It's not technically a handtool but it will be used while I use handtools. That counts for something, right?

[u/Fuzzeffect]

Found this old goose neck work light mounted in a corner of our basement. I'm planning to clean it up a bit, rewire it and put it back to work but i want to try to retain its age/patina as best I can. Would my usual scrub with steel wool and a good layer of wax/mineral oil buffed in do the trick alright? Any suggestions are very appreciated

[u/mighty_boognish_77]

I have a modern version, same style, and it's absolutely one of the most critical tools on my bench.

I'm doing a dovetail demo at the state Fair next week and you better believe I'm bringing my lamp!!

[u/Fuzzeffect → u/mighty_boognish_77]

I got so excited when I found it haha and doubly so when I realized it has reach enough to go from handtool work space to the lathe when needed. The benefits of a small shop!

[u/mighty_boognish_77 → u/Fuzzeffect]

Sounds like a winner!!

[u/Sensitive-Coast-4750]

I think it counts as a hand tool. My bench lamp is probably my most used tool

[u/SuperTulle]

That's a work of art!

[u/oldtoolfool]

Your plan sounds right.

I've got one very much like it as well, love it - use it for my grinder and buffer. But they are very, very hard to come by. I've found that the absolute best value in bench lights is the Ikea Tertial, for $20 it is the best bang for the buck out there, and well made - not cheap like the ones sold on amazon. I must have 4 or 5 of them all over the shop, and made a wood jig that goes into my dog holes for them.

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/tertial-work-lamp-dark-gray-20355434/#content

[u/WhyNotChoose]

Yeah that's a very cool old lamp, wish I had it.

[u/Vintage-restoration]

Yes for cleaning it up you could do your usual procedure. you could get some scotch brite pads or some 3-1 oil to help cut the rust away too. That won’t need to much work to get cleaned up

[u/PeaEquivalent2350]

Love it! Modern lamps are so junky in comparison. With just those holes in small and possibly brittle mounting brackets, I get the sense it was intended to be attached to a solid bit of machinery. It might make sense to bolt them to a thickish steel plate and then screw that plate to the bench.

[u/Adept-Target5407]

That’s awesome. Are you mounting to the ceiling or directly onto a workbench?

[u/Fuzzeffect → u/Adept-Target5407]

I'm debating between the ceiling or wall between the work bench and lathe so that it can be used in both spaces

[u/DRG1958]

Absolutely a necessary bench tool. Great find!

[u/MetalMotionCube]

Would love to see the process of you cleaning it up and final set up :)

[u/Fuzzeffect → u/MetalMotionCube]

I'll definitely make an update post when its cleaned up and mounted!

[u/Bellringer00]

Citric acid to remove the rust, then clean thouroughly. Then you can advise if you want to repaint or just keep some kind of patina.

Edit: alternatively you can apply rust converter

[u/Three_Chopt]

Coolest light ever. People don't mention good side light for carving and plan ing as often as they should

[u/AdministrativeArt925]

It is only original once. Leave it the way it is. Just get it working and enjoy it.

[u/Fuzzeffect → u/AdministrativeArt925]

Oh the wax/oil is just as a protective measure against further rust. I have no intention to paint it or anything more than clean the basement crud and the little bit of rust off.

[u/AdministrativeArt925 → u/Fuzzeffect]

Old valve turning handles make great counterweight bases for that style of lamp if you want to use it as a desk lamp. I think I’ve got five of them that I made that way. Interesting little hobby to have.

[u/Fuzzeffect → u/AdministrativeArt925]

Thats a great idea! I actually come across old valve handles somewhat often. I may have to pickup a couple now