LIGHTS on my chop saw – ideas???
@@@
It was like a cave at work Friday. The rains did not help. I brought one of my work lights – only one in the place – and set up the CMS in the living room with the light clamped to a floor joist.
No matter what position, there was a shadow on the cut line.
Lacking the Milwaukee CMS with two work lights (idea!), I am looking for work-arounds to illuminate the cut line on my DeWalt. Probably will take one per side.
Anyone solved this problem?
The ToolBear
“You can’t save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice.” Dogbert
Replies
I've had the same problem working late out of the back of a cube van. My solution is to bring my trusty l.e.d. headlamp. I've got light exactly where I'm looking. It works.
Get one of those battery laser discs that mount on the drive spindle as one of the blade's side washers. It will show you where your cut line is. Irwin sells them at the box stores.
Bill
Get one of those battery laser discs @@@They work well? I got the impression that they were not ready for prime time.The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
+1 on LED headlamp.
Otherwise, "work in a well-lit area."
:o)
There is that. I have three LED headlights in the van.I was just looking at LED clip book lights at Amazon. Got a gooseneck. Might work.The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
What Dewalt is it?
The newer ones will take Dewalt's add on light thingy
What Dewalt is it?
The newer ones will take Dewalt's add on light thingy@@@I'm bad with numbers, but 12" CMS, dual bevel. 718?I will scamper off to Amazon and look for a light thingie. Did not
know they had one.@@@Seem to be some happy campers...<http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWS7085-Miter-Light-System/review/product/B000X9EDD8/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1>
The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
That should work.
I had one, Found it to be a good light. Not so
great for cut line indicator, but for what your dealing with
should be perfect.
Look at some of the little clip-on LED lights. Several styles usually sold in the auto accessories area of K-Mart et al. Some have goosenecks that will let you point the light anywhere. Attach with heavy-duty double-stick tape, and if they work out, replace the attachment with a plastic cable clamp drilled/tapped to the housing.
If your saw is mounted on a stand you can permanently attach a clamp type swing arm lamp. it's a small hassle to keep it form getting crushed in the van but it's worth every penny. Some of them are inexpensive enough that I get 2 at a time when I order. I permanently mounted a 4-way receptacle with a permanent chord (25' ext chord with the femal end hacked off) so I can plug in the saw, the light, inline jigsaw and radio without ever changing a chord.
I was looking over the stand - a fine Ryobi - to see where I could mount some power. I might have to go to a power strip as there is no place that seems right for a quad box. Got one of those on the old Portamate.Currently my 10g triple tap cord hitches to a leg and I plug in there.Really need a power strip. It's obscene that a profession tool comes with a 6' cord. The Fein MM has about 12-15'. The rest - nope. 25' of 12g is about right.The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
Just be aware that OSHA just outlawed power strips plugged into extension cords. If the cord already comes from the factory with multiple taps that is ok. At home or in the shop you won't have an issue. If on a job site be aware of the change. Jay
Just be aware that OSHA just outlawed power strips plugged into extension cords. If the cord already comes from the factory with multiple taps that is ok. At home or in the shop you won't have an issue. If on a job site be aware of the change. Jay@@@I just taped one to the leg of my chop saw stand. OSHA, saving us from ourselves.What if I put a quad box on the end of a cord - hard wired? Got a nice one on a 10g cord with a GFCI in it.The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
I think the GFI will save you. In my opinion what they were trying to outlaw was a power strip such as used on computer systems from being used at the end of an extension cord. The wording became all inclusive. Jay
For office spaces, the fire dept. here will NOT allow a power strip/surge surpressor to be plugged into an ext. cord. But, you can get the device with 16'-25' cords. Why not just rewire the device onto a 25'-50' ext. cord?
