I want to buy a 600W dimmer for the Britech lights from Rostronics. Now, is there something special I should look for? Do all dimmers do the same thing? Will this keep the light temperature?

Here's a little secret that will give you a 1500 watt dimmer for not much money and no labor:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43060

I have three of these and they work great. As with all dimmers, the color temperature will decrease, but not too much until you are at 50% or so.
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Ken Hendricks
www.network23dv.com

Ken
Does that router controller allow you to continously dim or just it have 3 settings? Also does make an audible hum? (I know some cheap dimmers do this).

FYI: It is continuous.

Hi Bill,

Chris is correct, there is continuous adjustment over the entire range.

Sometimes the filament in the lamp will vibrate a little (at certain settings), but this happens even with professional dimmers. As far as RF buzz picking up on the audio, I haven't had a problem.

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Ken Hendricks
www.network23dv.com

Hey Ken,

That is so cheap for a 1500 watt dimmer. Where is it made? How is the construction quality? Have you tested it extensively? Finally, have you had any problems whatsoever with it?

Regards,

Kris.

Just so you know, my national flyer from Harbor Freight has them listed right now as on sale for $12.99. That is just about half price, but the sale ends tomorrow.

Also, if they are sold out, ask for a rain check! If you want to call to reserve some or get a rain check call yhour local store, and their part number is 43060, at least that is the one pictured in the ad. They also have the number 43584 listed also, same type part, but maybe different color or something.

Mike

Mike
There doesnt happen to be coupon associated with that ad in the flyer is there? I dont see anything on the website and just called the phone order number and they are also giving the 24.99 price over the phone.

Mike
There doesnt happen to be coupon associated with that ad in the flyer is there? I dont see anything on the website and just called the phone order number and they are also giving the 24.99 price over the phone.


I buy things there all of the time, and even though it is in their flyer, you do not need their coupon. Just go to the store and they have tons of flyers for you to take as you go through the store.

If you call the web site or a national number, I pretty sure they will not give you the sale price.

mike

Hey Kris,

They are made in Taiwan. The construction quality is good. I wouldn't run over them with the grip truck, but they aren't flimsy at all. Have had mine for almost a year with absolutely no problems whatsoever. I use these dimmers for my 1k Arri as well as the 650's, 300's, and 150's. They are also very handy if you have a practical in the shot and you need to knock it down a little.

I haven't done "extensive testing" as far as measuring color temperatures at different settings, but I do use them all the time. I wouldn't go anywhere without them. At $24.99 they are a really good investment. At $12.99 they are a steal!

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Ken Hendricks
www.network23dv.com

I buy many many items at Harbor Freight, and the quality is pretty amazing for the prices. I have a rain check in right now for a 1' x 30' belt sander for $29.00.

I am going there tomorrow, so I will check on the dimmers.

Mike

I bought four of these from Harbor Freight. One of them stopped working when I connected it to a 500 Watt work light. Just a flicker, then bye bye.

I agree with Mike that there is a lot of interesting equipment available at Harbor Freight that will be usable for applications in video work.

I went to my local Harbor Freight yesterday and they were out of them. I did get a rain check---for 6!

If and when they come, in maybe I can send some to others!

Mike

Hey Chris, how's their customer service?

How's your hand by the way? Sorry to hear about it bud. Heal fast.

I have a rain check in right now for a 1' x 30' belt sander for $29.00.

I don't have any experience with their motor speed control, but I've bought a few shop tools from Harbor Freight and can say without question they were cheap junk which was designed to look like professional tools. Specifically I remember a bench mounted belt/disk sander that failed very quickly and a vise made out of cheap cast metal that snapped right off when I tried to bend something in it.

Now this was about 6 years ago, so maybe their standards have improved. I'm glad you're happy with your purchases, these products may be the exception to the rule. But I've run several professional carpentry shops for building scenery over a period of many years and spent tens of thousands of dollars on tools. I stick to the well known brands and avoid places like this. Caveat Emptor....

Hey Chris, how's their customer service?

How's your hand by the way? Sorry to hear about it bud. Heal fast.
Its only been two weeks, but it seems like an eternity.. Hardest thing to do is button your pants with one hand and you can't tie your shoes.

I don't have any experience with their motor speed control, but I've bought a few shop tools from Harbor Freight and can say without question they were cheap junk which was designed to look like professional tools. Specifically I remember a bench mounted belt/disk sander that failed very quickly and a vise made out of cheap cast metal that snapped right off when I tried to bend something in it.

Now this was about 6 years ago, so maybe their standards have improved. I'm glad you're happy with your purchases, these products may be the exception to the rule. But I've run several professional carpentry shops for building scenery over a period of many years and spent tens of thousands of dollars on tools. I stick to the well known brands and avoid places like this. Caveat Emptor....

Boyd, I agree-- you have to be careful what your buying. But if you are caeful, you can get some deals.

I don't have any experience with their motor speed control, but I've bought a few shop tools from Harbor Freight and can say without question they were cheap junk which was designed to look like professional tools. Specifically I remember a bench mounted belt/disk sander that failed very quickly and a vise made out of cheap cast metal that snapped right off when I tried to bend something in it.

Now this was about 6 years ago, so maybe their standards have improved. I'm glad you're happy with your purchases, these products may be the exception to the rule. But I've run several professional carpentry shops for building scenery over a period of many years and spent tens of thousands of dollars on tools. I stick to the well known brands and avoid places like this. Caveat Emptor....


Boyd,

On the bright side a 1' x 30' belt last one hell of a long time, lots of surface area! :)

The sad thing is that I thought I double checked to make sure I didn't put feet, but must have been a senior moment. :)

It's true, a long time ago the stuff was not near the quality it is now. You have to remember my background was the machine shop business and I do know quality. Years ago the stuff was really junk, but they have really improved their quality. Hey, and if breaks------take it back!

I have tiny wrenches in my tools box that are from Snap-on and are only say 6mm, that cost $30.00+ each. I have thousands of dollars of tools in that box, but I don't think I would do it the same way now. Not that I would buy from Harbor Freight, but price is not always the best determining factor.

Thanks Boyd,

Mike

I bought a couple of those dimmers on sale for $9.95 each...they work fine with the 250-650w lights in my location kit. No filament "singing" that I can hear with my units. I, too, was pretty surprised to find a 1500w dimmer at anywhere near that price, but they're very well made.
Ken

Just ordered two of these. I could not find anything above 300w at the Home Depot. So I am hoping these will work well.

Those dimmers are also great for making your angle grinder variable speed (for the concrete countertop fans out there...)

OK, since Harbor Freight has hijacked this thread...handy place if you have to build some sets (or remodel your house). Got a 10 gallon compressor and a framing nailer there for 200 bucks. I can frame all day with no jams or misfires. Great place to buy things like clamps, tape, and protective gear. Circuit testers, work lights, extension cords, gloves... their air tools get good marks on web review sites.

They have good deals on hammer drills, but anytime you buy a drill, from ANYwhere... make sure the after-market keys available fit your drill (just walk down the drill aisle a bit). I lost the key to my 1/2" HF drill in the crawlspace, and NOTHING fits it.