How to Make a Light Box for an Applique
Creating applique patterns for quilting or crafts requires good light. Instead of tracing applique patterns against your monitor screen, try using a light box. Commercially available light boxes or light tables can sell for more than $300.00. This project will show you how you can build your own inexpensive and attractive light box. The parts are all readily available from your local craft and hardware stores.
Things You'll Need
- 15-by-18-by-2 1/2 inch wooden display box with clear acrylic lid and removable dividers
- Safety glasses
- Power drill with 1/2-inch bit and Phillips screwdriver bit
- 6 watt fluorescent fixture kit (9 3/8 inches long) containing:
- Fluorescent fixture
- 2 stainless steel mounting clips and 2 wood screws
- 6-foot plug-in power cord
- Ribbed acrylic cover
- End-to-end connector
- 6-inch cable inter-connector
- Long-life fluorescent lamp
Instructions
-
-
1
Open the wooden display box and take out the removable dividers.
-
2
Put on your safety glasses and put the 1/2-inch bit in the drill. Chuck it down tight with the chuck key that is attached to the drill's power cord.
-
-
3
Drill a 1/2-inch hole near the back left corner of the wooden box. This is for the power cord to go through.
-
4
Open the box and place the lamp in the center. Trace around the lamp body with a pencil and then take the lamp back out of the box.
-
5
Remove the 1/2-inch bit from the drill and attach the Phillips screwdriver bit. Chuck it down tight using the chuck key as you did earlier.
-
6
Place one of the mounting clips on the left end of the outline you drew. With the clip pointed up, use the drill to screw the clip onto the bottom of the box. Repeat this step to attach the clip on the other side of the outline you drew earlier.
-
7
Plug the power cord into the lamp and feed the other end of the cord through the hole drilled in the side.
-
8
Press the body of the lamp into the mounting clips. Now your lamp is installed. Plug it in and turn on the lamp with the switch on the side of the lamp body. Close the lid and you are ready to use your light box.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
For even better quality light, replace the fluorescent tube with a daylight tube of the same size.
Always wear eye protection when using power tools. Safety is always job number one.