I don't have a crystal ball telling me how the OSHA inspector would take that. Every device now requires the manufactures name on it. If you alter it and something happens ( probably unlikely but who knows) your insurance is probably void and you are probably facing jail time. My guess
I think the GFI will save you. In my opinion what they were trying to outlaw was a power strip such as used on computer systems from being used at the end of an extension cord. The wording became all inclusive. Jay
@@@I am doomed. I just taped the very thing to the leg of my chop saw stand.I also have a GFIC pigtail - store bought. Plus one I put together at the end of 50' of 10g cord. The other 50' has the triple tap and a fast turn plug I put on.The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
Your in luck if you have the Dewalt with the wide guard. You can get a red line laser or white light "flood" led. Forget the red line its one sided and a pain to setup.
The flood led gives a shadow where the cut will be. Wish they could be retro fitted to the early models. I have tried to work out a way to do this, but not yet!
Your in luck if you have the Dewalt with the wide guard. You can get a red line laser or white light "flood" led. Forget the red line its one sided and a pain to setup.The flood led gives a shadow where the cut will be. Wish they could be retro fitted to the early models. I have tried to work out a way to do this, but not yet!@@@Wide guard? I went out and looked - DW 718, bought in December 08 from the DeWalt folks, so it should be recent. Is that the wide guard?I looked up the DW light kit. Interested in the shadow line thingie, but the best price was $68. They are very proud of it. That buys a lot of LED clip or book lights. If there are Breaktimers who have it and love it, come now.The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
This is it http://www.dewalt.com/us/mitersaws/products/accessory_dws7085.html
$ 50 at HD last time I looked. Not cheap but it does have the power supply with it. There was a coupon at HD not sure if you can use it. Free light with miter saw. Might be over by now.
Edited 2/8/2009 2:58 pm ET by USAnigel
This is it http://www.dewalt.com/us/mitersaws/products/accessory_dws7085.html@@@Tnx. Very helpful. I see where it goes and like the shadow line. That can improve my cuts a bunch.I will check the local HD and see if they know anything. <g> As I bought the saw at the Ganahl's contractor sale, I don't think HD will have a coupon for me. But then...
The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
got one. like it a lot.Amateurs talk strategy, Generals talk logistics.
I got the laser, was at a Lowes and they had them for under $18. Should have bought them all instead of the two I got (figured at that price why not have a spare). Then would have sold them on e-bay. Was wondering how the led worked. Is it visible outside in moderate sunlight?For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
In "moderate" sun you can still see the cutline, and I find it useful, but the blade has to be near the surface of the wood.Amateurs talk strategy, Generals talk logistics.
Thanks, sort of what I expected.
BobFor those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
I double the vote on the LED headlamp. I keep a couple around and a handful of rechargeables. Sometimes I get so used to the light being where I look I forget how dark it really is. I've pushed a couple days from a single charge, but a daily swap seems to work best. You just have to remember to shut it off while talking to others, or you'll fry their retinas.
After all the helpful input, I have... Ordered a baseball cap with 7 LEDS in the rim and a red LED beacon for the bike. (Those do show up before dawn.) and set out to see if the Depot has that DW LED light which casts a shadow line on the cut. and put new batteries in the LED headlights in the van.I have so many of those, collected over the years, that I find them in all sorts of places. Today, it was in the plumbing tote. They are spotted around. The new ones go to van, the old ones go to totes.BTW - Walmart has a nice $15 one with bright white and red LEDs. It's value for the money. Select 2 white, 4 white, 2 bright whites, 2 red.
The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
Guys working the sound boards in clubs often use line-voltage, single LED goosenecks while they work -- 3-4"dia. base, 12-14" long gooseneck.I'm gonna get met two of those, and mount them permanently to the saw.
