The Best Lights to Buy for a Workshop

Direct vs. Indirect

• Most shops have ceiling fixture lighting. This type of lighting provides a general high level of light. Most shops also employ a mixture of direct and indirect lighting. The best lighting is that which suits the task the best. As a result, many shops have movable or mobile work lights, such as standing lights. This allows the user to shine light on hard-to-reach places easily.

Fluorescent

• Most fluorescent lights, designed for use in fixtures, are inexpensive, consume less power and emit less heat than incandescent bulbs. The light provided by fluorescent bulbs casts less shadows and is useful for work like drafting or less detail-oriented tasks. Yet, those doing fine, detailed work (such as hand carving) generally do not like fluorescent light. The light emitted from fluorescent lights is cool and blue.

Incandescent

• Incandescent lights are indirect and movable in most workshops. Halogen lights are common types of incandescent lights in workshops and employ a tungsten filament. Shop lights, large and small, usually use incandescent lights. They provide a "warm" light and cast shadows. They are the preferred light source for many craftsmen who require contrasting shadows to do carvings and need to assess depth. You can install incandescent lights in fixtures as well.

Specialized Lights

• Specialized lights are those designed with a specific purpose in mind. The common car mechanic light, a bulb shielded by a wire cage with a hook for hanging, is a prime example of a specialized light. Other specialized lights may include a magnified fixture that shines a bright, fluorescent light under a magnifying glass. Specialized lights may be essential to certain types of work, especially those doing fine, detailed tasks, such as working with small electronic parts.