Wow! Thanks for the kind remarks.
Tim, yes I have flood light or spot light bulbs in most of my color wheels. Most of them came equipped with 150 watt spot lights. I've toned these down to 120 or 100 watt bulbs in most of them to reduce heat. I have seen color wheels damaged from heat but usually only if the motor fails or if the wheel stops spinning because of a loose screw.
Doug, I have tried the CFL bulbs but wasn't too pleased with the results
Fred, PLEASE show us pics of your color wheels! No, I haven't had them on all at once. Not enough outlets, ext. cords, or circuits to power them all at once! By the way, your tree is BEAUTIFUL with all the vintage ornaments. Brings back great memories. I love all your vintage decor as well.
Pete, The musical color wheel houses a jewelry box style music movement in the base, powered by a separate, tiny electric motor with it's own on-off switch. Music can be played with or without the color wheel working. It plays a very fast, monotonous version of "silent night" and the electric motor makes it sound like silent night with a lawn mower running outside! As for your light bulb, these color wheels can tolerate 75 watt bulbs and I have used 100 watt bulbs with no problem at all. The colors are more brilliant if you use the clear bulbs instead of frosted glass.
You can see ONE of my aluminum trees under the Christmas tree thread in the As The Tub Turns forum. I have more, but who has space to set them all up?
Please post pictures of your own aluminum trees, color wheels.
Again, thanks for the kind remarks! You're a great group and I wish you all a very merry and safe Christmas.