Guys working the sound boards in clubs often use line-voltage, single LED goosenecks while they work -- 3-4"dia. base, 12-14" long gooseneck.###That would work. Got a source? Battery or AC?The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
I'll get on it.I built, and do a lot of pro bono for, The Ark, in Ann Arbor.Next time I'm in, I'll jot down the manufacturer of the one they have on their sound board, and I'll email you.Then we'll both know!AitchKay
Next time I'm in, I'll jot down the manufacturer of the one they have on their sound board, and I'll email you.Then we'll both know!@@@Would appreciate any input - and Breaktime will know. Spread the info.The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
i have seen the goose neck type a target for the barbecue only downside is i think the were battery operated
Noah
i have seen the goose neck type a target for the barbecue only downside is i think the were battery operated@@@With LEDs not a problem. Very low draw.The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
here are some BBQ lightshttp://www.pegasusassociates.com/products/BarbecueLights/BarbecueLights.html
.
.
.. . . . . . . .
TNX for the BBQ lights url. Those clamps look serious. I can see them on a chop saw stand.The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
the more, the merrier.
.
.. . . . . . . .
the more, the merrier@@@Or as Der Boss said this am, "What the (*&^ is that!"(TB was blinking at both ends.)Wife suggests another use. If a project is not going well and TB is in a growly mood, turn the red blinker on as a warning to sheer off.The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
just to add two more cents i saw at the tool store the other day a chop saw stand that had a built in plug strip and a goose neck lamp as an add on also a cool vice attachment but i can not remember the brand to save my life i do remember it was orange
Noah
ust to add two more cents i saw at the tool store the other day a chop saw stand that had a built in plug strip and a goose neck lamp as an add on also a cool vice attachment but i can not remember the brand to save my life i do remember it was orange
Noah@@@@Probably the Portamate. It is a fine product. They added a router table to the mix. <http://www.amazon.com/HTC-PM7000-Portamate-Miter-Center/dp/B000BKY63G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hiqid=1234575661&sr=1-1>
The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
UPDATE - TB installs the DEWalt LED work light on his chop saw.@@@Yes, it really does illuminate the cutting area and the blade casts a shadow upon the work. I notice that the shadow, while centered on the blade, is a bit thinner than the blade. I expect with practice, one will know how much to cheat over, if needed.They could have given me an inch more wire on the switch connector. You remove that panel by the handle to find a set of wire connections for accessories. Given the large power connection plug, lack of slack wire on the switch connection, and the awkward shape of the module, getting the switch plugged in was a problem.The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
As you bring the blade down the shadow begins to fall in line with the
cut.
I found that annoying, and went back to the only slightly less annoying laser.
As you bring the blade down the shadow begins to fall in line with the
cut.I found that annoying, and went back to the only slightly less annoying laser.@@@I need the light on the work space, so I can deal with it.The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
Mrs 'Snort found some little flex neck clamp on leds at the dollar store for 2 bucks (she's a sucker for shiny things). I stuck them on my crawl space sidekick miter saw...perfect illumination, fell off with the first cut... I did not see the light.http://www.tvwsolar.com
I went down to the lobby
To make a small call out.
A pretty dancing girl was there,
And she began to shout,
"Go on back to see the gypsy.
He can move you from the rear,
Drive you from your fear,
Bring you through the mirror.
He did it in Las Vegas,
And he can do it here."
I stuck them on my crawl space sidekick miter saw...perfect illumination, fell off with the first cut... I did not see the light.@@@Touch of hot glue, silicone or liquid nails work? I kind of like super magnets. Saw one 2x3" with a rating of 91 #. I could stick a few screws to that. But, could I get them off again.I have glued magnets to the tops of all my guns to hold bits, etc. Slowly moving to the rare earth types.The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
I did just get some rare earth magnets, cups and washers... hmmmmm.http://www.tvwsolar.com
I went down to the lobby
To make a small call out.
A pretty dancing girl was there,
And she began to shout,
"Go on back to see the gypsy.
He can move you from the rear,
Drive you from your fear,
Bring you through the mirror.
He did it in Las Vegas,
And he can do it here."
