Replies

1. 
   saschafer | Apr 09, 2008 01:39am | #1

   These fluorescents from McFeely's are pretty spiffy:

   http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/1560-T4/Fluorescent-T4-Lights

   http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/1560-T5/Fluorescent-T5-Lights

   You might also want to consider LED lamps, as they are even more efficient than fluorescents and run very cool.

   -Steve

    

2. 
   BruceS | Apr 09, 2008 01:54am | #2

   I don't know how much "cooler"  but while installing a series of those "minicans" we plugged them in while they were setting on the carpet.  OOps melted Burber carpet.  They do get HOT.   I would look into the newer LED lights.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

   
   

   ---

   Edited 4/8/2008 6:56 pm ET by BruceS

3. 
   park | Apr 09, 2008 03:03am | #3

   I retired from a company that used Xenon lamps in their accelerated weathering equipment.  The lamps they used ran very hot, but you are probably going to use a much smaller lamp.  What might be more important is how much UV light they give off.  You might try one of these lamps for an extended period on a sample of the material you intend to display to see if there is any color loss or degregation of the material.  Maybe the lamp manufacture has some date on how the lamp you intend to use can affect color etc.

4. 
   cwb02 | Apr 09, 2008 08:35am | #4

   I used some under-cabinet halogen light in my kitchen.  Got the coffee pot directly under one, about 3-inches below, and melted the lid of the drip machine.  I suspect the xenon will do the same.

   The other day I was looking for some accent lighting and found some under-cabinet LEDs that string 4 in series.  There are about 20 bright white LEDs in each, and consume 2.5 watts each running on 120 volts.  They run really cool.  I found these at Costco for $20.  LEDs are dimmable.

1. 
   Mackwood | Apr 10, 2008 03:12am | #5

   This is amazing!!  I've been on this forum since Jan. of 2003 and have never seen a thread pop up that was so timely. 

   I just (30 min. ago) finished a preliminary drawing of a display cabinet for MBH.  I looked at Rockler and Home Depot for ideas for the lighting.  I was leaning toward the Xenon jobs from HD but thanks to you guys will now look seriously at the LED's.

   Costco!  I can find one of those (or six) near Seattle!!!

   Thanks very much!

   Mack"WISH IN ONE HAND, S--T IN THE OTHER AND SEE WHICH FILLS UP FIRST"

1. 
   cwb02 | Apr 10, 2008 07:05am | #6

   The LEDs I found at Costco were manufactured by Lights of America.  If you can't find them there (things come and go quickly in Costco) you can find where Lights of America sells their products by checking them out on the Internet.  Home Depot and Lowes come to mind.

   Good luck,

   Charlie

1. 
   Rooms | Apr 11, 2008 01:57pm | #7

   Thanks to all for your replys.

5. 
   AntzyClancy | Apr 12, 2008 12:15am | #8

   I have used these for a cabinet that displays dishes.  They don't get to hot, but I have them on a dimmer (try that with a florescent) and don't keep them to bright.

   http://www.pegasusassociates.com/XenonSlimCabinetLight.html

    

   Todd

6. 
   plumo | Apr 12, 2008 03:17am | #9

   Hi Rooms,
   I was in a similar spot a couple years ago but with my china cabinet. Difference was that I didn't want glass shelves. After all how is the light going to shine through anything on the shelf to illuminate below???
   Solution - I found rope light I could cut and mounted under a short valance on each shelf. Beautiful, cool, gently, even light.
   If you like, I could post a couple pictures, etc.

   cheers
   Plumo