How to build a lightbox?

Does anyone out there have any experience building lightoxes for the illumination of transparencies?  I'm wondering if there are any guidelines for the best way to build one, or things to keep in mind when building one.  Any advice you have would be appreciated!

Comments

[Angela M. Otwell]

It's been years, but I one made a temporary one by flipping over an inexpensive shop light fluorescent fixture and setting a piece of glass on top. I needed the glass to be more translucent, so I then put a thin piece of paper on top of that. It worked fine for the project I needed it for (for 2-3 weeks), and then I disassembled the whole thing.

[Michael Fitts]

I have a homemade one here at my house in Charlottesville. A friend of mine gave it to me a few years ago. You're welcome to it if you can come get it. It's a little bulky but it works. I can take a photo of it and email it to you if you like. But, if you're anything like me, the prospect of building one would be a pretty cool project.

[J.T. Kirkland]

Fitts,

Yeah, could you please take some pictures of it for me? I'm most interested in how it's set up on the interior. I would take it off your hands but I doubt it happens to be the exact size I need. And you're right, I will definitely enjoy trying to build them myself (looks like I'll need 4 of them).

Thanks!

[Chris Rywalt]

Did you find this guy?

[J.T. Kirkland]

Chris,

No I had not found that. That is a lot of help. Thanks!

[Token Genius]

There is a guy called Perfect Steve some sort of young art spiritualist who used to make loads of lightboxes as part of his work. He is based in the the Uk. You can email him or pass on your details through www.491gallery.com where I hang out sometimes when I'm in the UK.It's one crazy place.

[nick]

supplies needed

1. 1/2 in plywood
2. few 2x4's
3. florecent shop light
4. screws
5. drill
6. saw
7. measuring tape
8. plexiglass sheet (i suggest 1/4 inch minimum)

steps

a. measure how wide your florecent shop light is (home depot has them for $10)

b. cut 2 strips for the long sides about the length of the light

c. cut 2 strips about half of the size

d. make sure their at least a foot wide to be sure the light is dispurssed all the way around.

e. follow the above steps and do the same with 2x4's...these are basic instructions...use some brains and youll figure out the exact measurements.

f. screw the 2x4's along the top and bottom of the plywood to form a 4 sided box.

g. screw a bottom sheet of plywood onto the box.

h. screw the florecent light in the center...if you want to use 2, you can make it a bit skinnier if you wish. or leave it...it doesnt matter.

i. DRILL 4 holes in the plexiglass where they will enter the inner 2x4. and screw them into place.

j. the box is now done. time for legs....figure out whether or not you want it level or angeled. and cut the 2x4's accordingly and screw them on.

k. screw 2x4's along the bottom of the legs (both sides and the back) to ensure it is completely supported and wont collapse.

l. make sure you cut a hole for the plug to come out of...

m. plug it in. and enjoy.