Inexpensive DIY Light
[/ATTACH]Runnintable,
I built a quick and easy light for a temporary nine foot Gold Crown setup. The table was to be used for a short while in this location and then moved to a permanent home. However, I gained some useful information in the process.
The ceiling in the area of the table is a thirteen foot cathedral design with a beam down the center. Unfortunately, the table can't be centered under the beam, so I had to offset the light to be centered above the table.
I used a ten foot long 1 x 8 pine board as a base and attached 3 four lamp fixtures along the length of the board. I wanted to have the bulbs on each end to be centered above the end cushions of the table. That way, the shadows cast by the balls are equal. Most table lights have dark areas toward the ends of the playing field....mine does not.
Because the light system is several feet above the play field, no shade is needed to shield your eyes from the bright bulbs.
There are some advantages to this set up:
1. Minimal cost (less than $75.00 total)
2. Very good light dispersal.
3. The reflection of the light from the ball surface appears as a straight line and can be used as a reference point for your aim point.
4. Relatively easy to build and install.
5. The individual lamp fixtures can be salvaged and reused elsewhere when and if you decide to buy a commercial table light.
Good luck to you.
Joe