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What's Your Favorite Design for a Portable Task Light?

Here's how I use my expensive Festool Syslite, and what's wrong with it

By Rain Noe - May 14, 2018

in Lighting

This is my previous-generation Festool Syslite LED work light.

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I probably wouldn't have paid for one--the new one runs some $200--but I won this in a raffle six years ago at a JLC Live event in Providence.

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I use this thing a lot in my shop, to augment the generally poor lighting in there. The battery lasts a long time and it provides good illumination. My only gripe is that it lacks a built-in stand, and in order to get practical use out of it I must switch it between a Manfrotto Super Clamp mounted with a tripod stud, for overhead use, and a mini-tripod, for workbench-level use (I use a marking knife for layout, and a raking light helps me see the marks much better).

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If I had to buy a new task light with my own money, I'd give the Klein Tools LED Clamp Light a long look. (I'm a fan of Klein because they make the Katapult, which is a brilliant design and my favorite wire-stripping tool ever; if you're interested I'll write a review.)

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Klein's work light has a built-in clamp that doubles as a base, which would allow me to stop fussing with the Super Clamp and the tripod. It's sub-$40, has a head that pivots 360 degrees, and folds up into a flashlight form factor.

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One thing that gives me pause is that the Klein requires four AA batteries. (I hate dealing with batteries, which is why I made this thing.) The Syslite is rechargeable, and I got it for free, so I'll be sticking with it for now.

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If you use portable lighting in a shop environment, whaddaya got, and are you happy with it? Design praise and gripes please.

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amunta nul

6 years ago

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I've been a huge fan of my Blackfire Clamplight. Similar to the one posted here, but more aesthetically pleasing in my opinion. I was discouraged by the AA batteries as well, but I have enough rechargable AA's for camera flashes that this isn't a real problem for me.

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Juan Cano

6 years ago

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I have a few electric lamps with attached. I have one one on my work bench, one that is actually a floor one next to a disc grinder. The drill press and bandsaw have their own lights. Those an overhead LED lighting seem to be enough for me, but then working in my garage is a hobby, not my job.

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Jack P

6 years ago

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To me, it looks as though it would be unbalanced in some orientations. Big fan of the versatility though!

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