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General => Detailing => Topic started by: scarr89 on 08 April 2013, 12:21

Title: Best 'light source' for finding swirls
Post by: scarr89 on 08 April 2013, 12:21
Yooo,

my cars annual 'big detail' is imminent and over due, no thanks to the bloody snowy weather!  :angry:

Will be giving it the full works with a DA etc etc etc, my question is : What is the best cheap light source available to help spot swirls and give a half decent 50/50, so I can see if I'm doing more good than harm?

I know there are those 'sun spot' lights or whatever they are called, but I am by no means going to be spending hundreds, let alone tens of pounds on a light source.

TIA  :smiley:
Title: Re: Best 'light source' for finding swirls
Post by: Ginge 35Edition on 08 April 2013, 18:06
Waxamomo have a festool sale on at the moment.
Title: Re: Best 'light source' for finding swirls
Post by: Dan J on 08 April 2013, 19:03
The festool light is good but a bit pricey if its only going to get used occasionally,

Are you wanting a torch type for just spot checking etc or something so you can see what your doing whilst polishing ie floodlight/working light?

I use a halogen flood lamp 4/500 watts, you can get them on tripods or floor stands, only downside to these is they don't like being moved about to much as it can pop the bulbs quite easily, generally though for swirl spotting and being able to see your work well I can't fault mine.
Title: Re: Best 'light source' for finding swirls
Post by: scarr89 on 09 April 2013, 15:15
Waxamomo have a festool sale on at the moment.

Cheers...but http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/ecom-prodshow/Syslite.html is way out of my price range.

I'm after a light for spot checking, I know my work is far from professional and on a 10+ year old car I won't be getting epic results. Just need something for a quick spot check here and there.

Would LED torches be best?  :undecided:
Title: Re: Best 'light source' for finding swirls
Post by: Dan J on 09 April 2013, 16:01
This is what I use for spot checking
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300L-ZOOMABLE-5W-CREE-LED-HEAD-TORCH-LAMP-/250979307913?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Camping_LightsLanternsTorches&hash=item3a6f885189

Great little bit of kit and costs peanuts really, its zoom able so you can really focus the beam.it runs on the triple A battery's and lasts a while, the on/off button can be pressed again to dim it a bit then press again and it strobes if you fancy a bit of a rave moment :tongue:

Hope this helps
Title: Re: Best 'light source' for finding swirls
Post by: dubber36 on 09 April 2013, 16:43
I use a simply LED torch. Turn all the garage lights off, then shine the light from different angles at the paint and it'll show up every defect.

I generally tape up a section at a time, a door into quarters for example and work on it. When you take the tape off, you'll get a perfect 50/50 comparison.