Track light goes vertical for a fine finish
In the shop, where lighting isn't always ideal, a project's finish may look fine—until you get it into the sunlight. After salvaging an 8' track light from a remodel job, I set about making this solution to my shop lighting problem.
To make one, machine and assemble the half-lapped 4x4 base pieces as shown; then drill two 9⁄16 " holes through the joint at the base. Use those holes to guide an extra-long drill bit for making 12"-deep holes in the post. Drill an access hole through the post and insert two 17" pieces of 1⁄2 " threaded rod through the base and post as shown. Then add a nut and washer on either end, using a wrench in the access hole to tighten the top nut.
Finally, attach the track light to the post and make it mobile: Install 2 1⁄2 " swivel casters to the base.
—Russ Boyd, Spokane, Wash.