Window Blinds Required

[Jim Bennett]

To determine the lighting requirments for my new shop, I did my homework by searching the threads in this forum, reading the magazine articles, and downloading Lithonia's Visual software. I ended up with 9 4-bulb T-8s in my 20' by 28' shop space (upstairs over a new garage). I haven't got my tools out of storage yet - but I think I'm going to be happy.

One thing I didn't consider - the glow coming from my shop! The day after the power was turned on, my neighbor came over and asked if I was going to put blinds on the windows. I thought that was funny until I heard her talking to my wife about the same topic 2 days later. I've got tarps over the windows on that side until I can get some blinds installed. You just can't think of everything!

[Tom W Armstrong]

No help on the blinds, but I would like to see MANY more pictures of your shop! It looks amazing from the outside.

[Chris Damm]

I've found that you need more light the older you get. I've heard that 100 candlepower at workbench height is a good start. I ended up with 238 candlepower in my shop. Of course the lights dim as they get older. I've found that with the walls painted white I don't need any task lighting in my shop. My 61 year old eyes like it just the way it is.

[Jim Bennett]

No help on the blinds, but I would like to see MANY more pictures of your shop! It looks amazing from the outside.

It is tough to call it a shop yet - all my tools are still in storage. We had to replace our garage after hurricane Ike, so we went with a 2 story and I claimed the upstairs. It is designed so the next owner can turn it into a garage apartment easily -- full bathroom (although small) and lots of windows to match the old house style. The french doors off the back, facing the alley, will eventually have a small roof extension and a chain hoist for lifting heavy objects upstairs.