Project Lightbox

[DaveH76]

I've been wanting to make a cheap lightbox for a while now as something to play with indoors while the weather is crap.

I've looked at using the obligatory cardboard box approach but could never find "the box". The ones i found were either too small or too big.

Next thought was to make one out of timber, easy enough to do, just a couple of frames held together. I wanted it to be collapsable when not in use though, and while wooden frames could potentially be seperated there's still a number of assembled wooden frames to store somewhere.

The final idea was a flash of inspiration at work.

The shopping list for it was...
3x 2m long 32mm diameter PVC plumbing waste pipe @ £1.41 per length.
8x 90 degree 32mm push fit elbows @ £0.81 each.
2x 32mm push fit T's at £1.21 each.

Total shopping list price of £13.13

The completed frame measures in at 600mm square and can easily be disassembled for storage.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2683/4371994391_c57ebc9e1a_o.jpg

The next stage is to clean it up, remove the print and labels from the cut pipe, then get the back drop material and sides/top.

The pipe is cheap enough to buy again and cut to smaller lengths for a smaller frame.

[John Hudson]

Interesting, I'll be following this thread as I'd like to knock a collapsible lightbox together myself.

John

[FMX]

I wouldn't say "easily". An "easily" compacted down lightbox is going to cost $$. But I see where you are going with it. Looks good right now though... can't wait to see it completely assembled.

As for the box... in case you get bored... check any local grocery store or better yet a convenient store (their packages are usually smaller than grocery stores).

[recrisp]

Nice looking lightbox!
I'm not 100% sure where you're going with it due to it's shape, but hopefully you'll show us.
Looking at the way you built it, I'm assuming that you plan on using lights that are not clip-on, but stand alone ones that will be set out from the lightbox.
The reason I mention this is, if you ever plan on having lights that clip-on the frame, I have seen where a 'T" adapter was placed mid way on the top where a clip could be attached without slipping.
(That's mainly for benefit for others that haven't seen a homemade lightbox before)
Also, after label removal, if you didn't want to remove the "print" on the pipes, you could just clean it and paint it with Krylon's "Fusion", that is a paint that is made for plastics, it becomes one with the paint and it is really durable afterwards.
There's nothing wrong with the way you're doing it at all though, I'm just mentioning it in case it helps some. :)

I did a quick search for those that aren't that familiar with DIY lightboxes, it may help with ideas, I don't mean to sound as though this one's not a good idea, but "John Hudson" mentioned a collapsible one.
Google Search (http://images.google.com/images?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&=&q=diy%20light%20boxes&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi)

Looks really good though, and I hope that you update it so we can see the changes, and a shot or two maybe. :)

Randy

[DaveH76]

Lighting will be standalone and not clip on. I've got an idea for the covers, just need to find the right material now :)