How to Build a Light Box

My light box made from a converted shadow box.

However you use it, a light box essentially exists as a tracing tool and can be an invaluable asset to a craft room or studio. By converting a shadow box into a light box much of the hard part is done and you'll have a large surface to work with.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden shadow box, 12 inch by 16 inch and 3 inches or more deep
• Screwdriver
• Ruler
• Vinyl tape, 1/8 inch wide
• Glass-etching solution
• Gloves
• Protective eye-wear
• Paintbrush
• Pencil
• 1 by 1 by 36 inch piece of wood
• Saw
• Drill
• Wood glue
• Lamp cord with controls on cord
• 2-hole strap to fit lamp housing
• Screws to fit the holes in the strap
• Low-wattage bulb

Instructions

Prepare the Glass

1. 

   Remove the screws holding the glass in place in the shadowbox.

2. Clean the top surface of the glass.

3. 

   Brush on a thick layer of etching solution and wait the time indicated on the bottle before carefully rinsing it off.

4. When finished, replace the glass in the shadow box.

Prepare the Box

1. 

   Measure the shortest inside distance of your shadowbox.

2. Cut your 1-by-1 to to this measurement.

3. 

   Place the two-hole strap and lamp housing where it will go on the 1-by-1 and mark the openings.

4. 

   Drill a starter hole at each mark for the strap.

5. Apply wood glue to the ends of the 1-by-1 and put the 1-by-1 in place and let dry. This will hold the wood in place during the next steps.

6. 

   Drill a hole through the side of the shadow box and into the 1-by-1. Repeat on the other side and screw the 1-by-1 into place.

7. 

   Replace the lamp housing and strap on the 1-by-1, lining it up with the drilled holes and screw into place.

8. 

   Decide where you want your cord to come from and drill a notch large enough for the cord to fit through so your box doesn't rock as you work.

9. 

   Add the light bulb and you are finished!

Tips & Warnings

• Most light boxes use milky glass to reduce glare, etching or frosting serves the same purpose.

• Before etching your glass chemically, create a stencil of a ruler for one or more edges of your glass with vinyl tape so that these markings are visible after the etching solution is washed off.

• Many light boxes are set at an angle to make working at it easier. You can leave the box flat so that you can use it both long and tall, depending on the size of the project.

• If you are serving colorful cocktails at your next party, place them on the light box for a neat effect.

• Follow all safety precautions on your etching solution bottle: wear strong gloves and eye protection when working with the chemicals, avoid inhaling any of the fumes and clean up all surfaces safely and quickly once you're finished.

• Follow all safety precautions when using power tools.

• Do not leave the light box on while unattended and use the lowest wattage bulbs you can find to reduce the risk of fire hazard.