Gaffer tape grid

Anyone ever try making a softbox grid from gaffers tape?

I was thinking if you made a bunch of strips made from two strips of gaffer tape, stuck sticky side to sticky side. Then, Id cut halfway into each strip at even intervals and then make a grid pattern by sticking the slits into each other. Then tape across to seal all the edges, attach sticky velco strips and WAHLAH! Grid for about 15 bucks and a bit of time, any size you want.

Yes, no, maybe?

Hmm.. I don't know but I'm willing to give it a try on my 28 apollo!

Really nice idea. Might take a couple rolls to make something sturdy enough to last for a few shoots.


If you end up doing it be sure and document the process and do a write up.

I started sewing one a while back, but it was a slow process. In the end I ended up buying another cheap PCB grid. I bet you can make a better one with tape though.

You will be ASTOUNDED just how many yards of tape you need! Sticky-to-sticky, you'd need 6¼ yards just for the periphery before you even started making the grid. I looked at doing this with 3" bias binding and a sewing machine and decided against it - figuring that I wouldn't even live long enough to finish the job.

For a 3" cell size on a 28" box, there are in the region of 80 joints - more with 2" cells.
In your shoes, I'd spend the time photographing your small person and leave the grid construction to someone else.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/56709879@N07/8​427760871/

doidinho wrote in post #15560556
Really nice idea. Might take a couple rolls to make something sturdy enough to last for a few shoots.


If you end up doing it be sure and document the process and do a write up.

I started sewing one a while back, but it was a slow process. In the end I ended up buying another cheap PCB grid. I bet you can make a better one with tape though.

The PDB grids arent high quality? Im going back and forth between the pro studio soluctions strip boxes or the buff ones.

PCB grids are just fine. No problems with mine.

Actual gaffer tape would cost more than a good grid would.

Are you buying gold gaffer tape? 30 yards is 15 bucks.

JakAHearts wrote in post #15561248
Are you buying gold gaffer tape? 30 yards is 15 bucks.

It would take about 30 yards to make the equivalent of the large PCB (not the giant) and thats if you only used one side. If you doubled it up rather than folding it over you would need twice that. Plus the cost of velcro to attach it. I'll pass

JakAHearts wrote in post #15560661
The PDB grids arent high quality? Im going back and forth between the pro studio soluctions strip boxes or the buff ones.

They are made out of cheap materials yes.

First one I had ripped the first time I took it off, so the force it takes to undo the little strip of Velcro is too much for the grid to handle.

I of course sent it right back and got a no hassle refund.

After that I started to sew one but since there at lots of cells it became evident that it would take a really long time to finish, so II aborted the project.

I have sinced purchased another PCB grid. I just take extra precautions when removing the grid now.

doidinho wrote in post #15560556
Really nice idea. Might take a couple rolls to make something sturdy enough to last for a few shoots.

you are right, and a couple of rolls of tape added to the front of the soft box won't be light weight , the problem with most grids is the material used to build them is very heavy or flimsy and weak

i use Lighttools grids and have never looked back, they are very well constructed, light weight and don't sag,the available stretch frames make them simple to put on and remove in seconds

the last thing to consider is the light control, by buying a professionally made grid (real one) you can get the exact degree of light control you are after, no guessing

https://photography-on-the.net …hp?p=12178198&p​ostcount=6

ksbal wrote in post #15560512
Hmm.. I don't know but I'm willing to give it a try on my 28 apollo!

I think it was almost a year ago that I saw Westcott started making these: http://fjwestcott.com …degree-grid-for-28-apollo

For the time spent you might be better off to take a job and use that money to buy one. I can't imagine it taking less than an hour the end result, time spent, and materials cost easily make it not worth it.

Lol. Okok. I'll just buy what I need.

Some of those light tools grids are over five hundrds bucks though.

Some alternate ideas in here: http://www.modelmayhem​.com/po.php?thread_id=​812160