How to Build a Light Table for Animation

A light table, light desk or light box--all different names for the same thing--is a backlit working surface. This allows light to shine through thin drawing paper, making it translucent. Animators use a light table by laying different cels or sketches over one another, letting them see the movement between frames in a single glance. This project can be easily completed by one person in less than an hour. If you don't have a jigsaw to cut a hole for the light bulb, ask your local hardware or home improvement store staff for help.

Instructions

1

Measure how large a sheet of paper you'd like to accommodate on your light table and add an inch to each dimension. This will be the finished size of your light box. Ask a window shop to cut the sheet of plastic to this desired size for you.

2

Use the jigsaw or a regular saw to cut the 1/4-inch-thick plywood to size. You'll need four pieces that are each 4 inches wide. Two of the pieces will be as long as the box is tall, and the other two will be as long as the box is wide.

3

Cut a hole wide enough to pass the bulb socket through in what will be the back of your light desk. Install the light bulb socket and make sure there's room for the bulb inside the box you're constructing without touching the plastic, sides of the box or surface the box is sitting on.

4

Glue the plywood together at the corners to make a box shape, using your all-purpose adhesive. If you find the bond isn't strong enough after it's set, use wood glue.

5

Attach the plastic sheet to the top of the light desk or box with all-purpose adhesive. You can also drill small holes in the corners and sides, several inches apart, and screw the plastic to the plywood.

6

Install a light bulb into the light bulb socket and connect the socket to a power source. Your light desk is now ready to use.