Movable Ceiling Mounted Lights?

[StevePgh]

I'm looking for an inexpensive way to build a task light that I can mount from the ceiling and move around a bit for extra spot lighting. I'm tired of the Halogen stands - knocking them over, 500 extra watts of heat, and impossible to position properly. I considered rigging a desk swing-arm lamp to a fixture mounted to the ceiling, but those are kind of limited in position, and the arm may get in the way of my head or other obstructions.

What I'm thinking of is a gooseneck tube that maintains its position once bent - exactly what they use to mount a microphone to a podium. One end I can mount on the ceiling (or something mounted to the ceiling to drop it down a bit), the other end to a cheap clamp-on reflector light. I have a bunch of clamp-on lights, so that is free.

I found some Gooseneck tubing at McMaster, they have 12" male/female microphone-mount threaded (5/8"-27 UNF) pieces for $7 (50035A672) that support 3.25 lbs. I doubt I'd be able to thread more than 3 of them together without maxing out the weight limit. $18 at Amazon gets a microphone mounting flange and microphone clip with the weird threads that I can use to mount the light plus 25' of wire. Total project cost for a 3' would be $40-$45, if you also needed a plug, zip ties, and reflector add another $10.

Has anyone done something similar for less? Pictures?

 

[Big-Foot]

Track Lighting comes immediately to mind. There are a thousand different configurations and many will accomodate higher wattage halogen lamps..

 

[StevePgh]

Track Lighting comes immediately to mind.

I intend to use it to provide closer direct lighting from non-vertical angles, so it has to be something that is movable in angle and extension. I probably should have mentioned that it will be in a garage bay for not only working on engine compartments, but also for woodworking were great lighting without shadows is difficult and critical to distinguish wood from thumb Because of the dust generated, I'd prefer to have the garage door open when working, which limits my ability to do any directional overhead lighting.

 

[kbs2244]

Check your yellow pages for a guys that does repair to dentist equipment.
They often take out old equipment for parts or resale.
You might be able to get one of those twist me anyway arms.