Lighting

woodstock16 | Posted in General Discussion on July 7, 2019 01:14pm

Looking to upgrade my basement lighting. Any information on Fluorescent vs. LED. I like the idea of LED but they are ~2X the cost. Fine Woodworking article indicates light temp should match typical home lighting so staining and finishing will look in shop like what you want in the home. All thoughts on Lumen amount and Light temp. would be appreciated.

Replies

daverichards | Jul 07, 2019 02:02pm | #1
A couple of years ago I replaced the fluorescent fixtures in my shop with LEDs and I'm happy I did. While the initial cost my be more, I anticipate that I won't have the cost of new lamps every so often and around here, you have to pay to dispose of fluorescent tubes so there's another saving. Of course there's the reduced energy usage. I just wish I'd added a couple more in some spots.
john_c2 | Jul 07, 2019 04:16pm | #2
I've been changing fluorescents to LEDs as the old fixtures age. They were pretty dated, and bulbs were scarce. The new stoplights are gangable, so I can plug a new fixture directly into the one adjacent. I end up with a much brighter shop.

Personally, I don't worry about color temp. I don't do any refinishing to speak of, so I'm never trying to match a finish. I settled on a finishing routine long ago that works for me. I don't stain or dye anything, except for curly maple. So when I put finish on something, I know what it will look like when it's out of the shop.
user-7063600 | Jul 07, 2019 07:53pm | #3
Go LED, you will never regret it. I have 3100k color temp. Bright and white.
The initial price may be more, but overall cost is lower. Lower power consumption and long bulb life.
FWW Editor

ben_strano | Jul 08, 2019 10:04am | #4
If you have windows into your shop, you'll be happier with daylight balanced fixtures. I have four 2x4 LED panels in my shop and, for the most part, they put out enough light. I do have a couple of work lights with nice LED bulbs in them to add a bit of light where I need.

I got my fixtures for free from my brother... but a part of me wishes that I paid for fixtures. I'd have been much more likely to buy higher quality lights. My cheapo fixtures have a green tinge to them and it does bother me a bit. You get what you pay for!

If I were installing new lighting, there is NO WAY I would put in fluorescent now. LEDs are going to be a bit more expensive, but good bulbs will likely outlast some of your machinery!
forrestb | Jul 10, 2019 11:02am | #5
Go LED as much lumens as you can afford. As I aged (79 now) my vision acuity loss was becoming a safety issue in my not-so-well-lit shop. Think ahead! You too will age.