Replies

1. 
   makita | Feb 19, 2003 05:43am | #1

          OF2,

              Fine Woodworking #154 had a good article on shop lighting that is probably just what you are looking for. If you don't subscribe, a lot of libraries carry it . Good luck!

         Chris

2. 
   ESPEE | Feb 19, 2003 07:15am | #2

   I have a shop in So Cal about this same size and in it, I have five, 2 tube 8' florescent fixtures and it is not enough light.  If you have skylights It may be ok during the day light hours. But when its dark out side more would be better.  Also remember to always be aware of the tubes while swinging boards around in your shop around the lighting.

3. 
   UncleDunc | Feb 19, 2003 07:37am | #3

   I did a Google search with this search string

   (light OR lights OR lighting) "my shop"

   and got quite a few hits that appeared to reflect personal experience.

   My own opinion is that you should cover the entire ceiling of your shop with 2' x 4' 4 tube fixtures, then add task lights as necessary at the workbench and various machines.

4. 
   RoyinMD | Feb 19, 2003 07:54am | #4

   Hey Old,

   My shop is a 16'x22' concrete block garage with 8 foot ceiling of exposed craft paper of fiberglass insulation. Been wanting to drywall and paint the ceiling for years to get the extra reflected light, oh well. I have seven 4 foot double shop lights and I'm really only covering the back 3/4 of the room. I had no original master plan, I just kept adding lights as I expanded the work area and got older and couldn't see as well (crap). One workbench has one light, table saw has two lights, two lights thru center of area, and the second workbench has 2 lights.

   You wanting a plan is a good idea. I suggest going to the library and checking out the AIA Architectural Graphic Standards. Great guide to work from.

   Enjoy, Roy 

5. 
   fredsmart48 | Feb 19, 2003 08:00am | #5

   You can never have to much light.  Lights should be florescence mounted one ceiling and  end to end the full length of the shop.  Each string should be separated by 4'  Plus there should have a string of light 16" from the walls all the way around the shop about  7 1/2 height.  Next you should have spot lights on over stationary tools like the table saw. 

6. 
   RANGERP75R | Feb 19, 2003 08:03am | #6

   O F

      Ditto Chris's comments on the excellent article FWW. This guy was a professional lighting expert and the article was very clear on needs.

      I have a shop of similar size, 26 x 35 with 8' ceiling. I have 10 dual 4' florescents. I feel 2 to 3 more are on the way as I use every inch of the shop along with another 600 sq. ft. behind it in the half basement for finish and assembly.

   Enjoy the new shop...

   sarge..jt

7. 
   hmthomas | Feb 19, 2003 08:19am | #7

   If your shop setup allows for it consider some skykights. I put in 2 skylights and several windows on the south side of my shop. I can get by during most days without the lights.

   I do have 2 rows of twin bulb 4' flouresents running the length of the shop. My ceilings are high so I hung them on chains 10' off  the floor. I think I have about 2' between each light.  Plenty of light, even at night.  

   I do have a halogen spotlight that I'll use sometimes over the workbench. Sometimes the old eyes just need a little more light.

   Also, paint the ceiling white to reflect some light. I painted the whole shop white inside and it really helps.

   Good luck, Hugh

8. 
   vegasbell | Feb 19, 2003 09:20am | #8

   Consider using the fluorescent fixtures that utilize electronic balast and require T8 type tubes (as opposed to T12 tubes - the old style "cool white").  These fixtures yield more light for less energy and produce no hum.  Also, buy tubes with a higher CRI rating, CRI 80 or more, because their color temperature is close to daylight.  Of course, T8 fixtures cost a little more money, but you only have to buy them once.

9. 
   cheakamus | Feb 19, 2003 09:37am | #9

   You might also think about wiring in some ceiling outlets over your benches for plugging in handtools. I have a couple in my basement shop (duplexes in round metal plates that fit octagonal boxes mounted in the ceiling joists) and also one in my laundry room for the iron. Keeps the cords completely out of my way (and I never forget to unplug the iron!)