Band saw lighting

[Alfred Hoffmann]

I thought I had adequate lighting in my shop but found out it was inadequate when it came to do close band saw work. What do you folks use as band saw lights? And are you satisfied with what you got? I have a Jet 14" BS. Thanks in advance for your answers.

[Jim Becker]

I use a magnetic base lamp for task lighting on the band saw. The flexible arm means you can optimize it based on what kind of cutting you can do.

[Dewey Torres]

Jim is spot on. (as usual)
My bandsaw PM 14 is very similar to yours and came with a light. Here is one like I think Jim mentions:

http://www.lapollo.net/de25mapotoba.html

[Jim Becker]

The one thing I'll add is that the next light I buy for the machine will be something of quality. The inexpensive ones often found in woodworking stores, etc., don't necessarily hold up over time. My next one will not have the switch in the socket and the arm will not be mechanically "designed" to deteriorate over time from the standpoint of being able to hold a setting.

[Frank Snyder]

Best quality utility light out there. A little pricey, but well worth it.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=46866&cat=1,43456,43349

[James Williams 007]

I use a magnetic base lamp that I found at Harbor Freight but if you use a lamp that is connected to your BS use a compact fluorescent so the vibration wont kill the bulb and it saves energy!

[Jim O'Dell]

I used 2 surface mount spots in the ceiling above the DP and the multifunction cabinet/tables.The BS, TS and the area the router table and future jointer will live have 2 recessed cans each. Each pair of lights have their own wall switch. I find these to work fine in tandem with the T8 fixtures. Jim. (Oh, I got the fixtures at 75% off of the sale price stickers at an HD store that was moving a couple miles away to a new store a few years ago. :D)

[Josiah Bartlett]

I use a magnetic base lamp that I found at Harbor Freight but if you use a lamp that is connected to your BS use a compact fluorescent so the vibration wont kill the bulb and it saves energy!

In my experience, screw base CF bulbs are even worse about vibration than incandescent. Some of the well mounted bulbs with separate ballasts are fine (like the ones in portable automotive drop lights and camping lanterns), but screwing a lamp fixture rated CF bulb into a socket and shaking it results in almost instant failure. Too much mass in the bulb base shakes it to pieces.

[richard poitras]

I second the Harbor Freight light I think on sale they are only about $6-$7 dollars...

[Walt Caza]

Hi Alfred,
I am voting along with Frank. The LV light, while spendy, is high quality
and should outlive me. It works exactly as I need it to, and offers three
different mounting options. I wish everything worked that well!
Good luck with your task lighting,
Walt

[Rollie Meyers]

Moffatt makes a real decent machine lamp, McMaster - Carr used to sell them but not sure if they still do.

http://www.moffattproducts.com/ www.mcmaster.com (http://www.mcmaster.com)

[Alfred Hoffmann]

Thanks to everyone for their inputs. I just ordered the utility lamp from Lee Valley.

[Dave Bender]

x2 on the Moffatt lamp. I use two on my lathe (look up lathe light), one over the dry grinder, one on the Tormek, and one on the bandsaw. BTW the Lee Valley light is either a Moffatt lamp or a darn good clone. There is another lamp that looks the same as the Moffatt but uses a different base that won't swivel. Could be very useful if you want a more horizontal mount. I don't remember the name but if you search for Moffatt in the 'creek you'll find it.