Question from a newbie about SW lamp

[kwroberto]

Hi...I'm looking to buy a SW lamp18W possibly, but they're really expensive. Does any one have any ideas where I can get one cheap...or how to build one myself?? Any help will be greatly appreciated. FYI I went to the super dig at the sterling hill mine in NJ last week and now I'm hooked!! I did ask some people at the dig but 3 out of the 4 people I asked seemed upset and really didnt give me a direct answer, that I asked about their lamp in fact one person was down right rude one nice older gentleman talked to me for a bit and suggested this forum!!

[bluestone]

Sounds like there were some real trolls there.

[rocky]

Hey
Had wanted to attend the super dig but was committed to help run the new england mineral conference that weekend. Several of my rock buddies did however and had a blast. Yes the lights are expensive it's something you save for and make the investment. I bought a way to cool about 4 years ago 9 watts that over drives about 12 watts, I'm happy with it. A lot of fluorescent rocks glow under long wave ( you probably know that) and those lights are cheaper to start with. One of my friends sells way to cool lights - when I up grade to a 18 watt or triple wave I will buy from him as he is honest and will make sure his customers are taken care of. His web site is midnightminerals.com/
Sorry you ran into a nasty rock hound but people are people that's the way it goes ; over all most are eager to share rock knowledge or rock stories
Good luck with your short wave adventures. ;D

[charlieb]

I have never rock hunted or gone to shows/gatherings back East, but I do and have out West. Mostly Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Arizona. In the 50 years that I have been a rock hunter/ghost towner, I have never ran into any fellow enthusiast who has been less than cordial, friendly, kind and eager with sharing locations and sites. So, maybe it's just us Westerners are a bunch of Happy RockHounds? Chuck

[Dicky the Rockhunter]

Ya might try some of the police supply shops . I have seen some really good uv in them in the past and not as expensive, also they like talking about something other than police stuff.

DIcky