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For those interested in good light sources, Joann's Fabrics online is having a 50% off OTT-Lite sale.

Linky linky.

For those who don't know, pricey but good.

Ott-lites are great, though expensive. I really recommend one to any person who paints regularly.

I got my OTT-Lite from Jo-Ann's the last time they had a sale. Go early though. I visited three or four Jo-Ann's here in the Cincinnati area and still didn't get the model that I was looking for.

This is an online-only sale.

No it isnt.

I just got back from joanns. The OTT bulbs are 50% off walk ins as well. Just picked three 13 watt bulbs up for $37.50.

But there is still the debat over wether the OTT bulbs are any better than other 6500k 13 watt bulbs of the same type on the market. Shopko has 13 watt 6500k bulbs for $6.99. I havent bought them, but judging by the display models, its hard to tell the difference.

I bought mine at a Jo-Ann B&M on sale. OTTs are the best!

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With OTT, you're buying both the name and the lamp fixture as well as the bulb.

I have no doubt that the light output is no better than any other bulb with the same color temperature, but perhaps the longevity, etc... is better.

Are the fixtures any better than others that could hold a similar bulb? For the price they should be, but that's up to you to decide.

Any specific model that you guys reccommend?

Posted By blue loki on 02/08/2007 11:40 AM

I have no doubt that the light output is no better than any other bulb with the same color temperature, but perhaps the longevity, etc... is better.

With these types of compact flourescents, you should be able to get away with a minimum of one years use from these bulbs, and thats a bare minimum. I go through an OTT brand 13 wat bulb every two months, with exceedingly careful use. Sometimes they last as long as 4 months, but never past 6.

I am using the shopko one I bought to see if it will do any better for longevity. On the plus side, I got refunds for the bulbs that burnt out in too rapid of a time.

As for quality of the fixtures, I have found some very sexy lamps with very nice necks that cost me $30. OTT lamps even at 50% reduction as considerably more expensive than that. I dont use the OTT fixtures any more since the OTT bulbs last just as long in the OTT lamp as it does an off brand lamp.

Dammit.  I'd already ordered one when I posted this.  At least it was a small one.

The more you know, I guess...

This confuses me.

You're saying they should last over a year, but they never last more than 6 months?

That seems pretty terrible, right? Is the moral that the OTT brand is bad?

Currently I'm using normal tungsten bulbs, but I've got some of the new flourescent bulbs elsewhere in the house. The flourescents seem good, none have gone out since I got them, even in the garage, which, for some reason, used to eat a tungsten bulb every month.

Posted By Phryxis on 02/08/2007 1:08 PM
You're saying they should last over a year, but they never last more than 6 months?
That seems pretty terrible, right? Is the moral that the OTT brand is bad?

If I leave the light on for 24/7 these bulbs should have a usable life for a minimum of 10,000 hours as advertised. One year has 8,765.81277 hours in it. Looks like they fall short by a minumum of 50% of their advertised lifetime. But OTT does give a 30 money back gaurantee and a limited 1 year warranty. Joanns was very willing to accept and replace my bulbs that burnt out within such a short time.

I cannot comment on competitor brands quality as I have just started to use them.
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I blame the crummy Montana power.  Bet it's not even three-phase! 

Dude, of course it's not! They have little oompa loompa's slaving away at the Electrocordian in Great Falls underground slave pits!

I'm feeling really out of the loop, but what is the deal with OTT-lite? Is this like some flouro-bulb that has Reveal natural light effect or something? Just wondering, as my old halogen went kaput and I've been prevaricating on finding a new lamp for the mini painting area.

Just for the record, I'm still using the same bulb after about four years in my light, and I got the thing lightly used from a family member. It's certainly possible that they're quality has decreased. I have a model OTL-13TCG, for what it's worth. Based on my experience, it's been a reliable bulb. Obviously, YMMV.

These are nice, but I do just fine with natural light and Ol' Blindey, my trusty halogen.

Besides, don't you have to have a vagina to shop at JoAnn's?

I use the TrueColor 13W Flexible Craft/Table Lamp. I've had it for around a half a year and haven't had any problems with the bulbs.


Check out THIS or THIS for why an OTT-Lite is useful for hobbyists.

Posted By Ghaz on 02/08/2007 10:21 PM
I use the TrueColor 13W Flexible Craft/Table Lamp. I've had it for around a half a year and haven't had any problems with the bulbs.

I'm feeling really out of the loop, but what is the deal with OTT-lite?

Check out THIS or THIS for why an OTT-Lite is useful for hobbyists.

Ooh, I see, I see! Darn you Dakka, making me spend all my hard earned money, I just ordered one of those TrueColor 13W Flexible Craft/Table Lamp too! Perfect and exactly what I've been looking for.