Ian,
I think you will need to supply a bit more info. to allow anyone to give you an informed opinion...
Where are your machine tools in relation to the 4.5 x 3 footprint? Will the tubes be the only light source, or will you have additional lights on your machine tooling?
Where is your work bench; along the 4.5 length, or across the 3m width?
I'm sure there will be many suggestions on this topic, but I have always found that it's best to have plenty of light above and to the front of where you are working, so you don't get shadows on your working area.
From a pragmatic viewpoint, you could always just wire up a few lights, move them to different positions and see what works for you. At least it's pretty easy moving light fittings around..
Dave

Hi
i would use High frequancy fittings to stop the sinking between lights & rotating tools, also if you use the Click light plugs & sockets you could move the lights about to suit your needs

Regards
Alan

When I was planning to build a new workshop I read a few articles that had appeared in the M.E. etc. over the years regarding the design and desirability of certain features, and as far as I can recall 12 years hence, most recommended admitting as much natural light as possible, especially over the lathe. As my previous shed had relatively high windows, which were always shaded by walls and trees, I took the advice of the writers. What a mistake!! It may be my eyesight and the way I see things, but I find natural light a damn nuisance when working on my lathe in broad daylight through the 4' x 3' window it stands behind (I really must fit a blind one day!!). So if I ever build another workshop there will be as little natuaral light as possible admitted. Also, the writers of the workshop articles warned against flourescent lighting due to the stroboscopic effect it may have on rotating machinery. Although I cannot argue with the laws of physics, from my experience and to all intents and purposes, the warnings can be totally dis-regarded in my humble opinion. I had two double flourecents in my previous smaller workshop and I have four double flourescents with diffusers in my present 13' x 21' larger workshop and I can't say I have ever detected any noticable stroboscopic effect whatever speed the lathe or milling machine happens to be rotating. I have anglepoise lamps with the highest possible wattage bulbs over every machine, but even with these extinguished, I have never noticed any adverse optical effect. Is it just me??

Oh well, apparently it is just me! That'll teach me to follow the advice of so-called experts, what do they know anyway? LOL!

If I can through in my arrangement for consideration.
I have a number of fluorescents but hung on cord to hooks on the rafters so I can re arrange them depending on the job and any changes in layout. Each machine and bench has an angle poise type light (each one different as I have acquired them) . The main window has a white venetian blind ( ex the bathroom) which is very good in making the best of the light and adjusting to get rid if the glare. I doubt I could justify buying one though had it not been no longer required. The other window I have given one coat of emulsion, but not for the glare but for prying eyes as it is onto the back access, if you can see out who can see in?
Dave

Ian J
I have just completed converting my garage to a workshop & in the process of kitting it out with new lathe & mill. The lighting I have fitted consists of 3 x1 mtre flourescents 'luminaire non-corrosive' ADP 136/HF with 36W lamps, rated at IP 65 & conforming to 'part P' regs, with clip on diffusers, plus 2x Astro AA28/HF bulkhead fittings. IP 65.  I will need to have direct lighting over ea.machine so I will be using 2 spotlights ( 1 clip on flexi & 1 flexi tabletop) possibly need to get a couple more spots when I get my bench layout sorted.

I'm not sure that putting strip lights in a corner makes the best use of the light they produce.

john F