[TheForge] We'll leave the light on for ya...

[Stephen McGehee]

Bruce
I did not want to complicate the issue with halogen and fluorescent
physics, but you said all that better than I could.  A problem that I
have with Fluorescent is I hate the quality of light.  A scientist named
Ott did a lot of research into this "quality of light" issue and wrote a
book about his findings.  His theory is that Light is a Nutrient. Be
careful, fluorescent is junk light.  I almost exclusively use "Warm
White" when the situation calls for them, but the buzz from the units
really bothers me after 30 years exposure up close.  I use a few in my
shop, because they were in a dumpster or free from a job, but I use lots
of 20 W incandescent bulbs on a string for ambient light with several
300 W. halogen fixtures for task lighting, like over my layout table.
Yes, they aren't as cheap to run as the dreaded fluorescents, but the
quiet is worth it.

The poor starting characteristics can be eliminated by getting  ballasts
rated for "0 degree" starting, from wholesale electrical places.  Beware
the ubiquitous "shop lights" sold at the discount stores.  When
everyone who didn't catch the "4 feet under" subtlety waves their torch
under a fluorescent tube on a cold NJ morning, remember that when they
explode, you are breathing, among other lovelies, mercury...

And to get back to light bulbs as heat sources for refroderators, the
smallest readily available halogens are 50 watt, and they are run far
too hot for this concept.

Stephen McGehee, Publisher
Irony - the sketchbook of an apprentice blacksmith