Hi guys. I know you will be able to provide loads of opinions. Any recommendations for a new tying light? I’ve been using a McKenzie Bright Light for about ten years now and really like it, but the replacement bulbs are rather expensive and the light itself gets really, really hot (I’ve burned my forehead on more than one occasion getting a bit too close, much to my wife’s amusement). Usually I only get about three months out of a bulb. I’ve been considering an Ott Light but I’m a little uncertain on it. I’ve tried a “knock-off” daylight lamp before and hated it. It just didn’t give me nearly the illumination I’d like. Is there a difference between the knock-offs and the real thing? I see that Ott lights come in several different wattages - 13, 15, 20. I’m assuming that I’d want 20, correct?
I tie loads of flies (about 2,000 to 3,000 a year) and almost never tie anything smaller than a #14, with #18 to #20 being my most common sizes, so the light will get plenty of use. For those of you experienced with them, how long does an Ott light bulb typically last?
Any opinions on other lights would be welcome as well. So, please help me pick a new light.
Darryl,
I’ve had the Ott light with the flexible neck for about 5 years, and everyone in my house used it so much, I bought 2 more just so I could have one. The original light is still going strong and I haven’t had to replace a bulb yet. We use them for all kinds of things, scale modeling, scrapbooking, homework, and my fly tying bench. I wholeheartedly endorse the Ott light.
IMHO, Al Hyde
I have the base mount with magnifier I use at home, but I picked up this light at a department store for half price and LOVE it. Small and bright and takes the same bulb as my desk light WHICH is going on 6 years.
I tied with an OTT-Lite for more than 8 years, never replaced the bulb. I needed something easier to transport about 4 years so I could take it to tying expos. I settled on a Daylight brand lamp with magnifyer. The original OTT-lite is till going strong and is being used as a home tying lite for VEE with her Wasatch J-Vise. The Daylight lamp uses a similar bulb as the OTT and is still going strong. What I really like about both lamps is a lack of heat (yup, I had a Girrafe light and burned myself too), the almost shadowless light is really nice too.
I have used an articulated arm lighted magnifier for several years and like it. That being said, I picked up an Ott light on sale at Hobby Lobby and WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I ended up going back and buying the larger Ott light with a built in magnifier for my shop. It was on sale at Hobby Lobby for $31.99 marked down from $139.99. It does’t seem to put out as much light, but between the magnifier and the light it is a terrific light, especially at the sale price. I suggest you check both Hobby Lobby and Lowes for the Ott lights on sale.
I…almost never tie anything smaller than a #14, with #18 to #20 being my most common sizes…
You, sir, win the daily “whaaa?”.
As far as the light, though, I got the simple Ott desk lamp with the 13w tube on sale at JoAnn’s over the winter and now I wonder how I ever got along without it. 100% better (and easier on the eye fatigue) than any incandescent setup.
LOL. I tie semi-commercially and it seems my orders all are in the #18-#20 sizes. Don’t get me wrong, I tie a good deal of 14 and 16’s as well. One of my most productive flies around here is a #18 Stimulator. It’s not nearly as difficult to tie as you might think. The hardest part is getting the amount of hair for the wing correct - most people want to put in far more than you need (or will fit on a #18 TMC 200R), once you’ve got that down, the rest is relatively easy.
Thanks guys for all the replies, they’ve been really beneficial. I’m thinking that I’m going to take a ride to some of the craft shops this weekend and check out the different OTT lights.
I bought the ott light at home depot. it is battery powered so I can use it for when the power goes out or have it plugged in. As lighting I like it better than the magnifier light I was using. Made in China, of course.
I use an Ott light and a Stay-Put Work Lamp, also called a Giraffe light. I prefer the Giraffe for tying at home because it is brighter than the Ott and is easier to move out of the way by pushing it up. It isn’t color corrected for daylight like the Ott, though. It’s really warm but probably not as hot as a Mackenzie I felt once and the version I have has the heat rising out of the top, not the bottom or sides. I also do some woodturning and bought mine first for that purpose from http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com where it’s called a Stay-Put Work Lamp. You can see it branded as a Giraffe here: http://www.giraffelamps.com/fly.htm
I have a mount for it on the tying bench and at the woodturning lathe and move it to where I need it. The chip deflector is probably overkill for your fly tying, by the way! They make a matching magnifier. The Ott is great for tying away from home.
Well, picked up an 18 Watt Ott Light yesterday at Joanne (with a 50% off coupon). Tried it last night with several flies…a #14 Parachute Adams, a #18 Stimulator and a #24 Olive Midge. It was okay for the two bigger flies, but the #24 was very difficult to see, particularly the olive thread. It just seems way too dim with when compared to the amount of light I got out of the McKenzie Bright Light. Retuned the Ott Light to Joann this afternoon, so the quest for a new light continues. With the amount of folks that use the Ott Lights, I’m sure they’re a great product…it just doesn’t suit me.
They make a matching magnifier. The Ott is great for tying away from home.