The drawing shows one of the three work lights that I take with me to job sites. I put one work light on the miter-saw stand, one at the sawhorses and one (shown here, with the pencil sharpener) where I’m installing my work.
These simple little lights are made of 1x pine and common bits of hardware and electrical supplies, but they are surprisingly handy. The quad box mounted to the base gives me three grounded outlets close at hand. Each quad box is fed by a 20-ft. 12-ga. extension cord, so I don’t worry about voltage drops. During transport, I squeeze the coiled extension cord into the 3-in. circular cutout in the middle of the lamp stand, where it stays put until I yank on the plug and the whole coil comes loose — no two-handed unwinding.
The lamp fixture, which around here is called a poultry light (for hanging a heater bulb over baby chicks) has a porcelain socket. It will take up to a 200w bulb for special situations. For most work, however, I find that a l00w bulb works just fine. The lamp fixture is held to the pivoting arm with a simple screwon clamp. The arm pivots on a 1/2-in. carriage bolt. A washer and a wing nut (which is easy to work, even with cold fingers) secure it at any angle.
Phil Miller, Medina, NY
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Handy Heat Gun
Affordable IR Camera
Reliable Crimp Connectors