Garage Lighting?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
I've worked in factories and shops my entire life and I don't think there is anything better than fluorescents. They provide great lighting with minimal shadowing and are easy on the eyes. Others like mercury vapors or halogens are very harsh on the eyes and produce more prominent shadows.
So overall, I think fluorescents are best. But each type can have it's advantages.
If you want your paint and chrome to really sparkle and look it's best, nothing beats good old high wattage incadescents (100W +).
I used to do a lot of custom painting on bikes and cars and would always turn on the incadescents when I wanted to show off a paint job.
So overall, I think fluorescents are best. But each type can have it's advantages.
If you want your paint and chrome to really sparkle and look it's best, nothing beats good old high wattage incadescents (100W +).
I used to do a lot of custom painting on bikes and cars and would always turn on the incadescents when I wanted to show off a paint job.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,145
Likes: 2
From: Ontario East
Fluorescents are good light, but for me they are not worth the headache. I can see the flicker (AC flicker) and the high-pitched squeal drives me nuts. Can't stand to be around them for longer than a few minutes.
I like the start you have on the Man Cave. Post more as the project goes along. I haven't started mine yet, but one of these years I'll manage to get electricity run to the garage. Then I can have at least heat and light in the winter time. Right now it's just cold storage.
I like the start you have on the Man Cave. Post more as the project goes along. I haven't started mine yet, but one of these years I'll manage to get electricity run to the garage. Then I can have at least heat and light in the winter time. Right now it's just cold storage.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 18,776
Likes: 42
From: Walker WV by way of NEW YORK CITY
Fluorescents are good light, but for me they are not worth the headache. I can see the flicker (AC flicker) and the high-pitched squeal drives me nuts. Can't stand to be around them for longer than a few minutes.
I like the start you have on the Man Cave. Post more as the project goes along. I haven't started mine yet, but one of these years I'll manage to get electricity run to the garage. Then I can have at least heat and light in the winter time. Right now it's just cold storage.
I like the start you have on the Man Cave. Post more as the project goes along. I haven't started mine yet, but one of these years I'll manage to get electricity run to the garage. Then I can have at least heat and light in the winter time. Right now it's just cold storage.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,960
Likes: 1,993
From: CA
I recently had a new roof put on the house and garage, and had a 2' X 4' skylight put in. Liked it so much I had them come back and put in another. Nothing like real daylight. Saves on electricity too. Of course, after dark I have the 6 - 4' flourescents, along with a droplight for close up illumination.
If you are halfway handy with tools, you could put in a skylight yourself.
If you are halfway handy with tools, you could put in a skylight yourself.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
I have a 30x30 shop that held my boat and my truck. I sold the boat and bought a Harley. I know you said no drop ceilings but I put one in mine. The tiles I used were 4x8 sheets of 1 1/2" styrofoam cut into 2x2 squares. I also hung nine 4' strip lights and the shop is bright as Las Vegas is at night. I collected the material off the jobs I work on free of charge. I now have a perfect garage for the bike with plenty of room. JMO the flouresent lights are the best and cheapest way to go. If money is no object then use your imagination.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 411
Likes: 6
From: Portland, OR metro area
Overhead lights are great, and others have given great options. To compliment that, I have some portable task lighting for other work, like these http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...4&blockType=G4
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,548
Likes: 4
From: Southern California