Lighting

[NARSES2]

I'm thinking of getting a new desk lamp for my modelling bench and was wondering if people had recommendations on what to get/look out for etc. I'd like to get natural lighting if possible.

I think this subject may have been covered before so forgive me for not looking to deeply for it if it has.

Chris

[Rheged]

My mother suggests a "Daylight Bulb-6500k"....it looks blue-ish but gives her a good natural daylight equivalent for her embroidery work. You can get them to fit most desk/standard lamps at any old fashioned electrical shop. The information here might help 

http://www.lightbulbs-direct.com/article/choosing-daylight-bulbs/

Mum reckons the colour balance is excellent. Perhaps other inmates of this forum might have an opinion?

[PR19_Kit]

For many years I used a 'Daylight Tube' in my big lighted circular magnifier. It's about 18" dia, so it illuminates the whole work area even if I'm not using the magnifying bit. Sadly the tube blew about a year ago and they don't make them any more so I'm stuck, but the colour temperature was very satisfactory.

There's a firm sell the bulbs at Telford, but I'm afraid I can't recommend their business practices so I won't deal with them.

[Dizzyfugu]

My mother suggests a "Daylight Bulb-6500k"....it looks blue-ish but gives her a good natural daylight equivalent for her embroidery work. You can get them to fit most desk/standard lamps at any old fashioned electrical shop. The information here might help 

http://www.lightbulbs-direct.com/article/choosing-daylight-bulbs/

Mum reckons the colour balance is excellent. Perhaps other inmates of this forum might have an opinion?

Second that. Make sure that it is a "daylight" lamp of at least 5.500K, or avoid "warm light" lamps which are rather yellow-ish. The latter might be fine for the living room, but for working and esp. colors I'd highly recommend a true "white" light. It's also recommended for model photography!

[Captain Canada]

I just go as bright as I can....never really thought about the colour balance etc. That's probably why I like a model when I'm building it and then don't once I photograph it !?

[ChernayaAkula]

Y'all are just recommending daylight bulbs to avoid the old "modellers don't see daylight" cliché! 

Just kiddin'.  I've installed daylight bulbs in the lamps around my rebuilt modelling workbench (just about finished) and it does make a difference.

As for the lamp itself, I'm rather partial to IKEA's "Tertial" - cheap, versatile, a classic. We have at least seven of those in various places around the house.

If you can still find one, IKEA's "Global" lamp was a good one. "Was" as it's been discontinued. I was able to snag two for cheap money on eBay. Swapped out the old fluorescent tubes for new ones in the proper colour temperature (I think they're also 6500k bulbs). I have both at the workbench. One on either side to cut down on shadows. Gotta see what you're doing. 

I just go as bright as I can....never really thought about the colour balance etc. That's probably why I like a model when I'm building it and then don't once I photograph it !?

I don't know whether it's that extreme, but the colour temperature can make a difference when going for specific colours. A mix that looked fitting at the bench with regular bulbs, may look quite off in daylight.
Here's an interesting set of pics (SOURCE).
Regular bulbs:


Daylight bulbs:

[NARSES2]

Thanks gents. I must admit it was the K number that was confusing me

[Captain Canada]

Ya me too Chris. This was an interesting read. And as my eyesight weakens, I think I could also use some better lighting !

PS-I just ordered glasses with my new prescription yesterday, so that should also help !