Outdoor work lights

[PeteQuad]

Now that it's starting to get dark earlier, I am missing working outside. I especially like to sand outside. I was wondering if anyone ever used those outdoor worklights. Northern Tool has some for pretty cheap. Are they any good, or too many shadows and not worth the trouble?

 

[TracyP]

They work well, the higher you can place them the less shadows they create.

 

[Gotcha6]

Look at one of the mercury vapor or low pressure sodium lights that can be permanently mounted if you have the location. They have some cheap units that put out a lotta light for a little money. They're not as fragile as the quartz units and run cooler too.
'course you might want a little heat outside tonight.:gar-La;

 

[Gofor]

I noticed today Lowe's here in Goldsboro has all their halogen work lights marked down for clearance. I picked up the 1000w 2 light set and stand for $30. (normally $40). The max height is about 5 1/2' to the bottom of the light. Each light is individually switched, and can be turned off, on at 250w or full on at 500w.

The 500w (two 250w lights) set w/stand is $20, although I don't think the stand goes as high, and the 250w single light with no stand is $8. Utilitech brand, rated for outdoors.

Go

 

[ashley_phil]

i picked up some on craigslist last year pretty cheap. check that out before going the new route

 

[Glennbear]

They work well, the higher you can place them the less shadows they create.

I agree with Tracy, the higher the better. I have a 1000W halogen that I adapted to a medical IV pole and when fully extended it lights a huge area and shadows are not an issue. As Dennis alluded to, watch your fingers when moving the light since they do become rather toasty :wsmile:

http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/showphoto.php?photo=19333&ppuser=1941

 

[WoodWrangler]

If you don't mind making a stand to get them up in the air, Lowes (or was it Home Depot) has some of the super bright halogen's for $5 each. They are the one with a little base, but you could attach it to a ladder, or build a little wooden stand.

 

[PeteQuad]

Thanks for all the advice guys! I think I'm going to try this out .

 

[Gotcha6]

One other thing about Halogen Quartz lamps. They are vulnerable to skin oil. When changing them always use a paper towel or cloth & never touch the bulb directly. It will cause the bulb to blister & fail. That's probably one reason they're being discontinued in favor of fluorescent setups.
BTW, some o' you young 'uns don't 'member this, but 'fore 'nuke boxes they used halogen lamps in a setup in convenience stores t' heat up sandwiches. They had a special cellophane that would take the heat & made a toasty sammich! Readin' 'tween the lines, don't tech a hot bulb!