lathe lamp purchase- Which one do you recommend?

[Kevin Jenness]

I was in a spindle turner's shop recently with very low general illumination and two task lamps mounted at the head and tailstock. Low angle raking light will show every defect. I need more overall light just to see my way around these days but when I need to see details, especially when sanding, strong flat focused light and lower ambient levels tell the truth.

 

[John K Jordan]

…I appreciate how direct the light is when sanding but at times I find it too bright. Sometimes the glint off the chuck is strong and can create a strobe-like effect depending on speed…

You might try taping a piece of white paper or cloth to the front - will cut the light a bit but make it more diffuse.

When I use one for directed light in my photo cube or photography at the lathe, I put either a couple of layers of tissue paper on the front or attach a photo diffuser (made for strobe lights) to spread the light.

JKJ

 

[Will Armstrong]

You might try taping a piece of white paper or cloth to the front - will cut the light a bit but make it more diffuse

Thanks John! I'll give it a try. I can maybe rig up some sort of diffuser that would be easy to slide out of the way when I would prefer the stronger directional light.

 

[John K Jordan]

I forgot to mention details of the flash softbox/diffuser I use, both on a camera strobe and on the Woodturners Wonders Super Nova lamp (mostly for photography). It has a velcro fastener and fits the SN nicely. And it's cheap! I just ordered a second one because why not.

Amazon.com

JKJ

 

[Will Armstrong]

Thanks for the link John!

 

[John K Jordan]

Will,
Softbox/diffuser: I hope you like it. I used mine when photographing some small turning-related things today.

On the subject of lights, I just found this old photo, comparing two (of four) lights I use at my sharpening station. I aimed both lights at the wall behind the grinders.

A Ken Rizza's Super Nova light is on the left.

A multi-LED "sewing machine" light from Woodturners Wonders is on the right. (the SN head is in the shadows on the far left)
I use it with one bench grinder. (you might be able to see the head - the flexible "neck" is bent to extend the light vertically to aim it at the wall)



This shows that light in use over the second grinder from the right.
It certainly works but no comparison to the bright SN light (turned off in this photo).



JKJ

 

[Rip Littig]

Has anyone tried using an led headlamp? I'm wondering if one on my papr helmet will work. Not the most convenient but light would be where I need it.

 

[John K Jordan]

Has anyone tried using an led headlamp? I'm wondering if one on my papr helmet will work. Not the most convenient but light would be where I need it.

I use LED headlamps almost every day around the farm and when working on electronics, engines, and such, but not at the lathe. One their real weakness - the light comes from very near the eyes so the view is "flat" and the true shape of the surface is diminished. I found this out in the 70's when I used headlamps extensively when spelunking, especially to free my hands when climbing, but when walking I also carried a hand-held lamp held low down by my leg. The second light cast a glancing light on the floor and showed me all the irregularities underfoot.

At the lathe it, in my opinion, the light near the eyes could be a disadvantage. I need the light at the lathe to come from the side (or top, or from some other point away from my eyes) so I can visually evaluate the 3-dimensional shape of the piece, the curves, and the overall form of the piece. In addition, a light source by the eyes can tend to hide irregularities in the wood such as scratches and chipout. That's why I like multiple small (but bright) light sources I can easily reposition as needed. A light source near the eyes creates more of a "flat" view. It might make the piece look very nice until taken off the lathe and viewed from from other angles under varying light! Mounting a light on the side of the helmet might be a little better.

Years ago, I told a friend what I wanted to try was a "chest" light or belly-button light held in a harness. Unfortunately, I never made one.

JKJ

 

[Dave Hulett]

I'm in the process of setting up for a new lathe.
I've just bought a Rikon 8 inch grinder and some jigs to go with it, a SuperNova2 Pro-Tek Chuck bundle and a few bowl gouges for different grinds.

Lighting is my next concern.

I've got decent overhead lighting but I find myself not seeing too well on the piece I'm turning.... both outside and inside of bowls and hollow forms. I've spent all afternoon looking at some lathe lights and I am looking for suggestions on what works for you.

-.....

Al, think outside the box. Here's what I came up with: As I lay there waiting for my dentist to begin his exam I realized that the perfect solution would be a dental light. I found them (I have one over my primary workbench too) and they are fantastic. Look for one for sale that the ballast doesn't work. All I was interested in was the mechanism. the track was easily made with angle iron from lowes positioned on the sides of a 2x6. I replace the quartz spotlight with a $25 desktop lamp ($30 at office depot) and put in a 150wt equivalent LED bulb. no heat and extremely bright. The light over my lathe cost me $25 but there was $50 in shipping. I have extremely bright light where ever I need it.

If your intrigued by the idea, shoot me a private message and I can discuss in more detail.

 

[Mark Jundanian]

Very clever, Dave.

 

[Alan Weinberg]

There are also used mobile OR or exam lights like this: https://angelusmedical.com/products...Nhe50g2MTN7Q7BhpFYRanMhOqscRD7bIaAmROEALw_wcB

 

[Peter D'Attomo]

Highland woodworking #169804 50 bucks. Our club just bought5