[levsmith]

Hey guys, I live in an apartment and have my reloading press tucked away in a dark corner and would like to light it up a little bit but not sure how. I have a Hornady LNL progressive. I thought about building a little tube to sit in the middle hole next to the dies with an LED light in it to shine down on the cases. I think I remember someone else using an LED strip light against the side post as well. What have you guys done when you cant hang a nice shop light above your whole bench? I dont need anything super permanent, just something to get me by until I get a place of my own.

[Certaindeaf]

I use a battery powered flex-neck LED reading lamp ziptied to the press so it shines down the case hole when/where it matters. I got it for free. works pretty good

http://www.chinawholesalepromo.com/files/upfile_01/Office---Desktop-Department_Book-Light_Adjustable-Flex-Neck-Book-Light_OEM20147801.jpg

[levsmith]

I use a battery powered flex-neck LED reading lamp ziptied to the press so it shines down the case hole when/where it matters. I got it for free. works pretty good

Ah thanks, I didn't even think of a reading light. Thats basically what I was thinking about about building. And I love your signature! Glad to hear I'm not the only one who still uses a computer!

[cfullgraf]

If you have an IKEA store close by, they were selling a couple flexible neck, 110v, LED lights for $10-$15. One sits on a bench, the other clamped to the table top.

Something similar might be available at more common stores.

[45lcshooter]

just a fluorescent shop light. nothing fancy.

[Hamish]

I use a stick-on LED lighting system made by Inline Fabrication.

http://www.inlinefabrication.com/LED_LIGHTING_SYSTEMS.html#LED_systems

It works really well in my Lee turret press, and in a Lee single stage press. I got the modular system, so I have a LED strip attached to each press and just plug in the press I am using when I switch. It is bright, easy to use and mount, and sheds a lot of light exactly where I need it. I always had some difficulty seeing powder at the bottom of a .357 magnum case, this makes it a lot easier. Highly recommended.

The customer service is exceptional too, in my opinion.

[Canuck-IL]

Harbor Freight has a 2 AA flashlight with a flexible, unusually long lamp ... I cable tied one to each of my L'n'Ls - regardless of case height (9mm to '06) I can easily position the lamp to shine down directly into each case as they pass.

I think on sale it was about $7.
/Bryan

[BigN]

4' double-bulb flourescent light above the bench

[Shimitup]

I'm kind of old fashioned. I guess they might still make these.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p47/shimitup/reloadr1.jpg

[rsrocket1]

+1 on the Ikea Lamp:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=8400960&postcount=12

You get a definite visual confirmation of the powder before you seat your bullet.

[Walkalong]

I drilled a two step hole in the press for a small LED flashlight.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=103420&stc=1&d=1250373765
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=121129&d=1273802439

[StretchNM]

I use an overhead flourescent and a desk lamp off to the side (very similar to Shimitup's light, only with a magnifier head). I never even thought of adding a small task light shining down into the case area. Good idea.

[R.W.Dale]

I'm kind of old fashioned. I guess they might still make these.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p47/shimitup/reloadr1.jpg

I actually don't think you can still get em

I had a heck of a time finding another drafting table lamp when mine broke!

Ended up with a not nearly as good arm type desk lamp




posted via that mobile app with the sig lines everyone complaints about

[Steel Horse Rider]

Check with the hobby and sewing stores also, they usually have a good selection of work area lamps.

[levsmith]

Thanks for all of the ideas, this should get me going in the right direction!

[1SOW]

A small LED light from a bike light attached with hot-melt glue to shine into each case and powered by an old computer AC power supply. Of course an overhead and general lighting.
I hate batteries.

[ole farmerbuck]

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn88/farmerbuck/light.jpg

[1911 guy]

Plug in type desk lamp for me.

[Steel185]

You know you can buy shop lights at the oh hardware stores that plug in to a normal 110 outlet. And the hand from the ceeling with chains. It come in a kit with bulbs. You only be making two small holes in the ceeling to mount it. Not more than hanging a picture on the wall.

[JSmith]

My wife does a lot of sewing, and she introduced me to Ottlites.

http://www.ottlite.com/default.aspx

Those are exellent lights. Some models have built-in magnifiers.

[RustyFN]

I have one of those magnifyer lights. It was cheap at Harbor Freight and besides the light it makes sorting brass much easier. I have a drafting table light at the other end.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1d735b3127ccefe4926ca0dbe00000030O00DZOGblm4Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1d735b3127ccefe4923e9cc3700000030O00DZOGblm4Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1d735b3127ccefe4931934d7400000030O00DZOGblm4Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[GaryL]

I have the same work light Shimitup has. Bought it back in college, many, many moons ago.

Added a couple mirrors to get a better look into the case, and a year or so ago posted up this thread about getting a peek into rifle cases. Not that it's ever been necessary, but the peace of mind is worth every cent spent on it. Which wasn't a lot. :)

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=7416918#post7416918

[murf]

get a regular desk lamp with a magnetic base. put it on a big hunk of steel. stick a 75 watt bulb in it and put it any where you want!

murf

[dickttx]

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=flexible%20LED%20light

This works well. Just twist is where you want it. See photo below.

