Trying to find the best light(s) to add to my tying station.
I have a new HMH Standard Vise and want to add a good light (or two).
At my age I don’t see as well as I once did unless I have really good light.
Considering the type of light that Dyna-King makes … has a flexi-arm and attaches right to the post of your vise, shining a small concentrated light down on the fly. Seems like some folks like these but others don’t saying “they get in the way”. Figured I would supplement this with a second lamp for bright illumination of the overall tying area.
I like the light quality of the “DayLight” type lamps but find them not bright enough unless the light is held just a few inches away from the fly. I don’t know if there is one of these that is bright enough and on a flex arm so it can “shine down” on the tying area.
I know Dick Talleur recommends a lamp (Zelco Micro Light) and I’m sure it is fine but it looks like it would be more intended to be the only tying light shining on the fly and I’m not sure it would be bright enough … anyone use these?
Never spent any $ on a fancy tying light. Started with this little 12-watt tensor lamp, about mumble mumble years ago, and it still works. I have a 3-way 150-watt in a lamp by the desk here, and that pretty well lights up the whole place. The white walls help. My back gives out long before my eyes do.
I use the “Bright As Day!” Daylight Spectrum Lamp with Continuous Dimmer from Sharperimage. The one with the Cost about 100 dollars and the light is perfect. The lamp looks nice too.
You can probably find a light with the same bulb for much cheaper. But I like the nice look in my office
I have recently replaced a Zelco Micro halogen for an 18 watt Daylight and like the Daylight better.
The Zelco was a little dim but certainly compact and pretty much only lite the fly area.
No one has mentioned it yet, but one of this site’s sponsors is Ott Light. I have two of their products which I’ve found to be exceptional; a 13 watt flex arm and a 13 watt task light. Being fifty-something, I need good light for tying. Both lights fill the bill nicely. No, I don’t use them simultaneously. Either is sufficient. The flex arm light stays on my desk. The task light is portable.
Jo-Anne Fabrics frequently runs sales on Ott Lights. That’s where I got mine, and for substantially cheaper than the advertised DayLight prices.
Sorry Will, I don’t think even on sale the Ott’ are cheaper then the Sav-On Crafts site…comparing apples to apples… However you do have to factor in S&H if you can obtain something locally.
By the way these same lamps seem to be appearing in fly shops and their catalogs this year…still for more $$$$.
[This message has been edited by ducksterman (edited 22 February 2005).]
Ken, I have just the can lighting in the ceiling and only use the Zelco. So the little Zelco light is great. It’s a very bright little directional light.
Thanks Folks for all of your input … it was very helpful.
I ended up getting an OTT Light and a Dyna King flexi light that attaches directly to the Vise and shines a very concentrated beam just on the jaws area of the Vise.
I did not feel the OTT light all by itself would be enough for these old eyes.
Thanks again,
Ken
I just cam back from Staples a few minutes ago. Spent quite a bit of time looking at the Ottlights and some others. Didn’t buy anything yet…gonna look around some more. The prices have really come down quite a bit.