How to Make a Cheap Light Table for Transparency

Many times artists and hobbyists need to view transparencies or trace designs onto transparencies. The best tool for this is a light table, or light box--an illuminated box with a translucent diffuser on top that can light the back of the transparency for easier observation. Professional light tables are not affordable for many people. However, with a few raw materials from the home improvement center, you can make your own cheap light table.

Instructions

1

Make a rectangle out of two 1- by 4-inch boards that are 20 inches long, and two 1- by 4-inch boards that are 10 inches long. Stand them on the 1-inch sides, and overlap the ends of the shorter boards with the ends of the longer boards.

2

Drill pilot holes 1 inch from the top and bottom of each corner. Drive screws into each pilot hole to make the frame of the light table.

3

Fit a piece of 3/4-inch plywood that measures 10 by 2 inches over the wooden frame. Drill pilot holes in each corner, and one in the middle of each long board. Drive screws into each pilot hole to secure the plywood to the wooden frame.

4

Drill a hole in the center of one end of the rectangular frame about 1/2 inch from the plywood bottom. You will use this hole to push the light fixture cords through, so make it big enough for the plugs. This hole will also allow air circulation inside the box.

5

Remove the bulbs from the fluorescent fixtures. Place the fixtures inside the wooden frame equidistant from the sides and each other. You want them to cast as even a light as possible. Screw them to the plywood, and replace the bulbs. Push the plugs through the hole you made in Step 4, and test to make sure the lights work.

6

Drill holes 1/2 inch from each corner of a sheet of white, translucent acrylic. Drill an additional hole in the middle of each short side, 1/2 inch from the edge. Drill two holes in each of the long sides, spaced evenly and 1/2 inch from the edge.

7

Place the acrylic sheet over the wooden frame, and mark the location of the holes on the wood with a pencil. Remove the acrylic, and drill pilot holes in the wooden frame at each pencil mark. Replace the acrylic sheet, and drive a screw through each hole to secure it to the light table.

8

Place the box in your workspace, and plug in the fluorescent lights. Your new light table is ready to use.