Also Luxo Lamps, or knockoffs.

http://www.amazon.com/Luxo-Magnifier-Diopter-Clamp-On-Base/dp/B000132W9S/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1350998715&sr=8-3&keywords=luxo+lamp

[Clark]

http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx220/ClarkM/Lux22Wattmagnifier11-4-2012.jpg

Walkalong
I drilled a two step hole in the press for a small LED flashlight.

I carry a Fenix LD12 and a magnifier in my shirt pocket at at all times.

But in the reloading room I have a Lux 22 Watt magnifier. They cost ~ $120 new, but I got them out of the dumpster at various electronic companies where I have worked and cannibalized and cross pollinated parts to get the lamps working again. They are fairly standard in the electronics biz. Much nicer are the Mantis at $1600, but i have not found any of those being thrown away.

And yes, I redesigned the co-ax jaw holder housing.

[Flt Simulation]

Adjustable brushed stainless Desk Lamp with a fluorescent bulb I bought at Staples:

Gives off lots of light.

http://www.staples.com/Catalina-Brushed-Steel-Incandescent-Table-Lamp/product_618567?cid=PS:GooglePLAs:618567&KPID=618567

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p158/Turbo6ta/Bench2.jpg

[GW Staar]

I actually don't think you can still get em

I had a heck of a time finding another drafting table lamp when mine broke!

Ended up with a not nearly as good arm type desk lamp




posted via that mobile app with the sig lines everyone complaints about

I found this picture and ad at Micro-Mark.com (http://www.micromark.com/swing-arm-lamp-black,10823.html). I especially like the not so usual mounting method on the back wall, and the smaller arms. $26.60
http://www.micromark.com/RS/SR/Product/85534_R.jpg

I'm going to get one to replace the plastic-based Walmart headboard lamp (Base broke) pictured below.
http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad195/gstrad/RCBS%20Pro%202000%20Case%20Feeder/IMG_1222.jpg

As you can see in the next picture, it works well....better in fact than the flex light, and too noticeable to leave it on by accident, like I did the flex lamp.....twice:rolleyes: Batteries are expensive and a pain. Of course I use fluourescent swirl bulbs.
http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad195/gstrad/RCBS%20Pro%202000%20Case%20Feeder/IMG_1259.jpg

[Crashbox]

I use four (4) 13-watt CFL's plus a two-tuber shop light over my reloading bench. It is very well worth it IMO to have as many foot-candles as you can without it being uncomfortable.

http://i657.photobucket.com/albums/uu296/HighwaySurveyor/reloading/bench2011.jpg

EDIT: it might have helped if I read the OP's post more thoroughly.

It's possible to use one of the small CREE-style LED's between station #3 and #4, using either a power supply or batteries. Some form of resistor would be required to keep the current within spec.

There's also someone on the 'Net that makes a custom lamp for this same thing, about $25 or so IIRC. Googling should bring it up.

Sorry I did not read the original post as I should have. My bad.

[Clark]

http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx220/ClarkM/LEDLightBulbLampG4JCGX4.jpg

http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx220/ClarkM/ReplacebulbwithLED.jpg

http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx220/ClarkM/LED.jpg

I soldered up some powerful LEDs to replace a bulb.

I got them dirt cheap from China via Ebay.
It takes a while for them to arrive.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/LEDs-/66954/i.html

[Cranky CJ]

one more vote for the overhead 4' shop florescent light. hangs with two chains and plugs into an outlet. good solid shadow free light.

[Pacsd]

this is from the Speer #14 manual. "Do not use mechanical scale within 3 feet of a fluorescent light. under certain conditions, the electro-magnetic field generated by these lights can interfere with scale's magnetic damping devices, causing spurious readings". Just saying.

[Coltdriver]

I just ordered a 36 inch strip of white led's from Hobby Lobby International the RC people. $10 delivered. They can be cut in any length and have a place to solder power wires every 2 inches. These are powered by a 10 volt source. I am going to cut and two sided tape strips into the vertical parts of my press and a get a strip on the bottom of the horizontal surface to shine into the case mouths.

Right now I just hang an LED so I can see into the case mouths. I have a fluorescent overhead and a shop spot light too but for working the progressive I like close intense light and these LED's are plenty bright. I have a Dillon 550.

[Blue68f100]

The newer fluorescent light fixtures for the smaller T8 bulbs use electronic ballast which do not give off the magnetic field like the old heavy metal ones did. Use Day Light bulbs for maximum brightness.

[Certaindeaf]

this is from the Speer #14 manual. "Do not use mechanical scale within 3 feet of a fluorescent light. under certain conditions, the electro-magnetic field generated by these lights can interfere with scale's magnetic damping devices, causing spurious readings". Just saying.
I think most digital scales come with a warning similar to that.