Light Box

I needed a light box for tracing airfoils from kites (among other things).
I had some old fluorescent lights and of all things a recessed skylight box housing thing that looked perfect for the job.

Step 1: Find a Fluorescent Bulb

and associated ballast, rip the things apart to get the pieces you need.

Step 2: Wire to Test Power.

here i am wiring it up and placing it in box to see if there is going to be enough light to illuminate my pages and kites.

Step 3: Test Light in Box

must test to make sure it will do what i want.

Step 4: Put a White Bottom on the Box.

for more reflection. i had some old white laminex covered wood which seems perfect.

Step 5: Add Switch Housing

for the on off switches. i'm adding 3 switches in case i need to put more lights in later.

Step 6: Wiring It Up

i actually added a second fluorescent. as you can see it is not much good. you'll be able to figure out how to make more if you need em.

Step 7: Feet for Bottom of Box.

i had these scraps of round timber left over from another project. simply woodscrewed into bottom.

Step 8: Housing the Translucent Plastic on Front.

i had some old framing timber with a recessed edge perfect for holding the plastic in place.

Step 9: Useability Testing.

well, does it work?