…but a definite score.
Walking through town yesterday I noticed a sign outside of a building that is being torn down. Lights for Sale $7. Hmmmm went my brain. I walk in to inquire. Sure enough, 2 tube 4 foot fluorescent that were working when they were removed is what they are offering. So I look at the stack of them and my brain starts churning. How many do I need, what can I afford, do I really want these or do I want track lighting, can I affix these to a drop ceiling? So many questions, so little time. (BTW, if you have an answer to my last question, email me)
So I picked up six of these fixtures to light the 13×20 room and what will basically be a perimeter single level layout. I think that will do.
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June 25, 2009 at 8:15 am |
Yes, it is progress. It’s getting you closer to having a layout room at least. The fixtures can be attached to drop ceiling – actually they fit in the frame like a ceiling tile. But I’d want to make darn sure the ceiling is fastened very securely to the floor/ceiling above. Clayton had a layout room with a drop ceiling and light fixtures supported by the frame. The room was 10+ years without a problem. Then one morning as he walked past the train room on his way to work he thought something looked odd. Sure enough, half the ceiling was laying on top of the layout. He put up a gyproc ceiling up after that.
I fastened my florescent fixtures to the floor joists above the ceiling. I didn’t want to take any chances with my shoddy craftsmanship. Of course my ceiling is only the depth of the fixture from the floor joists. Yours will be a lot lower. You would probably have to use chain or something to support your fixtures that far from the joists.
Scott
June 25, 2009 at 8:20 am |
Actually this one isn’t designed for a drop in fit. They look like this
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08016.jpg
I have found clips that affix to the Tbar so I thinK I am GTG.
I need the drop ceiling due to the duct work and everything up there. I plan to supportthis very well. Like you know, I tend to overbuild stuff.
June 25, 2009 at 10:14 am |
I have some of those as well. They are meant for flush mount, but I think they fit in the 4′ space of a ceiling tile (from above the frame), but they are not 1/2 width so you’d have to cut a diffusing panel (not easy but can be done on a table saw with the blade turned backwards) and a ceiling tile to fit.
Also, because they are open on the sides you get a lot of light on the upper side of the ceiling. Good if you have to work up there, otherwise a waste.
But, if you’ve found proper clips to flush mount them on the bottom side then give it a go. Use heavy wire every 16″ or so and you’ll have it made.
Scott