Need Lighting Suggestion for Reloading Bench

[Kyle Schultz]

I'm planning a 27"x72" reloading bench for my new air conditioned workshop. 10' high ceiling. I'm presently using an Acculab VIC-123 scale. I'm aware of the reported issues with fluorescent lighting causing interference with electronic scales.

1) Can the interference be mitigated using electronic instead of magnetic ballasts?
2) If not, how would you illuminate the bench?

TIA!

 

[M-61]

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php?topic=3828281.0

http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/flamp.htm

This second site has more info than you thought ever existed re: fluorescent lights. Well worth a look.

In my shop I use bulbs that have a color temperature of 6500 Kelvin. This is a VERY white light (looks like an operating room). You should always select the bulb by the temp. that should be on it (Usually hidden in small print) The higher the temp rating the whiter the light. 5600K is roughly sunlight. They like to use catchy names....cool....warm...etc., these have no real definition....look for the temp rating. Everyone may not like such a white light but for me it's perfect...I can actually see! On the same hand you would never want to 'see' food under this light range.

 

[Shynloco]

Kyle,
I have a cheap fluorescent garage lamp hanging 45" above my reloading bench in my garage where I do my reloading. I use two electronic RCBS scales plugged into to a surge protector and make sure there are no other electronic interference units (such as a refrigerator, radios or other interference emitting equipment within 3 ft of my scales) or air blowing across the scales. I've used this set up for more than 5 years and I get no interference, drifting or any other forms of interference. Works for me.

Alex

 

[dickn52]

I don't have that height to work with, so I used under cabinet LED strips. I have 2 strips at 4' each and a 20" on the corner. Light is at 6000K I think and again very 'white'

 

[Lapua40X]

I have a pair of two lamp 4100K T8 lamp fixtures, each four feet long, ceiling mounted five feet above the bench and positioned directly above the face of the bench so no shadow (even fluorescent lamps create some minor shadows) interferes with my work. They are relltively inexpensive, provide plenty of light for reloading (I'm not hosting surgical demonstrations in my reloading area) and other types of work and at 4100K they run cool enough to keep my bald head from blistering. What I've learned is that the wall and ceiling color can have a tremendous influence on the effectiveness of bench lighting. Whatever you decide upon, be sure to paint all adjacent wall and ceiling surfaces with a good semigloss white paint. I"d avoid flat because it doesn't scatter light as well.

 

[Kyle Schultz]

Thanks for the feedback guys!