Another DIY light box, with build and test pics

chartbin wrote in post #2945697
I got my 500W worklights for about $15 at Home Depot

sears has the craftsman 2 setting 250/500w worklights for $10 each

I had a go at this today for the first time. I don't think they are to bad. There is an 'orrible brown cast which I think is from the uncovered 'roof' of the soft box, perhaps if I cover the whole of the inside with white paper it will be better. I haven't had time to experiment with different settings and exposures etc today, so hopefully another session solely committed to this will improve things. Great fun nevertheless.

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Well, went out and picked up the 500 watt lights today ($8.97 per at Wal-Mart), but had a Helluva' time finding the easel paper. In fact, I never did. When I asked for it at Michael's, they looked at me like I had two heads. They had some white craft paper, on a roll, and some tissue paper, so I bought that, as well.

I've got some foam core pieces already, so I think I may try building with those. The craft paper is a bit wider than the easel paper and, frankly, I don't have a box wide enough for the paper.

As for a reflective surface for inside the base of the box, where can one go to get a nice, thin sheet of glass or plexiglass that will fit inside of a light box?

Head back to Micheal's. In the framing dept. ask for single strength or 1/8 inch frame glass.

Steve, I had a hard time with the easel paper as well (I got the same response that you got at Michaels, LOL.)
You can get an HUGE roll of freezer paper (butcher paper) at Wal Mart. Works perfectly.

tomd wrote in post #2952747
Head back to Micheal's. In the framing dept. ask for single strength or 1/8 inch frame glass.

Cool; thanks!

cfpackerfan wrote in post #2952749
Steve, I had a hard time with the easel paper as well (I got the same response that you got at Michaels, LOL.)
You can get an HUGE roll of freezer paper (butcher paper) at Wal Mart. Works perfectly.

Butcher paper?

Freezer paper?

Never woulda' though of those.

What section did you find it in?

Steve Parr wrote in post #2952807
Butcher paper?

Freezer paper?

Never woulda' though of those.

What section did you find it in?

It is in the plastic wrap/ aluminum foil/ ziploc baggie section of the store.

Edit: make sure you get the white, not the brown.

cfpackerfan wrote in post #2952829
It is in the plastic wrap/ aluminum foil/ ziploc baggie section of the store.

Edit: make sure you get the white, not the brown.

Right on; thanks!

I got the sides cut and covered last night. I used two sheets of white tissue paper to cover the holes (which are 15X15"). Not sure if I'll keep that or use something else, though.

The other thing I have to do is fine white tape. I was thinking of some type of medical tape, but I'm pretty sure Lowe's sells painter's tape in a bunch of different colors...

Steve Parr wrote in post #2954723
Right on; thanks!

I got the sides cut and covered last night. I used two sheets of white tissue paper to cover the holes (which are 15X15"). Not sure if I'll keep that or use something else, though.

The other thing I have to do is fine white tape. I was thinking of some type of medical tape, but I'm pretty sure Lowe's sells painter's tape in a bunch of different colors...

I found clear/white duct tape at Staples. Painters tape would help if you want your box to be taken down easily.

I had another go at this today with some coloured paper. The red proved a bit easier than the black. I really struggled with getting a good solid black and the object exposed correctly. Any ideas please.

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cowboylife wrote in post #2954958
I found clear/white duct tape at Staples. Painters tape would help if you want your box to be taken down easily.

That's what I'm going for. The box won't exactly be "small", so it'll be nice to be able to set it up and break it down quickly.

Okay, so freezer paper, painter's tape, glass, one more piece of foam core, and I should be good to go...

heres my shot.....It sux! hahaha

I think i need better paper and brighter lights. I was only uding 2 60watt bulbs

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Hi Tom...those aren't bad at all.
A couple things though....

I can see the creases in your paper...
and you need to clean your sensor.

Looks really good Freff!