Best light bulb?

[DukeHarley]

Just picked up a couple bench mount/clamp style work lights for around my bench. Just wondering what type of light bulb works best for seeing scratches while sanding and doing general finish work. I know sunlight works best but here in MI weve not had much of that over the past few weeks and will not likely have much for a few months. Besides that I work on knives mostly at night after work. Just wondering what you guys like to buy and feel works the best?

Jay

 

[12345678910]

A combo


I really like daylight fluorescent for general work
6500k

but to see scratches, you need a variety of wavelengths

Makers often mention how knife show lighting brings out scratches
That 's usually the HID sodium and metal halide

 

[Lo/Rez]

I like the 6500k also. I have them all over the house.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

6500K is a good general shop light wavelength. The newer LED bulbs are also a good bulb for light. They can be found in wavelengths up to 7000K.

What makes the 6500K bulbs work well is that they are considered "full Spectrum" light. That designation alone isn't everything, as color rendering is a product of how well that spectrum is balanced. Look for bulbs that have a color rating index of 90-100.

 

[mete]

A full color [sunlight ] is the best . Doctors have been using them for ease in spotting skin problems , for man years ! You should also have good over-all lighting plus adjustable work lights .