Build a Light Box

Answer 1

WEEKEND PROJECT: CONSTRUCTING A LIGHT BOXA light box can be a crucial tool for artists and defined as an actual box that has a backlit piece of plexiglass or frosted glass on top.Using a light over is a great way for an artist to inspect slides, negatives, and to do some really interesting art. The materials needed to build a light box are fairly easy to find. First, look around your home and whatever you can find, then visit your local craft store to find the rest. Building a light box is a simple weekend project. Materials You Will Need

If you have an old desktop that you are no longer using, then you can use it to create a light table. If you don't have an old desktop and are on a budget, then find an old box, or create one yourself with wood. If you happen to have plexi lying around from previous projects, then definitely use it for this project. Since plexi can get pricey, you can swap it out with a white piece of plastic in order to diffuse the light. You will also need a large piece of glass (check out your local dump), fluorescent lights, extension cord, tape, and glue. If you are creating your own box, you will also need wood, a hammer, and nails.

Building the Light Box

To begin the project, take the pieces of wood and nail them together to give the box a sturdy foundation. Next, it is recommended that you drill ventilation holes in back of the box so that the box doesn't over heat. Attach light fixtures to the bottom of the box, which is parallel to the opening where the plexiglass will be placed. Once the light fixtures are firmly in place, wiring the fixtures to a light switch on the outside of the box would be the next step. Once the lights are working, it is now time to put the plexiglass on for the finishing touch by gluing the glass on the box.

Light Box Or Light Table

There are two options on how you stand the box up. One way you can stand the box up is to put rubber feet on the base of the box and just have it simply raised off the ground just about an inch or so. The other option is to make the light box into a light table. In this case, the box would have legs or place on a swivel to create a larger backlit work space.