Steve Taylor Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 I've finally got a dedicated workbench area and with the nights drawing in am taking a little time to prepare for the onslaught of winter tinkering and bodging. Top on the to do list is stable, daylight balanced lighting and if possible magnification. Years ago, I saw a portable ottlite unit on a demonstrators workbench, and realy rather like the quality of their output. I could go for pair of these http://products.ottlite.com/p-66-13w-wingshade-clip-on-lamp.aspx set up like a copy stand with a separate magnifier, but browsing the OTTLITE website i've found this http://products.ottlite.com/p-373-22w-clamp-magnifier-lamp.aspx For whatever reason I cannot seem to find a UK supplier. Has anyone on either side of the pond got any experience of these and does anyone know of a UK supplier for these? Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BG John Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 Your first link doesn't work, but the one in the second link is very much like the Maplin one. They seem to discount them every so often, as I didn't pay anywhere near that much for mine. http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/22w-fluorescent-daylight-magnifier-lamp-a29ff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Taylor Posted September 3, 2016 Author Share Posted September 3, 2016 link corrected Ta for that one, I shall pop to Maplin in the morning to assess the quality of the light their unit gives. I have a small combined desk lamp/magnifier from hobbycraft already but find its output not too great, the colour feels off and the quality of light diffusion is not the greatest, add to which after a while it feels as though it is "flickering" though it patently is not. short of setting up studio lighting (polyboard reflector false ceiling bouncing a suitable selection of lighting onto the desk). Writing that does make me wonder if a suspended diffused light rig might be an option - lots of small point lights in a softbox. Time to look to LEDs? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bertiedog Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 Ottlite have never been widely available outside the US, and being available now for a long time, technology has overtaken some of the point of marketing a daylight source light. LED based lamps offer the same sort of light in models that claim a natural light colour, which tend to be the expensive end of the market. Dyson have dabbled in this area, as have Phillips, plus several medium price suppliers. Units with magnifiers now use LED in the main, there are several brands on the market, but they are not widely known names, suggesting Chinese Manufacture anyway. Of course, Dyson are Chinese made as well. I would suggest a net search to find out what is available, then trace stockists. My own unit was made by Anglepoise,(Terry Springs), but are now no longer in production. They make desk lamps but not with a magnifier, again now Chinese made. Some specialist watch and clockmaker suppliers stock desk magnifier lamps. Stephen Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 I've seen a few of their products turn up in Costco recently. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bertiedog Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 You may find you could improve the existing light, dependant on the lamp socket, type of existing bulb, and suitability of a replacement to keep within heat limits. LED replacements usually work only warm or cold so no problem there, but it may take a bit of work to find a fit that places the LEDs in the right place in any reflector. LEDs come in cold light or warm in cheaper types, not the very specific Ottlite types, but there are alternative LEDs for natural light as grow lamps, and inspection of craft work, like embroidery, that are the Ottlite's main market. If an existing lamp uses a halogen bulb then it is best left as is, the lighting colour is considered very natural. Stephen Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
YesTor Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 Your first link doesn't work, but the one in the second link is very much like the Maplin one. They seem to discount them every so often, as I didn't pay anywhere near that much for mine. http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/22w-fluorescent-daylight-magnifier-lamp-a29ff Agreed on the Maplin lamp. I purchased mine back in November 2013 and it only cost £24.99 inc. shipping. It seemed remarkably cheap at the time, as I recall looking at similar lamps at various exhibitions and all seemed to be in the £60+ price range. The build quality matches any of the others I have viewed and at the end of the day I guess it's the bulb that counts, and surely one 22w fluorescent ring is going to be pretty much the same as the next one? If I were buying a new one again I certainly wouldn't opt for anything below the 22w fluorescent that I have, if anything I would perhaps aim for something slightly brighter, but then I think that's more to do with my eyes not being quite what they were and also generally being more tired in the evenings when of course the light is required. So I'd say if you are undecided then I'd have no doubt in advising to opt for slightly more/bigger/brighter than you think you need as opposed to less. I've no idea quite how the LED versions compare, I'd be interested to know myself, but all-in-all though the Maplin lamp is great value and I'd guess more than adequate for anyone with at least half-decent eyesight to begin with. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium BR60103 Posted September 4, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 4, 2016 I have a couple of Ottlites on my workbench. My wife has a large one over her needlework -- she says that she can distinguish thread colours more easily with it. I saw spare bulbs in one of our chain stores today, but I've never needed one. I think I've seen spare bulbs with a regular screw fitting (North American style), No idea if they'd have UK base or voltage available. After you paint your stock using an Ottlite, you need to light your whole layout with them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Taylor Posted September 5, 2016 Author Share Posted September 5, 2016 After you paint your stock using an Ottlite, you need to light your whole layout with them. curiously that thought had occurred, but was promptly put carefully aside until I win the lottery or am declared insane and free to pursue these thoughts further from my consequent secure and comfy cell. Layout light is another topic altogether, but agreed painting and viewing should where possible be under the same lighting conditions. