Lighting Systems

[goldcrown4]

Apologies if there is already a forum on here specific to billiard lighting, but if not, I think it would be a good thread to start for those attempting DIY projects, or for input on what works for them. I think if everyone had a full length lamp from Diamond, there would never be any cause for such a thread. But that's hardly the case I would suspect.

so... whoever has the time, post photos of your lighting projects, and especially an image of the light with the table. Not all lighting systems function good for playing pool. Obviously, the ideal light would completely eliminate shadows. Diamond's system gets really close. How does it compare to the similiarly constructed Brunswick Gold Crown lamp? I think we could all agree that parabolic reflectors are the key. But what about "daylight" (6500K) color vs CFL vs incandescent? How big are your cans (for those with pendant style)?

Personally I won't be building a new lighting system for a while but when I do, it will highly complement my Anniversary table in design, with the performance of a Diamond.

 

[ceebee]

Pool Table Lights

Here are a few I've made for myself & friends.

 

[goldcrown4]

custom lighting

wow! very nice craftsmanship! I like each of them... can't even pick a favorite. Thank you for the post! The third/bottom photo is very different from what I've seen. I like the shape of the shades... has a retro flavor to it.

A couple of years ago, I was seeking dimmable LEDs with parabolic lens caps... found some by a Hubbell Lighting subsidiary, but very expensive. I plan to try dimmable CFLs soon for my retro cans. I'm hoping the shadow will be at the rail edge or further away as a result. Right now, the more focal floods and their distance to the surface causes a 2 inch and highly annoying shadow.

 

[goldcrown4]

Just wanted to add that the pendants installed above my Anniversary came with the table a few years back. I had to buy the track, and installed an in-ceiling remote controlled dimmer. That worked out pretty slick. I have a low ceiling in this room, so whatever I do build in the future, will be basically flush fit.

 

[Spider1]

Here are a few I've made for myself & friends.

Where did you get the internal square reflectors on that first one? I have seen the white square reflector/baffles (?) for under the lights, but I haven't been able to find any shiny reflective ones like in your first pic which are similar to the diamond lights.

I'm going to be building something similar this winter as a snowbound project.

 

[STICKBNDER]

where did you get the internal square reflectors on that first one? I have seen the white square reflector/baffles (?) for under the lights, but i haven't been able to find any shiny reflective ones like in your first pic which are similar to the diamond lights.

I'm going to be building something similar this winter as a snowbound project. :d

home depot sells them.

 

[goldcrown4]

home depot sells them.

Also saw the chrome-like reflective finish grids at Menards. Parabolic on the inside. Not sure if you have those home stores in your area though.

 

[Spider1]

I've got a Lowe's around here and they didn't carry them, gonna check depot's website....thanks for the info both of you!

 

[goldcrown4]

In case anyone raised an eyebrow as to why I chose to connect a dimmer switch to a pool table light, it was meant for ambience only since that room has only one other light (a recessed can for the corner fireplace), other than a bright halogen floor lamp I put in there for brightening the room during gatherings. I never play with the lights dimmed. Hitting the button on the remote causes gradual illumination, and the opposite when turning them off... which gives me just enough time to find the door before it's pitch black.

 

[goldcrown4]

You'll also notice the halogen floods are too small in diameter, and not long enough. One of the cheapest ways for me to rectify the shadow problem is to buy the larger and longer floods, thinking 90W dimmable CFLs. If they don't do what I need them to, I can take them back at $10/ea, but I have a feeling they will be much better than these halo's... but still won't be ideal. I have my design in my head... have a neighbor with a bunch of walnut boards lonesome in his garage, just waiting for a project. Of which I'll commission him to build my genuine walnut cue rack based on Brunswick's Gibson cue rack design. (Commission means "buy neighbor 1/2 barrel of beer for his kegerator.") That dude also built a gorgeous bar in his basement using the wood from a single tree.