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Bench lighting options?
I moved my fly tying bench to the upstairs from the basement and no longer have the flourescent lighting that I used in the basement. Now I need a light for my fly tying desk and I am trying to determine whats best. What kind of lighting would you suggest? I've looked at the Ott-Lite's, mainly the 13W Portable Task Lamp version, the one that folds up. Really pricey. Anyone else have any suggestions?
Tim
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Tim; I don't know what your limit for "pricey" is, of course, but you might check out Joanne Fabric's web site. They have the entire line of the Ott lites listed for half price right now!?!
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and the "daylight" brand is just as good if not cheaper.
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Here's a link to a couple of lamps I currently use and like.
http://www.feather-craft.com/wecs.ph...iew&target=612
The two I use are the Daylight Lamp w/Magnifier and the Daylight Compact Light. The larger one is heavy with a fairly large base so I use it at my larger tying desk in the basement. For my bedroom tying station I use this Daylight Compact Light. It takes up very little space and it folds up so I can take it with me on trips.
If I had only one it would be the Compact version because of its versatility.
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bench lighting options
I think the compact folding lamp may be the best option, are the Daylight versions really as good as the others? Looks like some of the better online fly shops carry them? I have always used a long arm lamp with a regular bulb, plus a fluorescent work light up above that. Is the daylight type bulb really that different for fly tying? With my eyesight not getting any better I need all the help I can get.
Thanks guys,
Tim
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Hiya Tim !
I just put together a tying space in my garage. I was in the house with it, on a tying board at the dining room table. My vise clamped to the board, and the board clamped to the table so as not to move around. In the house I was working under a hanging light fixture with 6 100watt bulbs in it. The lighting was very good, but those bulbs created way too much heat for my comfort. I tried a tying lamp, well, several. Ott, some sewing lamps, a desk lamp, .....all of them seemed to get in the way somehow. In my new tying area, I have a 40 watt twin tube flourescent shop lamp hanging about four feet above the tying table. It is the best I've found, for my personal preference. I got the thing on sale at Ace hardware for $14.99 and it came with bulbs. It creates very little heat, and cast a light that is low on shadows, if not actually like natural light. I find it very effective, and no post or other apparatus to get in the way....my opinion........ModocDan
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Yes, I really like the light that comes from my compact lamp. I like it much better than fluorescent and incandescent (regular) lighting. Easier on your eyes and shows colors more naturally than other light sources.
The more you tie the more you'll like the softer more accurate lighting.
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I have two Ott lights , one on each side of the vise. The difference between the Otts and flourescent is amazing. It sure helped with my tying. Easier on the eyes allowing you to stay at the bench longer. Joanne Fabric's website often has the Otts onsale. In Canada, Canadian tire carrys the Otts and often they are on sale. I got a floor model Ott lamp for $40 at a Canadian tire sale.
On the other hand I saw an Ott light on sale at a lighting specialty shop for $295.00 the same one that you can buy online for $150.oo It was the same model I that got on sale for $40 You have to watch out for rip offs like that.
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The portable Ott light with magnifyer is great as well. JoAnne fabric like others have mentioned has 1/2 off coupons that makes it easy (or easier) on your wallet. I have been using mine for years now. Balanced for daylight you are seeing accurate colors unlike standard flourescent lights.
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Seems like the best light available, but you need to get the 'right' one for your situation. Great sponsor on here too.