NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Jun 24, 2019 19:34:33 GMT -5
Good day, I am starting to realize the value of having a light on the cabbing machine. I am looking for a light that can be plugged in (110v), and mounted somewhere (wall, grinder, bench, etc). It would be nice if it wasn't in the way a whole lot when using the cab machine. It needs to be flexible in a way that allows me to move the focus to the wheel I am working on. Or, if possible to go around the side of the cab machine to allow clear viewing of the polishing wheels. Right now I am using something called a Big Larry to achieve this. It is only a stop gap.  "Larry" has a strong magnet at the base, and (unlike cheaper units found at Harbor Freight, under Quantum brand name), will absolutely hold no matter where it is stuck to.   But it would be better if I had a long term solution. Batteries can be expensive. I want better light too, I think. I have seen some of those kinds of lights, which have a magnifying type of window in the middle which also allow close up viewing too, but they look large, and fairly in the way. Having 2 lights would be OK. I don't mind drilling holes in the Raytech (thick steel) to mount lights. I have lots of power on the wall right behind the grinder, so anything is possible. I even have 220v on the wall behind it, but would prefer to stay 110v. Sorry for the long post. Any experienced recommends would be appreciated. Thank you! |
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Post by Pat on Jun 24, 2019 21:20:19 GMT -5
Can you rig up something like Diamond Pacific has on their Genie?
It’s a goose neck attached to the Genie. They also sell s magnifying glass on a goose neck . It also attaches to the unit.
I like my Genie setup. Good luck!
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Post by stardiamond on Jun 24, 2019 23:38:13 GMT -5
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Post by parfive on Jun 25, 2019 1:47:27 GMT -5
Architect-style desk lamp w/a three-foot reach, like this.It’s mounted just to left of the cabber, pin sits in a hole drilled in the bench. Easy to aim at any wheel, and you can inspect a cab in seconds . . . quick wipe on a towel, a few seconds next to the 100-watt bulb and it’s bone dry. It’s also perfect for using the loupe. I’ve also got a couple of these lamps with 8” circline fluorescents and magnifiers in the center but I like cabbing with a 100-watt bulb. And you’ve got the LED option now too. |
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Post by stardiamond on Jun 25, 2019 12:38:16 GMT -5
On my Genie, I tried a conventional 60 watt, a spot and when then that burned out I recently tried a 60 watt LED standard base bulb. I like the LED best. Maybe it's old eyes, but not matter the lighting and magnification I have trouble seeing scratches. I need to rub the face with a pencil. I can then see the scratches from 80 to 600.
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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 25, 2019 13:43:11 GMT -5
Architect-style desk lamp w/a three-foot reach, like this.It’s mounted just to left of the cabber, pin sits in a hole drilled in the bench. Easy to aim at any wheel, and you can inspect a cab in seconds . . . quick wipe on a towel, a few seconds next to the 100-watt bulb and it’s bone dry. It’s also perfect for using the loupe. I’ve also got a couple of these lamps with 8” circline fluorescents and magnifiers in the center but I like cabbing with a 100-watt bulb. And you’ve got the LED option now too. I have the cheap (20.00) version of this right now for my lapidary working area. I used to have a work bench that I drilled a hole in for the lamp. Now I use the base in this new area. I LOVE these lights, very versatile. Amazon had one for like 15. It has the vents in it in case you wanted to use an old bulb, which I do to heat cabs. Most now have no vents, so pay attention if you ant to use an old bulb.
I have 2 lights on Genie. No help there, but I can vouch for these lamps.
