How to make a simple lightbox

Hi everybody, I'm Carol.  I'm going to show you how to make a simple light box today using Proxxon tools.    These are just the best little tools!

This was an easy project to make.  It is a simple light box.  So, what is a lightbox?  Well let me tell you.   Have you ever needed to copy a pattern, maybe from a photo of some previous work you've done and want to do again but really don't want to take the time and effort to redraw it?  Have you ever tried to hold the picture to the window and try to trace it from that awkward position or worse yet have to use carbon paper?  This lightbox is truly a crafter's friend.  You can literally place any picture or pattern, no matter how dark or light onto the Plexiglas top, slap you paper on top and see it as clearly as if you were looking at the picture.  Trace away.   I have placed 140 Lb watercolor paper over my pattern and was able to see it clear enough to draw all the details. 

The light source I bought from a hardware store.  It was intended to be mounted on a bathroom or kitchen ceiling.  It has extremely bright LED lights, but the cover is flimsy and fragile, hence the need for a box. 

Supplies needed:

Light source. 

Electric wire with plug for outlet   (a switch in line is nice but not necessary)

1 x 4 x 64" pine board  (actual measurement 3/4 x 4 x 64)

cut (2) 16 " lengths and (2) 15" pieces for the sides.

1/4" plywood sheet cut to 16 x 16"

1/4"  plexiglass sheet cut to 15 1/2 x 15 1/2"

Proxxon delta sander with sanding head and cutting head.

Proxxon table saw

Electric drill with 3/8' drill bit

Wood glue

Wood screws

Here is a picture of the light source I chose to use

The first thing I did was cut all the pieces to size as indicated above.   The Proxxon table saw did a really fine job of cutting that heavy Plexiglas

Be sure to put a hole in one of the sides that you will need to run your wire through.  Slide the wire through the hole and connect it to the wires of the light.  Note, I put a knot in the wire on the inside of the box so that if it gets pulled on it won't disconnect where the wires are joined.  Be sure to wrap the connections with electrical tape and or wire nuts to prevent short circuits.  I used both, just because.  Better safe than sorry. 

Now comes the nifty part.  I measured down from the tops of the board sides about 1/2" and made a reference line on all 4 sides.  I made another line 1/4 down from that.   I used the cutting blade on my Proxxon delta sander to cut on the lines about 1/4" deep.  I popped the wood out with a screwdriver leaving a 1/4 wide   and 1/4" deep groove on all four sides.  This is where the Plexiglas will sit.  It takes a little patience but works well. 

Next I inserted the Plexiglas into the slots on all 4 sides then glued the edges of the 15" boards to the face of the 16 " boards and clamped them square.   After this dried I predrilled some screw holes with my rotary tool and secured the sides with wood screws for added strength. 

 

 

I put on the bottom with glue and screws.   Everything gets sanded using my proxxon delta sander.   This tool is so versatile!  Getting into the cracks and corners is a breeze.  No more splinters for me, ever!

I painted it all white then added some green and yellow around the edges just for fun.  I like those colors.  Check out the video to see this light box in action.