Workbench Light

[DBordello]

I just finished my first workbench build: http://www.familyhandyman.com/works...ld-a-workbench-super-simple-50-bench/view-all

Now, I am looking to get some great lighting. I want to hang the light under the top shelf of the workbench. The workbench is 6' wide. In order of importance:

• I like bright light, but do not want to be blinded
• Low profile to minimize reduction in head room. I may notch the top frame to allow the light to sit flush.

I went to Home Depot and got some reasonable advice. I walked out with a 2xT5 fixture that is fairly low profile: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia...-MVOLT-GEB10PS/203137160?keyword=784231996065

Now, I am a bit concerned that I have gone overboard. Will this light be too bright so close to the work surface?

Thoughts?

 

[VolatileBeans]

Hey. T5s are pretty bright. If you find they are too bright after installation, but for some reason don't wish to return them, you could put white cloth (nothing too thick) around the plastic fixture to act as a diffuser. This will make the light both less intense and much softer, possibly reducing eye strain.

 

[pattenp]

Brightness is somewhat objective. I'd think they may be a bit much as a work bench light, but you won't know until you hook them up. Do a temp hook up and see what they are like. HD is very good about returns as long as you have all the packaging.

 

[DBordello]

Okay, sounds like I should wire them up and see how they go. I will be sure to report back.

Any alternative suggestions?

 

[pattenp]

I use standard T8's over my work bench. You may want to consider LED's.

 

[DBordello]

Actually, I believe I bought T5HO bulbs. I am going to guess these are going to be way too much.

 

[pattenp]

Actually, I believe I bought T5HO bulbs. I am going to guess these are going to be way too much.

Oh yeah! Very good possibility. But if you're cutting diamonds then you may want that much light.

 

[cybrdyke]

Uh...yeah. 10,000 lumens that are 2' from source to task level is blinding. You'll hate it. And for what it's worth, there are health issues associated with it....headaches being the least of them.
CD

 

[DBordello]

I gave it the old college try, and clamped the 2xT5HO fixture to my workbench today. My initial impressions, are that I like it. I think I am going to give it a shot.

I guess I need to spend less time on the internet asking, and more time just doing.