Squarebody CHOP Shop

[folkenheath]

I picked up a couple 10 packs of 8-foot LED shop lights and started installing them. I have half of them up so far. This is a major improvement over the old florescent fixtures. The added bonus is they are wired to the original switches that turn on the lights.
View attachment 436907

Are those the type you eliminate the ballast? Because the fluorescent ballast raises the voltage from 120VAC up to like ~400-600VAC, and then the LED likely only needs 5 - 20VDC. So the ballast just wastes energy turning it into heat going the wrong direction in voltage. So I like to use the LED bulbs that eliminate the ballast, and wire directly to the 120VAC. Not only does it eliminate a failure point but it saves more money on energy. They still install the same fixture, you just throw the ballast away and wire them direct.

 

[kennyw]

Are those the type you eliminate the ballast? Because the fluorescent ballast raises the voltage from 120VAC up to like ~400-600VAC, and then the LED likely only needs 5 - 20VDC. So the ballast just wastes energy turning it into heat going the wrong direction in voltage. So I like to use the LED bulbs that eliminate the ballast, and wire directly to the 120VAC. Not only does it eliminate a failure point but it saves more money on energy. They still install the same fixture, you just throw the ballast away and wire them direct.

No, these are stand alone housing with only the LEDs in them. The fluorescent fixtures went into the recycle bin. They are also much lighter than the old fluorescent fixtures and bulbs, probably 3 lb instead of 10 lb or so.

 

[folkenheath]

So you did eliminate the ballast, nice.

The ballast is most of the weight, the rest is usually just an empty shell.

 

[kennyw]

So you did eliminate the ballast, nice.

The ballast is most of the weight, the rest is usually just an empty shell.

The main note is these have their own housing and do not replace the old T8 bulbs from my old lights directly. They mount to the ceiling with 4 small clips each and the wiring is stand alone.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PH64CJJ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

 

[Truckman4life]

Same ones @SpeedlabDan just posted about putting in his shop. I need to get some to add in between my led can lights.

 

[kennyw]

I found them because they were posted on CK5.

 

[JoshHefnerX]

Anyone that wants 10 x 4ft tubes, that's what I used... more than enough for a garage.

They were $107 when I picked mine up.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q49DNGS?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

 

[kennyw]

Night and day difference in light output. I also still have two lights to hang in place of the old fixtures after I take them down.

 

[JoshHefnerX]

You can see the difference in the shadow on the wall. I used manual settings on my light before/after and it was so dramatic it washed out the image.

Does looks like as-is the shadows are harder. Hopefully replacing the present ones clears that out.

 

[kennyw]

We bought some raised beds for garden space a while back and I hauled the garden mix soil this weekend and helped my wife get them set up.




We also planted four trees and a couple bushes after removing a couple bushes and a plum tree that needed to go away. I have been up late a couple nights getting all of our burned while the weather is good for a fire.

 

[JoshHefnerX]

Where did you get those beds from if you don't mind me asking..? They look better than the junk I've seen.

 

[kennyw]

Where did you get those beds from if you don't mind me asking..? They look better than the junk I've seen.

My wife found an ad on fakebook marketplace. They ended up being a decent deal and delivered to my property.

 

[kennyw]

Today starts a little yard work project... CK5 edition. I need a 7 foot wide x 20 foot long platform.

 

[kennyw]

Taking shape.

 

[JoshHefnerX]

Tractors!

 

[kennyw]

Tractors!

My back is very thankful for them.

And this stage is about done.


Now to plant a few lug nuts...

 

[beags86]

The most painful thing to watch will be the fact that the truck you put on that planter is probably in better shape then some peoples projects.

 

[kennyw]

A few more pics now that the sun isn't so harsh.

 

[kennyw]

The most painful thing to watch will be the fact that the truck you put on that planter is probably in better shape then some peoples projects.

It actually spent time in Illinois and has no rockers and floors like a Midwest truck, but is probably better than those that didn't leave 30 years ago.

 

[kennyw]

The most painful thing to watch will be the fact that the truck you put on that planter is probably in better shape then some peoples projects.

I may have to consider using the new one up there. I know how much the easy coast guys will love to see that. But I think the round eye will always win.