Lighting over Workbench

[Mordi]

I have an 8ft workbench area that needs lighting. The bench area is surrounded on three sides - two adjacent side walls and a back wall. There is approx. 36" of open space above the workbench area. I may install cabinets in this area above the workbench. Above the open workbench space is a enclosed storage area.

I was looking for something other than the typical 4 ft hanging or surface mounted flourescent fixtures. I saw a set of 3 GE xenon surface mounted task lighting fixtures (that can be expanded to 6) that looked interesting? Anybody have these or have any other possibilities or suggestions?

Thanks,
Mordi

 

[-B-]

Xenon gets very hot as does all low voltage lighting I put up a 4' bank of $20 florescent fixture just 36" over the bench works real well with day light bulbs.

 

[sammerdog]

My Bride had me rip out the fluorescent under-cabinet lights in the kitchen a few years back and install Xenon. They throw off a great even light, no flickering, and I haven't noticed any heat build up. Still on the original bulbs. If they're in your budget, I'd say grab 'em.

I'd love some in the garage, but the rascals we grabbed were a little pricey ($40-ish each).

Currently under cabinet, I have some of the basic "hockey puck" lights. Too dim. They **** donkey water, but my garage is unheated so fluorescents won't work in the winter.

 

[Cubby]

I have these mounted above my 2 workbenches. They have 2 - 150 watt halogen bulbs and throw off great light. They do throw a little heat- just enough to notice but well worth it. I bought them for $20 each. Even my builder wanted to know where I got them for his workshop.

 

[Mike83]

^^^I have those same lights - one for garage bench and one for basement workshop. I have 350watt bulbs in mine and they get hot enough to heat the garage! They are bright as heck though and also have two settings for brightness.

One problem I have is that they go through bulbs like crazy. I take every precaution to not touch them when installing. Either they get all black inside or the insulators on the end crumble apart. Not sure what the issue is since the bulbs are failing well before the stated hours life on the package.

 

[SportFury59]

I also have a couple like Cubby and Mike. 350 watt. Also replaced bulbs on one way too soon. They're nice in the way that they have a plug on end of cord so they're easily movable if you want to change location in future.