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jasperfanatic
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2019
Posts: 463
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Post by jasperfanatic on Jun 25, 2019 13:48:59 GMT -5
The light that came with my CabKing is pretty solid, and could really be mounted anywhere. I bought another that I mounted on a workbench to help with some other stuff, and the price isn't too far out there compared to some of the options you can get on Amazon. Might work for you as well. cabking.com/lapidary-supplies/cabking-8-led-lamp/ |
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Jun 26, 2019 14:54:42 GMT -5
Can you rig up something like Diamond Pacific has on their Genie? It’s a goose neck attached to the Genie. They also sell s magnifying glass on a goose neck . It also attaches to the unit. I like my Genie setup. Good luck! Thanks. I have seen pictures of the Genie, and the two light setups that can be had with them. I might have one that I could take a look at, but I don't know exactly how they attach the light to the Genie. I think it is proprietary mounting solution. |
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Jun 26, 2019 14:57:18 GMT -5
I like this idea. As long as the bulb doesn't get to hot. I have photography lights, and I can't keep them on for long before they just become really too hot to handle. This looks more like the light that I have for working on cars. I like the fact that this one can clamp on to things. It might just not need a stand at all. It might clamp right on to the sides of the grinder, and be portable. Winner of an idea. Thank you Stephen |
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Jun 26, 2019 15:02:39 GMT -5
Architect-style desk lamp w/a three-foot reach, like this.It’s mounted just to left of the cabber, pin sits in a hole drilled in the bench. Easy to aim at any wheel, and you can inspect a cab in seconds . . . quick wipe on a towel, a few seconds next to the 100-watt bulb and it’s bone dry. It’s also perfect for using the loupe. I’ve also got a couple of these lamps with 8” circline fluorescents and magnifiers in the center but I like cabbing with a 100-watt bulb. And you’ve got the LED option now too. Thank you. Yes, this is kind of what I have had in mind too. Something that could easily swing from side to other side, from overhead and not be too intrusive. I have been looking at some of these. And they are perfect for my application as I have a 1.5" bench that the grinder sits on, which could serve as a mounting place. As long as the articulating arm could be mounted in the back, and make it over the top of the grinder somehow, and swing around to the left or right. I think I am going to have to head to a couple art stores with a ruler and try to figure this out. The last thing I want is something that I am always having to move out of the way though. So, over the top, pointing down is best. Good idea. |
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Jun 26, 2019 15:04:50 GMT -5
Architect-style desk lamp w/a three-foot reach, like this.It’s mounted just to left of the cabber, pin sits in a hole drilled in the bench. Easy to aim at any wheel, and you can inspect a cab in seconds . . . quick wipe on a towel, a few seconds next to the 100-watt bulb and it’s bone dry. It’s also perfect for using the loupe. I’ve also got a couple of these lamps with 8” circline fluorescents and magnifiers in the center but I like cabbing with a 100-watt bulb. And you’ve got the LED option now too. I have the cheap (20.00) version of this right now for my lapidary working area. I used to have a work bench that I drilled a hole in for the lamp. Now I use the base in this new area. I LOVE these lights, very versatile. Amazon had one for like 15. It has the vents in it in case you wanted to use an old bulb, which I do to heat cabs. Most now have no vents, so pay attention if you ant to use an old bulb.
I have 2 lights on Genie. No help there, but I can vouch for these lamps.
Good point about the vents. I seem to find myself at the machine for hours at a time. It is already 100+ degrees (F) in the garage all of the time to begin with. Vents would be nice. |
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Jun 26, 2019 15:12:33 GMT -5
The light that came with my CabKing is pretty solid, and could really be mounted anywhere. I bought another that I mounted on a workbench to help with some other stuff, and the price isn't too far out there compared to some of the options you can get on Amazon. Might work for you as well. cabking.com/lapidary-supplies/cabking-8-led-lamp/Yes, this CabKing accessory is bookmarked, and is one of my contenders. Thanks for vouching for it, because I have not seen one and I could end up with two (2) of these. They are very small, non-trusive, flexable, and probably put out enough light (one of my main questions), since they are made for a reputable company that sells cab machines. So brightness is probably not an issue. Looks like a mounting solution that I could live with too. 3 holes, allow bolting to the grinder. I would probably want 2 of them, since I always seem to be floating from one side of the grinder to the other. And in my case, always having to remove and place the light on the other side. Kind of gets to to be a drag, my current solution. Question ( jasperfanatic) if you have a minute. Is this an all plastic unit? It is kind of important to me at this price point that the mounting plate at least be good metal, and the overall unit is not all cheap plastic. Also, are the LED's servicable? Not that I foresee myself doing that for a while. Thank you if you have a minute. |
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Jun 26, 2019 21:19:26 GMT -5
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jasperfanatic
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2019
Posts: 463
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Post by jasperfanatic on Jun 26, 2019 21:36:47 GMT -5
The light that came with my CabKing is pretty solid, and could really be mounted anywhere. I bought another that I mounted on a workbench to help with some other stuff, and the price isn't too far out there compared to some of the options you can get on Amazon. Might work for you as well. cabking.com/lapidary-supplies/cabking-8-led-lamp/Yes, this CabKing accessory is bookmarked, and is one of my contenders. Thanks for vouching for it, because I have not seen one and I could end up with two (2) of these. They are very small, non-trusive, flexable, and probably put out enough light (one of my main questions), since they are made for a reputable company that sells cab machines. So brightness is probably not an issue. Looks like a mounting solution that I could live with too. 3 holes, allow bolting to the grinder. I would probably want 2 of them, since I always seem to be floating from one side of the grinder to the other. And in my case, always having to remove and place the light on the other side. Kind of gets to to be a drag, my current solution. Question ( jasperfanatic ) if you have a minute. Is this an all plastic unit? It is kind of important to me at this price point that the mounting plate at least be good metal, and the overall unit is not all cheap plastic. Also, are the LED's servicable? Not that I foresee myself doing that for a while. Thank you if you have a minute. Two of them may not be necessary, depending on your setup. The light for the 8" machine is pretty long, and the flex shaft allows me to pull it to either side, though I will say I wish it would go a bit further because I can't get adequate coverage on the far wheels from the default mount location behind the motor. Base is metal and overall feels like a quality item. It's mostly plastic, but it doesn't feel cheap. Brightness is very good, and is a natural hue so colors look the same as in sunlight. They sell LED replacements but I haven't looked in to whether it's proprietary in any way. I liked it enough to buy another over the multitudes available from Amazon. Hope that helps, happy to answer anything else I can. |
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Jun 27, 2019 12:06:25 GMT -5
Thank you much for the additional information. I appreciate knowing that the base is solid metal, and it likely that LED light will be less hot than some of the other incandescent bulbs used on other lights.
I have decided to purchase two of these Cabking 8" LED units. I figure they are made for the task at hand, some times being long hours being used. Plus LED might save me a buck or two on electricity. Plus with 2, i get free shipping.
If I end up with one too many, then I have another application for the other one.
I appreciate everyone's input on this.
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Jul 4, 2019 10:26:15 GMT -5
Circling back to this thread, in case anyone was following. Here is the new light installed:  The Cabking light is very well built. And you were right, jasperfanatic, I would only need 1 light. Because of mounting position (not much choice really), it has great coverage. I have an extra for another application.  I can't see the polishing wheels on the end, but I just move the stone out in to the light to see it better. Some things that might not be apparent from looking at pictures: 1) There is a solid 1 foot aluminum rod which extends from the base. It is likely meant for exact fitment of the Cabking 8" unit itself. But just know that the first 12" of the light is fixed, and does not bend. 2) The kit comes with some very small wood screws. They could be metal also, but they are not great and the diameter of the screw is much less than the hole of the aluminum mounting base. I would only mount to wood or metal like this if I had no other choice. I found that a Metric M6 is perfect . Hillman part #127161, or the M6 x 1.00 x 25. The oval, beveled, stainless steel machined screw goes well with M6 lock washer, and M6 nylock nuts. It is never coming off. 3) The light never gets hot, and can be moved by hand even after hours of use on. 4) There is a switch located on the end, by the light bulbs. Perfect for a cabbing machine, and I would recommend. |
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jasperfanatic
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2019
Posts: 463
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Post by jasperfanatic on Jul 4, 2019 18:54:10 GMT -5
Glad it worked out for you NevadaBill ! It's been handy for me, and I'm a big fan of its brightness and hue - if I want to see everything a rock has to offer I'm hugging that light with it. Have a great 4th! |
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Post by Peruano on Jul 5, 2019 15:30:57 GMT -5
Maybe I'm being too minimalist, but the $20 LED flexible lamp with a clamp allowing it to be moved around and attached to the hood of the machine available at IKEA or even (gasp) Wallyworld works great for providing spot on light, low electrical use, and minimal heat. When I can go LED, I'll do it.
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Tommy
Administrator 
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,957
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Post by Tommy on Jul 5, 2019 15:45:10 GMT -5
Hi Bill I'm late for the party - I missed your thread the first time through but it looks like you came up with a good'un. I've tried a lot of lighting solutions and my favorite thus far is this cheap folding work lamp from Ikea. I'm sure they are available almost anywhere like Walmart too. I like it because it stays out of the way up above the water and can stretch out far enough to illuminate most of both machines.  |
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vwfence
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2013
Posts: 566
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Post by vwfence on Jul 5, 2019 20:46:41 GMT -5
I use the little LED sewing machine goose neck lights . they are under 10 dollars and work well
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