Easy DIY Light Table

topic posted Sun, February 25, 2007 - 8:08 PM by  Alan
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I had a hard time researching this topic, so when I finally built my light table I was very proud of the results. I know how frustrating it is, so I'll share the info. I just made a home made exposure unit from stuff i bought around town. My exposure time is 6 min. I used 4 40 watt black light bulbs (Not black light Blue bulbs, like you see at some stoner's house.) These bulbs look just like regular fluorescent, but do not have the 'visible light' filterers that make black lights that deep violet color. I found them at a local lighting supply distributor. They cost about $11 each. You can find a fixture that holds 4 40 watt bulbs and includes the ballasts and light diffuser screen for $40 at Lowe's. Then I just built a box and stand, and put a piece of glass over it. You can get a piece of glass cut at any glass / window place. the dimensions i needed were 23 3/4" x 37 3/4" (the same as the outer dimensions of the fixture i bought). Then I just cut a cheap extension cord and wired it up with a light switch. It works great.
posted by:
Alan
Los Angeles
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  • Re: Easy DIY Light Table

    Sat, March 24, 2007 - 1:24 AM
    What benefit does the light diffuser offer? I just built a unit of my own, but was wondering what the purpose of the diffuser was. is it essential?
    • Re: Easy DIY Light Table

      Fri, April 6, 2007 - 9:35 PM
      I don't think the diffuser is really that necessary. It just helps evenly distribute the light over the image so some parts don't get more exposure than others. I haven't tried withuot it to see if there's a difference.
  • Re: Easy DIY Light Table

    Sat, March 24, 2007 - 12:32 PM
    a good & cheap way to increase the usable light output from your fluoro tubes is to get some reflective mylar from a hydroponic supply place and gaff tape it to the metal reflector part of the fixture and the inside of your table, right on up to the glass. that should cut your exposure times by at least 25%.

    the mylar is pretty cheap, and reflects about 97% of the light that hits it.

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