Thread: Lighting A Lathe

Only thing I can say is do not put a magnetic based lamp on top of the headstock

Here re a few: Lathe Tools - Lights - Millers Tooling, Brisbane, Australia. I have the first one, not with the magnetic base though, they are not strong enough so made my own with 5mm steel plate 200 square held down with good rare earth magnets. I can stretch it out full length and it holds no problem

Originally Posted by wheelinround

Only thing I can say is do not put a magnetic based lamp on top of the headstock

Why?

Is it vibration? If so, my set-up holds without any issues.

Originally Posted by wheelinround

Only thing I can say is do not put a magnetic based lamp on top of the headstock

That idea actually worries me just looking at the pictures online of people doing that. Fortunately my headstock is rounded, so there is no temptation to even try that.

Is there a recommended type of bulb. I note on some of the other posts on this topic that some talk about halogen lights and others mention flouro bulbs.

I was actually looking at one of those long-life energy saving spiral bulbs. I figure that the reduced heat lowers the level of risk of me burning myself on it or setting something on fire. Just not sure if I should be getting a white one, or a daylight one or something else.

The other area of uncertainty as how to fix it to the lathe bench to ensure that it doesn't get in the way and can be move around to be useful. Any recommendations?

Thanks again,

Craig

Originally Posted by dai sensei

Here re a few: Lathe Tools - Lights - Millers Tooling, Brisbane, Australia. I have the first one, not with the magnetic base though, they are not strong enough so made my own with 5mm steel plate 200 square held down with good rare earth magnets. I can stretch it out full length and it holds no problem



Why?

Is it vibration? If so, my set-up holds without any issues.

I have to confess, my little lathe with it's 1/2 horsepower motor isn't likely to vibrate anything off of it in a hurry, especially if it is held on with strong earth magnets. My headstock isn't suitable (I think) for using a magnet, but looking at some of the other options on that site:

Halogen light on adjustable mount lights001.jpg

It looks like they offer some other decent solutions. Still not sure about halogen or the energy savers.

Craig

One thing about the flouros, make sure that they do not protrude below the outer level of the top of the lamp. I have
(3) lamps one from each direction well above the lathe. They are effectively your outside floodlit type (spotlight)
and one above the lathe screwed to a shelf, it is old bedlamp, but works well. I use a magnetic lamp over the
grinder but it is separately installed by magnet on an old beer/solft drinks frig. Yes, the ole Silent Khight still goes some 60 years on. At our Mens Shed we use the magnetic
lamps on top of the Novas and we have not had any problems - my only warning is as I said - ensure the fouros dont protrude befoere the lamp opening.
To get a good look inside deep vessels, I resort to the trusty torch, only way. Otherwise I guess you can take the magnetic lamp off and look into the vessel.
Hope that helps. Drillit.

Might I suggest the highest output LED bulb you can get to fit whatever light you choose?

I have to agree, LED s are the way to go, don't give off half he glare, don't get hot, and cheap to run, there are retro fit globes for nearly every application.

HazzaB

Originally Posted by artme

Might I suggest the highest output LED bulb you can get to fit whatever light you choose?

You can get ones to fit into regular light fittings!?!

I've never even seen one of those until I googled just a minute ago. Here's an example:

LED replacement bulb pt396750-ac85_265v_10w_traditional_aluminium_alloy_commercial_indoor_led_light_replacement_bulbs.jpg

I thought you'd need to get a dedicated led fitting.

It's a great option!

Thanks,

Craig

Many of the manufactured lamps with magnetic bases are quite strong and the closeness of bearings etc actually does draw magnetic field that far.

I saw a lamp on a Jet min at a demo a few years ago and asked if we could do a quick experiment no-one else was around but the fellows turning. The fellow turned on the lathe and then as I instructed removed the lamp from the headstock the lathe increased in RPM. In replacing it it slowed back down.

Over time the magnet will magnetize the metal around the bearings and the bearings attract steel which will wear the bearing quicker. Bit like leaving a screw driver on a magnet to magnetize it.

I have seen a home made base using a 10oz speaker magnet on a headstock .

I was considering adding a dedicated light as shown in some those links and then I upgraded my shed lighting. Now I have 2 double fluoros a little to the side and just behind my stance at the lather and I don't need one.

Originally Posted by Drillit

Yes, the ole Silent Khight still goes some 60 years on.

Now there's a trip down memory lane - kero, gas or that new-fangled sparky stuff?

Originally Posted by Morbius

The other area of uncertainty as how to fix it to the lathe bench to ensure that it doesn't get in the way and can be move around to be useful. Any recommendations?

Thanks again,

Craig

I use the ordinary swing type reading lamps (similar to the one in the Popular woodworking link) that fit into a little plastic block that can be clamped on any surface. I discarded the plastic block and clamp and made a few wooden banjos for them. One at each end of the lathe. They can be moved in and out as needed.

Also for looking inside a deep hollowing I bought a $ 25 adjustable small halogen light that is very useful.

Peter.

Originally Posted by Sturdee

Also for looking inside a deep hollowing I bought a $ 25 adjustable small halogen light that is very useful.

Peter.

Actually it was $30 and the light is LED from Ikea. Mine just sits on the bench behind the lathe but they can be adapted to fit onto a homemade banjo as well.


Peter.

Telescopic pocket light.jpg Found this handy pocket (telescopic with magnetic base) LED torch at Super Cheap yesterday for $8