Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/01/25
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]George Hartzell wrote: >I found a drafting table that someone had converted into a light table >by replacing the top with some kind of very hokey (slightly scary) >fluorescent fixture. > >I'd like to do it right, with the goal of a nice evenly lit properly >color balanced built in light table. I know better than to try to >build such a thing from Home Depot parts,>>>> >Any suggestions?>>>>> Hi George, The home depot route is a piece of cake. And a heck of a lot cheaper. Go to a used electrical shop, pick-up a working four tube four foot flourecent unit. For light source, buy (new) daylight balanced tubes or "cool white" are pretty good. You'll need a switch to turn it on or off, some electrical connecting cord long enough to reach an outlet. A used 6 ft folding table, 2 pieces of 6' X 6" X 1" pine boards, 2 pieces 4' X 6" X 1". Some nails and a hammer to nail them together. This box sits on the table and the lamp fixture sits on the table facing up. Paint the inside of the box and the table white....more reflective surface. Go to a "commercail plastic" shop, have them cut a piece of 1/8th inch translucent white plastic to fit exactly on top of your box. Assemble box first to make sure you have exactly the right fit. While at the lumber shop for the wood to build the box, pick-up some 1/2" corner moulding, small nails to hold it to the box after the palstic is in place. Once you have this assembled you have a very good, safe and not the least bit hokey light table for next to nothing compared to buying a store bought one. There are any number of variations you can make as well as sizes in relation to the flourecent tubes and all very economically. We've put then together in a few hours with a couple of buddies who wanted a cheap light table. Then I have a simple and very efficient metal "film drying" cabinet that you can put together for about $25.00! Including metal cabinet, switch, cord and 2 hair dryers! :) It's just as efficient as the $700-$800 dyers and it hangs 36 exposure rolls without a wrinkle. But then that's another story. :) ted Ted Grant This is Our Work. The Legacy of Sir William Osler. http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant