The lights I ended up using I the truck shop

I was scratching my head for about a year trying to come up with the best lighting system for the shop I built in the cattle shed. The main bay is 24 wide by 40 long with a ceiling that starts at 16' on one end and slopes down 12' on the other end.

My senses perked up every time someone came to this site to get advice for shop lighting. A few months ago someone suggested a web site that had just about any commercial lighting a person would ever want. I wish I could remember who he was so I can give him credit, but he said he got some six tube T5 fixtures and he really liked them.

Well I immediately went to that site and ordered four of those six tube T5 units with mirror reflector backing. I chose to have them equipped with a cord with a twist lock 110v plug.

Today I finally took the time to run conduit on the ceiling, shove a few wires through it, wire in four boxes and mount the lights. All I can say is WOW! Darned near need sunglasses to work in there.


These lights weren't cheap, $110 apiece, but they sure do a good job.

Now for the downside. Two doctors and one physical therapist have warned me to never do any work above my shoulders, nor should I look up for long, lest I get a sore back. Well, took about four hours of satnding on a ladder with my arms above my head installing the conduit and wiring while tilting my head back to look up. Just finished the job and my back reminded me what the doctors had said. Whew, haven't had that strong of a persistent dull back pain for years. So now I'm floating on air with a couple of hydrocordones flowing through my veins. Marilyn got on my case about it and I told her if I don't do it nobody will, and heaven forbid if I ever hire someone to do something I can do myself! Hmm, maybe I can use it as an excuse to get out of church in the morning. Hmmm. Jim

Keep workin' on the church part, I just got out of the shower so I'm already committed. No use getting cleaned up if I'm not going anywhere. Glad the lights are working good for you. Having good light just makes every job easier.

One of the hardest things in the world is to give up things that you have always done for yourself! And the bad thing is, all my friends are nearly the same age as me which means they can't do it either! I spent about four hours at town today, most of it in Lowe's B/S, Wally World and the grocery store. My feet hurt so bad I can hardly stand it. But right now I have some liquid pain killer that should help. It says 80 proof on the label.

When the pills wear off there's a bottle of Captain Morgan black waiting. Disclaimer- only ONE shot on the rocks. I'm sitting here with my grandson on my lap watching steam trains on Youtube. Back hurts like crazy but darned it's fun. Jim

I have built several different Barn and Shops, and tried different lighting. The Tub lighting works for awhile, but not good in the cold. My shop now is 32 x 50 x 13 three rows with 5 200w normal lights in each row. Each row is controled by a switch. Best thing I have ever done.

Maybe you need to go to church more often. I go every chance I get. Have many friends there that range from teenagers to late 80s. Have helped some move.(used my trailer) Lite furnace,etc.. Most would only ask when I wanted it done if I needed something like lights hung. Good friends, Honest people, strong backs, and wise beyond my abilities. Not the reason I go, just called ammenities.

I do go to church almost every week. You've just gotta know the circumstances. Jim

I had a major hand in, or have done without contractors on just about everything on this farm. I usually hired masons, then we built our house, three barns/buildings(took one old barn down), and several grain bins. Last year, for the first time, I hired a project, (grain drying bin) done. I continue to find issues. While waiting for the sales people from the same outfit to show up Thurs., I took the clean out door off the bin for the first time. Pulled a bolt out of the bottom, and water ran out! They didn't have much to say. I remind them of issues every time I see them. I'm working with them on another project(I think my last one). I think they're getting sick enough of my complaining that they might lose interest in this nearly $100,000 project! It sure would be different if there was some young blood interested!

110 ? wow ...where did you get them? I am re lighting my shop and going T5 but have not found good deal yet . did they come with or without bulbs . thinking I need 16 light ,maybe the 4 bulb units .