A different use for my magnetic dial indicator stand

I started making videos in 2012 with one light and that was an ordinary machine light. I have more and better lights these days but putting a light on the lathe headstock has been a problem, you will see why I have never been that comfortable with the arrangement. In this video a few ideas are kicked around until I find what I think is a great solution.

[@harryniedecken5321]

Thanks, yes it is tricky. On top of this is that many / most LED lights only supply a portion of the spectrum compared with incandescent lights unless they are labeled high cri or have a cri rating above 90. The better ones have fairly continuous light, but some use pwm pulse width modulation. I am a video beginner but was heavily involved in led lighting 20 years ago. Good luck

[@smallcnclathes]

Hi Harry the only lights that have given me flickering problems were the ones replacing 40 watt fluoros, that may have been a mains issue? None of the battery units I have, seem to have an issue. None of my lights have a CRI rating so it is a good job I know nothing about it! LOL

[@olfoundryman8418]

Does having been a Draftsperson mean that one has no sense of the indication of things? Or of what things indicate? Or is the problem simply the indication of that old age of which you spoke? Speaking of indication can you indicate where did that big square LED come from and at what cost? - Looks useful.... Martin

[@smallcnclathes]

Simply put, I am bloody hopeless at using and indicator. Was useless at it during my apprenticeship and lack of practice has not improved my ability

[@smallcnclathes]

The big square LED like the thumbnail? That is from ebay will see if I can find you a link.

[@Alan-hd9ov]

Great set up! Should make future video making go more smoothly

[@smallcnclathes]

Thanks Alan, one lathe has a table next to it at the tailstock end. Not possible to get a tripod in there, so this should make a big difference. Thanks for your comment

[@erikslagter3231]

brilliant using the ryobi light

[@smallcnclathes]

Absolutely correct Erik. it is by far the most brilliant light I have ever seen, supposedly 3000 lumens!

[@landlifem5872]

Those dial bases sure do get a pretty good grip. Have you tried using two bases together for better support for bigger lights like your ryobi light ?

[@smallcnclathes]

I love your sense of humour, did you not hear the bit about dial indicators and me, I can hardly assemble one stand let alone put two of the buggers together. This is not LOL this is just me sitting here shaking my head. I think of myself as a draftsman that can operate a small cnc lathe. My certificate that says I am a fitter and machinist is a bit of an over statement. I did 5 years then went on to the drawing board. I expect to see a short video by you, where you combine 2 magnetic bases. LOL

[@GaryForgingOn]

Nice one Nigel. :)

[@smallcnclathes]

Thanks Gary

[@billgilbride7972]

If a light is not too heavy, a goose -neck can work well, they are typically used for microphones.

[@smallcnclathes]

Hi Bill, would it attach to a magnetic base?

[@billgilbride7972]

Yes, the gooseneck from any audio supply has 5/8 threads.@@smallcnclathes From what I can see, under $25 for 19" gooseneck.

[@billgilbride7972]

Actually, I shld have qualified that yes, you will have to go from whatever the mag base thread to the 5/8. So a 5/8 to ? adapter wld be needed.

[@smallcnclathes]

HI Bill, it may be worth following up, sometimes adjusting both the arms (on the magnetic base) to get the desired position can be a bit of a job at times whereas the gooseneck would just be push it where you want it, or so it seems