Reccomend me some lighting options!

I know theres a couple threads before me talking about lighting, but i thought i would like to try and get some options based on my personal needs instead of hijacking another thread.

anyways, im looking for some lighting that will help to obviously show defects mostly in my 2 hondas. I've got an 06 civic in atomic blue, and an 04 s2k in suzuka blue. both are quite hard (for me anyways) to pick out any swirls unless im in direct sunlight, so where do i turn for lighting when it comes to highlighting trouble?

Im definately going to pick up the 1000W halogens, but is that going to do anything for me? If thats not enough, i have been looking into those 200+ lumen flashlights, more specifically the Fenix TK-11 and the Dorcy Cree XRE (sears/walmart one), i know the fenix gets some talk on here, what about the dorcy (rechargeable battery etc etc is a plus). what about garage lighting, does going to the long fluorescent type lighting help?

Anyways, would the halogens be enough for me or do you guys reccomend getting a flashlight as well? Keep in mind i only detail for my own cars, maybe a few friends, nothing business-like, so i doubt a sun-gun is in my wheelhouse.

Any opinions or remarks you guys may have will surely come in handy, im looking to pick up lighting tools pretty quick here. Thanks alot DB!

 

Brinksmann Dual Xenon is plenty fine for most DIY'ers, or the Coleman 3x LED lamp, but it might be a bit more unwieldy than the Brinksmann.
If you're looking to invest in something decent for the long term, then the Metal Halide light from Lettherebelight or locally if the same thing is available, might be worth considering.

 

Lighting
A combination of fluorescents (general lighting) and halogens (spotting blemishes) on the walls spaced at approximately 36" centres, with 1000 watt twin halogens as for closer spot inspection. Lighting levels of 100-foot candles at workbench height (42” from finished floor) recommend metal halide lights (175W -4250-5000 0 K, IT provides a ‘warm’ bright white light) over each detailing bay plus incandescent lighting on separate switch as metal halides have a delayed start, plus Daylight (Windows/skylights) if possible

Light output reduces from its source by an inverse square law; the table shows that fluorescent or incandescent lighting is more suitable for general lighting. Light output is measured in lumens, a typical 100W bulb produces 1700, a 175W metal halide bulb 14,000. The lighting available at the source is measured in foot-candles.



An extract from “Detailing Bay Lighting” one of a series of in-depth © detailing articles by TOGWT ™

 

A $30 Brinkman dual xenon light csn readily spot swirls. It is not a worklight but more a check light.

 

How do get pricing on these?

 

For your car

 

i know alot of people use the brinkmanns, but i've also read alot on their downfall, and since the dorcy torch and the fenix arent much more expensive than the brinkmann, i like the sounds of those too. anyone have any ideas if the dorcy would be good for spotting defects in metallic paint? or should i stick with the fenix, i just like the idea of having a rechargeable battery in the dorcy. i understand you can get rechargeables for the fenix too, but they do seem much more expensive than the dorcy torch

 

actually, what about all the different flashlights on dealextreme? those seem to be very affordable, anything wrong with using these?

 

I want this:

Goliath Twin Head 175 Watt Metal Halide Work light on Cart - L-4205 at The Home Depot

.

With that said, when looking at LED lights, you don't need a fenix. it's popular because it's rugged. but the main thing about LED lights is the lumen score. You can find them at sears for fairly cheap. I got a 225 lumen LED light for $30 there. Works just as good as a fenix (yes I've used both).

 

ok, thats good to know. my parents are down in the states right now (im assuming our sears up here in canada probably wont have these flashlights) but they can probably get out to a sears for me over there. the only one that i've seen is on the website is the dorcy, 220 lumen, but its $50. is there another one that i should let them know to get me? $30 is right up my alley, otherwise ill probably go with something from dealextreme

 

:shrug: $30 us is $50 cad isn't it?

I think that's the best you're gonna get. Just look for the lumen score.. and only that. Brand is brand I suppose :shrug:

 

well i was looking at it on the sears.com website, since it doesn't show up in the canadian one, so yeah its showing it as $50 USD...did you by chance get yours on sale or something? i definately don't wanna be buying it at almost double the price when i know it could be cheaper!

im lookin at this one here...

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_03493599000P?vName=Tools&cName=Electrical+Shop&keyword=dorcy

 

I LIED!! This whole time I thought my light was 220 lumen!

I have the 160 lumen light. Guess I have to get the fenix now.

Dorcy 3 AAA K2 LED Battery Indicator Flashlight - Model 41-4297 at Sears.com

FWIW, it compares to the fenix I used to work with... I think at some point light output is harder to notice. But I wouldn't know since I never compared the two side by side. But after working with the fenix.. then now the less powerful dorcy, I can't tell a difference. :shrug:

 

ahh ok, so even if i do decide to splurge on the 220 lumen one, that should be plenty for what i need it for? what about the ones on dealextreme.com...seem to only be around $15-20 for the 220+ lumen mark in a variety of battery choices as well...

 

I don't see why not! Good reviews on some. I think the thing with the fenix lights is they're tactical lights so they're MUCH more rugged and used for hunting, camping, hiking, etc. Those babies won't quit on you if they get damp.. but my meesly $40 light or one of those $20 lights? I'm sure the same can't be said. HOWEVER, I don't hunt, or hike, and the only camping I do is in an 18' tent trailer with twin kings that pop out, a dining room pop out, and a shower/toilet .

 

yeah thats what im talking about, ill be using it for detailing, and probably some other errands around the house and probably out on some camping trips to find my way around, no "tactical" events of any sort though. i think ill give the dealextreme ones a try..

 

And then report back! I may have to pick one up

 

Hmm, I think I want metal halides now, haha.

 

I just purchased K-Max Portable Light from top of the line,
not cheap for more than $250 shipped but it looks promising and I want something that does
not produce allot of heat and florescent lights are the best for that, along with my 3m Sungun
I should be good to go!

K-Max Portable Light

 

That stand must be pretty expensive, considering that light and the bulbs cost about 30 bucks.