Lighting plays a huge role in the comfort and functionality of any workshop. If you’ve ever struggled with shadows creeping across your workbench, you’ll appreciate this clever solution built and designed by Drew Fisher from Fisher’s Shop.
This project combines a ceiling-mounted gantry and an articulating arm system to deliver direct, adjustable lighting where you need it most. It’s a smart way to eliminate poorly lit corners and create a more productive space.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Drew’s channel:
Tackling the Problem of Poor Lighting
Many home workshops still rely on outdated fluorescent lights that don’t reach every area. Drew’s shop had the same issue, leaving several important work zones underlit and difficult to use effectively.
His solution was to install a mobile gantry with a light attached to an articulating arm. This allowed him to bring light directly over the project, regardless of where it was in the room.
Building the Ceiling Gantry
The system begins with a simple ceiling-mounted gantry made from a solid 2×4. Drew secured the gantry to the ceiling joists, creating a strong base for the rest of the structure.
This rail would serve as the track for a rolling trolley that supports the lighting arm. With a solid anchor in place, the rest of the build could focus on movement and positioning.
Crafting the Rolling Trolley
Drew used scrap plywood to build the trolley that slides along the gantry. He built each side of the trolley separately and then joined them together around the rail.
Instead of swiveling casters, he used fixed wheels to ensure the trolley rolls straight along the gantry. To give the light mount full range of motion, he added a Lazy Susan bearing at the base of the trolley.
Building the Articulating Arm
The light arm needed to be lightweight yet sturdy enough to support a work light and move with ease. Drew laminated strips of plywood to create long sections that would form the upper and lower arms.
Using standard hardware, he added pivot points to make the arm fully adjustable. The joints allowed the light to extend, retract, and rotate to any desired position over the workbench.
Installing the Light and Testing Movement
Drew attached a bright LED work light to the end of the articulating arm. With the Lazy Susan mount and pivoting joints, he could easily move the light to any part of the shop with just one hand.
After testing the full range of motion, the system proved to be smooth and stable. When not in use, the arm could be lifted up and pushed out of the way to keep the workspace open.
More Than Just Lighting
Beyond lighting, the gantry system also doubles as a versatile camera mount. For content creators or anyone who wants to document their work, it allows for unique camera angles that would be impossible with a tripod.
Whether you’re recording a build video or taking overhead shots, this setup helps capture every step clearly. It’s a practical upgrade for both lighting and filming in your shop.
The Final Build
Once everything was installed, Drew applied the finishing touches to ensure everything moved freely and stayed securely in place. The project was a complete success, providing bright, adjustable lighting with added flexibility for filming.
By combining thoughtful design with shop-made components, Drew created a solution that’s both effective and adaptable. It solves a real problem in a way that looks clean and feels professional.
Ready to Build One Yourself?
If this project sounds like a great addition to your workshop, you can follow along with Drew’s full build video for step-by-step guidance. It’s a worthwhile project for anyone looking to improve their shop environment.
Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
The beauty of a system like this is how it solves multiple problems at once. Good lighting isn’t just about brightness — it’s about getting light exactly where you need it, when you need it. I’ve found that even well-lit shops can have dead zones where shadows fall across your work, especially when you’re working with taller stock or complex assemblies.
From a safety perspective, proper lighting is absolutely critical. Poor visibility leads to mistakes, and mistakes in the shop can be dangerous. Having adjustable lighting that moves with your work means you’re always working in optimal conditions, whether you’re doing detailed hand tool work or operating machinery.
The dual-purpose aspect of this build is really smart too. Using the same infrastructure for both lighting and camera work maximizes the value of the time and materials invested. For anyone documenting their projects or teaching others, having stable overhead camera positions can make a huge difference in the quality of your content.
If you’re considering a similar build, think about your ceiling structure first. Make sure you’re hitting solid framing members, especially if you plan to add any weight beyond just lighting. A system like this is only as good as its mounting points, so take time to locate those joists properly and use appropriate fasteners for your specific situation.