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Taylor Posted September 14, 2016 Author Share Posted September 14, 2016 Slightly diversifying..... does anyone have any experience with Oxford Precision? They do a 22w, 3x magnification, 5" lens bench magnifier. Whilst not cheap, we have one at work in another department and it seems at a glance to be rather good. This is from Cromwell Tools and is currently reduced in price. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bertiedog Posted September 14, 2016 Share Posted September 14, 2016 Since the posting I came across an Ebay listing for an "Anglepoise" type with magnifier, modern type not actual Terry's made, made in China, which has no particular bulb requirement, just a BC fit mains bulb of normal dimensions. Bought the unit, works a treat, and now fitted with an 8 watt LED Daylight bulb, which runs cool, and is very economical in running costs as well. Now doing duty as illumination for the lathe and workbench, with another one being purchased as well. Stephen Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly Posted September 14, 2016 Share Posted September 14, 2016 Since the posting I came across an Ebay listing for an "Anglepoise" type with magnifier, modern type not actual Terry's made, made in China, which has no particular bulb requirement, just a BC fit mains bulb of normal dimensions. Bought the unit, works a treat, and now fitted with an 8 watt LED Daylight bulb, which runs cool, and is very economical in running costs as well. Now doing duty as illumination for the lathe and workbench, with another one being purchased as well. Stephen I'd be interested in a link as I could do with replacing my one I got years ago from Maplin, as it doesn't want to hold itself up anymore. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium melmerby Posted September 14, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 14, 2016 Anybody considered Amazon? https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=OTTlite+&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3AOTTlite+ Especially: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ottlite-Clamp--Lamp-Daylight-Spectrum/dp/B005IY6Z9S/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1473888663&sr=8-20&keywords=OTTlite Or Maplin: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fluorescent-Daylight-Flexible-Magnifying-Position/dp/B000B8JNWM/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473888848&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=OTTlite+22w+magnifier (Strangely £5 cheaper via Amazon than from Maplin direct) Keith Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly Posted September 14, 2016 Share Posted September 14, 2016 Anybody considered Amazon? https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=OTTlite+&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3AOTTlite+ Especially: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ottlite-Clamp--Lamp-Daylight-Spectrum/dp/B005IY6Z9S/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1473888663&sr=8-20&keywords=OTTlite Or Maplin: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fluorescent-Daylight-Flexible-Magnifying-Position/dp/B000B8JNWM/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473888848&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=OTTlite+22w+magnifier (Strangely £5 cheaper via Amazon than from Maplin direct) Keith The second one on the first link is iirc a bit cheaper at Costco if you have someone with a card. They have some of the other items last I was in there. The maplin one is what I have, except it has lost its poise, and just flops down now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Metr0Land Posted September 15, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 15, 2016 Ottlites turn up on the Create and Craft channel from time to time. Note sure if these are the model you are looking for: http://www.createandcraft.tv/search/ottlite?fh_location=//CreateAndCraft/en_GB/$s=ottlite&gs=ottlite Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium melmerby Posted September 16, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 16, 2016 Ian Allan in Birmingham have a couple of Ottlites: Not particularly cheap? Keith Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly Posted September 16, 2016 Share Posted September 16, 2016 Not ottlite, but Lidl from Sunday have these in store for £12.99. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Taylor Posted September 19, 2016 Author Share Posted September 19, 2016 Have got a pair of these in to flood the work desk. At first glance for the money i can't argue. I shall diffuse them a bit and do a few tests for colour temperature consistency. Given that mean clear blue sky daylight is meant to be 5500K and these are stated as being 6200K ie a bit cooler, I need to do some tests and work out what sort of light I intend to operate under. Initially this will be using carefully constructed test shots and photoshop's colour temperature tool in camera raw. If necessary I can get my hands on a colour meter. I suppose if I'm going ot get this critical i should decide how i intend to light the layout and how ot control it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium melmerby Posted October 26, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 26, 2016 Resurrecting this thread! I was in a Hobbycraft shop today and noticed they have a substantial range of Ottlites. They didn't look as if they stocked any other brand. Can't comment on the prices though. If it's the usual Hobbycraft rates it will not be cheap. Keith Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Gilbert Posted October 26, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 26, 2016 Resurrecting this thread! I was in a Hobbycraft shop today and noticed they have a substantial range of Ottlites. They didn't look as if they stocked any other brand. Can't comment on the prices though. If it's the usual Hobbycraft rates it will not be cheap. Keith Just check the required bulbs/tubes are available as spares...... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium melmerby Posted October 26, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 26, 2016 Just check the required bulbs/tubes are available as spares...... I'm still using a 1001 lamps unit with 2x15W fluorescent tubes (it's quite bright!) Keith Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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