On 26 Jul 2005 06:21:38 -0700, "lance" wrote:

I have been looking around on the net for T-8 hanging fluorescent shop
type lights, and am having no luck in finding any. I can find what
things similar to what I am looking for, but they are all T-12 like the
one in the link below. I can also find "high bay" T-8 hanging lights,
also in a link below, but I don't think these are quite right for a
workshop in half of a garage. Does anyone know of any resources for
T-8 shop lights like the one below from the BORG?

Normal T-12 Shop Lights
http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS...sp?prod_id=3D=
163147&cm_mmc=3D1hd.com2msn-_-product_feed-_-D27X-_-163147&srccode=3Dcii_=
9686437&cpncode=3D08-544400-2


High Bay T-8 Lights
http://www.costlesslighting.com/acat...nt_Lights.htm=
l

I have never found any T-8 fixtures that were halfway decent that were =
not (IMO)
overpriced, so I usually make my own.

Some important lessons I learned in doing so were to make sure and get =
universal
replacement ballasts, most of these will run either T-8's or T-12's. The=
reason for this
is that when a manufacturer has to accommodate a broad range of tubes and=
wattage they
usually build them to the high end of the performance range which =
translates into less
flicker when cold, faster start etc. These ballasts are usually rated for=
more quiet class
p operation, no annoying buzzing. Interestingly enough, these ballasts =
aren't usually any
more expensive than standard replacements. (approx. 12$ @HD). Most =
building centers also
sell the "tombstone" end pieces for the bulbs as well. For a reflector I=
use a piece of
single wall furnace duct held at both ends with a wood half circle end =
piece. I mount
the ballast on top of the metal duct and split a piece of pvc pipe in =
half and use it to
cover the wires that run out to the ends (still on top of the ducting). =
A little white or
what ever your choice of color for the assembly, plus a couple of eye =
bolts about 6" in
from each end, add a cord and you are in business. I have also used the =
carcasses from
the cheap crap shop lights and added new tombstones and mounted the =
ballast on top with
good success. It will put an end to flickering, burned out bulbs =
prematurely, and that
buzzing for good. It seems to take about twice the time to describe how =
to make one than
it does to actually build one, let me know if you have any questions. I =
just helped a
friend build a single T-8 into an overhang above his built i9n bench =
along a wall, he
chose to use copper as a reflector, which also looked good. Hope this =
helps, Joe.
Joe Brophy
CountryTech Computer
email: