Lathe Lighting Upgrade

by Art Liestman

I've recently upgraded the lighting around my Stubby 750. In addition to ceiling mounted lights, I also like to have lights closer to the lathe that can be moved around easily.  I had been using two articulated desk lamps with 75-watt bulbs (the max recommended) and they worked reasonably well, but I was not completely happy with the setup.  One particular problem was that when I used my Jamieson handle hollowing tools, I would have to remove one of the lamps from its normal position to allow the handle to swing across the back side of the lathe bed.  Another problem was that the light was insufficient. At the AAW Symposium this past summer, I decided to purchase the Light Stand from Gary Sanders (http://www.turningwood.com/light_stand.htm). 

 The Light Stand attaches directly to your lathe or lathe bench.  It consists of a mounting plate, a horizontal arm that swivels from the plate, a vertical post that can be raised and lowered, an upper horizontal arm that pivots from the vertical post, a small (2x3) platform at the end of the upper arm, and an electrical outlet at the top of the vertical post.  The stand is well designed and nicely constructed with UHMW bushings to allow everything to move very smoothly.  The stand setup allows a great deal of flexibility in positioning the small platform around the lathe.  The small platform can be used as a place to mount a single light or attaching a larger platform can give more options. I bolted on a larger plywood platform (6x8) and then attached my two desk lamps.   I also added a bolt from which I could hang my vacuum chuck controls.   

This gave me a very much-improved system  both for lighting and for ease of using the vacuum chuck.  Plus, the way the stand is set up keeps it out of the way of tool handles so I don't have to remove my lights when hollowing.  Versions of the stand are made for many popular lathes.  I presume the difference between these versions is in the mounting plate and, perhaps, in some of the dimensions. 

With the positioning of the lights improved, I was still not quite satisfied with the amount of light that I had available.  More watts, I figured.  After reading some posts on rec.crafts.woodturning about Moffat lamps, I decided that I should try them.  (The posts gave positive reviews and indicated that the lamps could take 100-watt bulbs.) Unfortunately, Moffat lamps aren't readily available here in British Columbia, but it turns out that they are available from Gary Sanders so I ordered a two from him to mount on my Light Stand.  The Moffat lamps are wonderful. There are different mounting systems that can be ordered.  Mine has the flange mount (a little base that can be screwed or bolted to a surface) and a quick disconnect to remove the lamp from the base.  Another option is the stud mount that, presumably, doesn't disconnect as quickly.  The lamps have a heavy-duty bendable arm which stays where you put it.  They can be used with up to 100 watt bulbs as they are equipped with a heat sink inside the light. They come complete with a metal safety grill and a sealed switch.  I use mine with 100-watt halogen bulbs that provide all the light that I need. 

The combination of the Light Stand and the Moffat lamps has really improved my workspace.  Now, I'm looking at other areas of the studio that need upgrading.  There's always something!

Art Liestman - Artist in Residence
Photos by Art Liestman
Click here to email Art for more information.