Lights over a Saw Workbench

[mikem]

Working on saws over my poorly lit workbench is killing my old eyes . I have snagged several surplus 8'(4 bulb T-8) flourescents but I am unsure of how far above the workbench to hang them to optimize the light. You guys that have well lit 8-)workbenches help me out please... ;D

Some details:

Shop is 30' x 40'
Ceiling is 12' at peak...10' sidewalls
cement floor w/ white sidewalls
Workbench is 4' x 8'(not big enough but shop is crowded)

[MCS]

The height is somewhat dependent on the shape of the reflector in the lamp. Since these are 4 tube units, you will have plenty of illumination. Place two screw hooks above the bench and use a two pieces of that twist link chain and try them at 7 feet and 8 feet and see which one works best.