Lighting for the Workshop

[Jerry Todd]

If anyone wants to have the correct lighting for their workshop I would suggest the following article that was published in Fine Woodworking, February 2002 issue by Jack L Lindsey, LIGHTING FOR THE WORKSHOP. I followed his formula and have been pleased with the results.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Jerry,

I used Jack's article to design and select the lights for my shop. I've been pleased as punch and...everyone who comes to my shop likes the lighting. BTW...Jack is a member here.

[Jack Lindsey]

Thanks, Ken and Jerry. It's nice to know that the info was helpful. In addition to the 26 years I spent in lighting, both as a designer and an engineer, I taught lighting in community colleges and at a state university. The most rewarding thing a teacher can experience is learning that others have successfully used the information to accomplish something of value, and comments like yours make it worthwhile.

[Jim O'Dell]

Add me to the list Jack. I know we have posted on the same lighting threads before, on a couple forums, and your information in that article still holds true. NOW, I need some money to buy the last 5 fixtures!! Jim.

[Jim Becker]

Thanks for the reminder of that reference, Jerry! ('Hope all is well with you and yours)

[Chris Damm]

I, too followed Jack's advice on lighting my workshop. I am at the high side of candlepower at workbench height but with my old eyes I am greatful for Jack's advice. Freinds have commented on how well my shop is lit so I guess it is fine. I know I have no need for task lighting.

[Guy Nelson]

Is it available anywhere online? I would like to read the article but do not have that issue.
Thanks

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Guy...I bought the article from FWW. I forget the exact price but it wasn't unreasonable.

[Guy Nelson]

Thanks Ken

[Don Bullock]

Is it available anywhere online? I would like to read the article but do not have that issue.
Thanks

It is online if you're a subscriber to the FWW website. They have a lot of articles available online for the website subscribers.

[Jack Lindsey]

Thanks, Jim O'Dell and Chris. And, yes, Jim, we have crossed paths on a couple of forums. I remember your photo. Hope all is well with you.

What may be a note of interest to those installing new lighting systems: when I wrote the article for FWW it was difficult to find T8 lamps and electronic ballasts, especially in rural areas, so I concentrated on T12 lamps, both full wattage and energy saving.

T8's and electronic ballasts are now pretty universally available and they do outperform T12 lamps. They are close enough in performance, though, to simply use the info and tables in my article on a one for one basis.

[phil harold]

even after reading the article how would i figure the lights in my shop
36 x 29 with 12' ceilings
white walls and ceiling

[Jack Lindsey]

Phil,

It depends on which lamp you want to use. I strongly recommend the 32 watt T8 lamps and electronic ballasts. If you use two lamp 4' fixtures you need a total of 32 fixtures. Install them in 4 rows of 8 fixtures per row. Alternately you could use sixteen 8' fixtures with either two 8' lamps or four 4' lamps. I'd go with the 4 footers. Then use 4 fixtures per row. Space the rows closest to the walls about 2 1/2 feet from the wall, with about 8' between rows.

[phil harold]

Phil,

It depends on which lamp you want to use. I strongly recommend the 32 watt T8 lamps and electronic ballasts. If you use two lamp 4' fixtures you need a total of 32 fixtures. Install them in 4 rows of 8 fixtures per row. Alternately you could use sixteen 8' fixtures with either two 8' lamps or four 4' lamps. I'd go with the 4 footers. Then use 4 fixtures per row. Space the rows closest to the walls about 2 1/2 feet from the wall, with about 8' between rows.

wow

thanks Jack

I have three old eight footers in there now

but it needs a lot more

thanks again

phil

[Jack Lindsey]

Glad I could help.

Jack