I checked the name: Littlite. Really nice. The light shines out of the side of the business end, which is only about 1/2" dia.AitchKay
Here's an Amazon link to them -
a bit pricy, I guess vibration wouldn't be an issue with led bulbs?"there's enough for everyone"
Hmmm... Yeah, kinda pricey, for sure.I don't know how soon I'll be laying out cash for a couple of these, but then again, I know for a fact that I will never buy a halogen tripod light, no matter how cheap it is.AitchKay
ya - I've been playing the same game as the OP - the chop saw in my shop has a shadow just where it needs light - I've got a clamp on light in the area, but nowhere to clamp it that improves the situation much - haven't figured out how to use the saw with one hand yet...of course a couple of those led goosenecks cost more than I paid for either the saw or the stand - "there's enough for everyone"
try this place,
http://www.panthervision.com/
they have all sorts of things like LED glasses that might work for you
.
.
. . . . . . . .
Tnx for that url. The cap light is very tempting. My headlights do not work that well with caps. Something about the brim in the way. I refuse to wear them backwards. (Never understood the reason for that style. Had it spread to underwear?)The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
2000 watt gyprock lights on a tripod; aim both light heads up to bouce the light off the ceiling. The diffused illumination will be strong enough for you to see well, but throw no shadows.
and you can wear yer BB cap forwards, too.
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not brought
low by this? For thine evil pales before that which
foolish men call Justice....
"2000 watt gyprock lights on a tripod"That's what I was originally gonna suggest for toolbear, but was afraid of it being overkill or too $$$ for him.I do actually have and use 2000 watts of halogen on a really tall tripod, but only when I'm gonna be doing enough work to warrant dragging it to the jobsite. +1 on bouncing it offa the wall(s) or ceiling to diffuse the light.
"2000 watt gyprock lights"?????At what point in the GWB process would you want something like that?One of my biggest struggles with tapers is talking them out of their love for large halogen floods, which make their work look like a million bucks, until they unplug them and leave.Then the 60w wall-wash sconces get installed, and, look out! Bring on the shadows, bring on the defects!If you want a perfect GWB job, sand at night, with a 40w trouble light held off to the side in one hand, and your sander in the other.AitchKay
yeah 2000!! My first thought was what the hey?
I mean I knocked my 500watt halogens down to 300 and here Dino's talking about 2000!
Sounds like he's setting up to roof at night or something.
94969.19 In the beginning there was Breaktime...
94969.1 Photo Gallery Table of Contents
I've got two sets of lights; one tripod mounts a pair of 500 watters; the other mounts a pair of twin 500 watters (1000w per side if both bulbs are turned on). Most jobsite interiors are dark as bloody caves, and I need to see what the hell I'm doing when I'm taping. The heat those lights generate helps dry things out a bit faster, too. You can blow all the cold air you want around with yer fans, but cold air doesn't soak up moisture. Warm air does.
When I do the final sanding and touch-up, tho, I check with my eyes closed by running my palm over everything. Hell, the final final sanding is actually done with my nekkid hand. No sandpaper....
When I turn my lights off, all you see is a nice, flat wall.
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....
If you are looking for battery-powered things, there are a couple of things you might consider.
First, in the book section are the lights for reading at night or wherever. A similar thing can be found in music shops for illuminating your score [no cheap shots please!]. Both have clamping bases of various usefulness, and are adjustable.
Then, at your favorite camping stores they have various LED lighting thingies for all sorts of tasks.
First, in the book section are the lights for reading at night or wherever. A similar thing can be found in music shops for illuminating your score [no cheap shots please!].@@@ (Can I resist? Not very well. An opportunity like this does not come around that often. Should I resist temptation? How can I? We rejoin our reply in progress.)The printed score, of course. The other version is covered by Meatloaf, vis...<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0ns8t9iQck>
(one of Jim Steinman's lyrics)I think I can find the book lights easier than music lights. The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
Wear a headlight like the night-hikers do.
L. L. Bean even has one made into the brim of a baseball cap. Twin LED lights are fitted into the front.
View Image
"A stripe is just as real as a dadgummed flower."
Gene Davis 1920-1985
I have ordered a cap with 7 LEDs in the brim. I will be the brightest thing around.One of the folks had a url to a place that sells them.
The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert