Harrison M300 Work Light

I have a lovely M300 lathe that I purchased a short while ago. It's a 3ph model and I have gradually been making it as near perfect as I can. I came from a colleage and has had very little use, so no wear on the bed at all. However, It had suffered damage to handles etc which I have replaced or repaired.

I have just finished replacing most of the fasteners with new stainless items and want to replace the work light as the final thing to do. I spoke to Harrison and they want £214+VAT which is £257. Now I don't mind digging in my pocket but this is extortionate for what is no more than an anglepoise light. I then thought that it is unlikely they make the light and it will be a third part manufacturer.

Does anyone know the name of the manufacturer or where I could get on from at a reasonable price?

I also have a Myford ML7 but It's fair to say that I don't know how I managed with the smaller lathe all these years. A fabulous bit of kit.

RS have quite a range. I have used these.

**LINK**

Pete

I got a great gooseneck LED one from B+Q for a tenner

Wish I'd got 2 or 3.

Some places demand very silly prices for a light

normally old 3 phase machines did not have a neutral connected

so they used a " LoVo light" that use an expensive 440V isolation transformer with links to for either a 25V or 50V centre tapped output to supply a low voltage work light. that can use either 25V or 50V bulbs

with a neutral you can use a less expensive 240V transformer to power a low voltage bulb or LED lighting

John

Why change the The fasteners to stainless? They are not as strong as steel (cap screws any way), and if they were going to rust Harrison would have used them. Don't mind me, its your lathe, and I suppose I'm just jealous, sound though you have found a beaut machine. Ian S C

Regarding the 415 volt transformer and lo voltage lighting.If you connect 240 volts to where it was intended to connect 415 volts, then connect a full wave (bridge rectifier) to the lo voltage output and then connect about 5000 micro farad capcitor to the rectifier output observing polarity, you will find you have about 12 volt D C output to which I have connected one or more 20 watt lamps. I have a few ex dress shop display lamps I kind remember the correct title and have used the same rig up for more twenty years or maybe 30 when I think about it.But as others have said RS, Farnell and Rapid have suitable transformer, but be aware they have small order charges.Ex battery charger transformer are good and so are most audio equipment transformers. The exact voltage is not critical for lighting. As you might imagine, I have quite a lot of what the wife calls scrap.Ted

Hi "mickpee"

I have sent you a personal message (Look in "My messages" - top left of this page)

Sorry - please ignore posted in error

Norman

Edited By NJH on 16/06/2012 10:58:52

Edited By NJH on 16/06/2012 10:59:28

How about something like this ?

Russell.

The lamps that Russell highlighted are available from "Hombase" for £5.99 each.

I have two, one either side of my milling machine spindle.

The best lamp I have is the Vertex 50W Halogen, I think I bought it from RDG Tools. This is fitted above the Myford lathe.

See link below.

Len. P.

**LINK**

This is my first posting on this forum and I am delighted with all your help, thank you. I had a look on the RS link which is exactly the thing I'm looking for. There is even an identical light to the one fitted to my Bridgeport, so I might buy one for that as well. All at much more reasonable prices.

Ian SC, the fasteners are all cosmetic rather than anything internal or stress loaded, makes an enormous difference to the overall appearance of the machine. I have ordered a piece of stainless sheet to go on the cabinet tray under the bed so when cleaning away the swarf it doesn't take all the paint with it. I'll need to cut around the mounting points of the bed to the cabinet so as not to disturb the accuracy of the machine. I shall seal it with Sikoflex so any oil or swarf doesn't work it's way underneath.

With regard to the 240V light, what about a transformer 415V to 240V instead of the low volts one fitted? Or would it be better with a low volt bulb? Can't see that it would be a problem, but welcome your input.

Mickypee

Edited By mickypee on 16/06/2012 15:50:49

If you already have the low volts one fitted as you say in your post (standard Harrison transformer runs between 2 phases) why all this discussion? Are you running on 3 phase?

Hi

I'd use a low voltage work light to avoid any shock hazard , especially when using a water based coolant

RS components sell a 415V to 12V transformer for the 12V 50W task lights they sell

RS 856-106 £34-50 +VAT ( I'm not sure if it needs to be enclosed)

John

Thanks for that. I've just ordered a bunch of them. Unfortunately Homebase won't post to France so it will be a while before I get my hands on them.

Russell.

I have been using low voltage lighting on my mill for a couple of years now, originally using 20W halogen - converted waterproof lighting from B&Q. I have subsequently replaced the lamps with 3Watt LED lamps from Maplin and I have to say, I am extremely pleased with the results.

The light is less harsh and more akin to daylight.

The lamps are supported on microphone goosnecks and powered from a readily available 12V lighting transformer from B&Q.

This has resulted in a reasonably priced and extremely efficient lighting solution.

I am about to implement the same solution on the lathe and ditch the 'hot' halogen lighting, with a view to incorporating the lights into the the overhead chip guard ( again home-made and a darn sight cheaper than buying commercial!)

CB

Take a look at the Jansjo LED lights from Ikea.

Two types available a work lamp on a heavy base, which I removed and attached the gooseneck direct to my mill, and a clamp spotlight - both lamps are £9.99 each.

I am pleased with mine.

Dennis R

Mickypee

I have sent you a private message - if you are interested please let me know.

Regards

Norman