i aquired for free smith victor pl-12 & pl-10 continuous lights. the price was right but the light comes across a little harsh with the 250w & 500w bulbs that are with it. i was hoping to find a softbox or umbrella that would work with the heat of the continous lighting. does anyone know of a softbox, brolly, or umbrella that would work well with these (they do not appear to be designed to naturally use umbrellas). i would prefer it if it didn't add a ton to the free cost of these lights. thanks.

It looks like there's a place to put an umbrella shaft right under the light. You shouldn't have any problems with umbrellas. Softboxes (and "brolly boxes") would probably get too hot unless you got some specifically for hot lights. And they're expensive.

I'd get a 45" umbrella and a 60" umbrella for fill. Shouldn't be more than $60 or so for both of them.