How do you light your press?

[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

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[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.

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]

Kinda high-dollar (.99)

 

[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.

 

[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 LED light

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

Also Luxo Lamps, or knockoffs.

http://www.amazon.com/Luxo-Magnifie...UTF8&qid=1350998715&sr=8-3&keywords=luxo+lamp

 

[Clark]

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.