This weeks project is a lightbox. A lightbox is basically a rectangle cabinet that has a light source inside and a plastic or glass surface that emits diffuse light. They are used for pattern tracing by placing the pattern against the diffuser and then laying the target medium over the top.

I started, as usual, by making a basic drawing in SU of how I want it to work. The design needed to include a way to attach an optional foot that will tilt the box and some passive ventilation with the idea that a small fan could be added if needed. I intend to use a pair of CFL bulbs but this may change to tubes after seeing the results.

Here are some pics of the foam mock up and a screen shot from SU. I will be posting the actual skp file after I have completed the project.




Attached files

 

Mark,

This is awesome, In my other hobby of Saltwater Aquariums, this would be the perfect lightbox for a SUMP TANK. I built one myself out of MDF last year. Man it would be so easy to make one on the phlatty, thanks for the inspiration. :mrgreen:

-Peter

 

Thanks for the comments guys.

I have a marine aquarium too mavacpjm71. Mine is just a 74 gallon display with 40 gallon sump but we enjoy it. I am planning a complete hood for my tank (2' x 4') as one these household projects. I built my current one with hand tools a few years ago with 400 watts of lights but it is already warping.

I would like to see more people making random household projects with their PP.

 

Tim, interesting project. I too, would like to see more practical projects. I used to be heavily into tropical fish, but don't have any at the moment. I wonder if there is a correlation between fish and cnc and rc, or something.

-Kwok

 

I wonder if it is the tinker factor. I make parts and changes to the tank all the time and that is why I started it 4 years ago. I built the sump tanks from acrylic and the skimmer from PVC just by visiting the fish stores and seeing how they worked.

 

Yea, it must be the tinker factor. I wasn't heavy into Marine, but did have this one 34 gallon tall tank and I also made a 15 gallon sump for it. When I was a kid, I remember going to the hardware store and buying some scrap plexi. I would cut them up. If you never tryed this, try cutting plexi like you would cut glass. Score a line with a knife (doesn't have to be deep). Then flip it around, kneel on it (maybe wear gloves ) and pull up on the tip. When it breaks sounds like a gunshot, but it's a clean straight break. Then I would lay this stuff up on top of the fish tank to make a cover, and push a soldering iron right through it and it would weld/rivot it together. Well, acrylic is not the best material since it sags over time, but the cover was in use for many years.

-Kwok

 

It's for sure the tinker factor - CNC, RC and Aquariums require a lot of detailed maintenance and management. I believe all 3 are a detail oriented hobby, without detail and patience neither of the 3 will be successful and nurtured. :mrgreen:

 

SWEET Gasmasher. I love my aquariums, love them. A lot of work and maintenance, but the calming effect of an aquarium puts years on your life and soul IMHO. I say we start a household project, that we can all relate too and get inspired to accomplish as a group build. Something we could all use, and would be functional and useful in our lives Any ideas ?

 

I started cutting the 1/4" MDF today. I only finished 6 of the 11 parts but it took a couple of hours to complete the cutting. I used the 1/8" fishtail chipper available in the PhlatBoyz bit kit.



Attached files

 

Thanks guys. It only took 5 passes but the last one was just for cleanup. The param box was set for 1/4" material with 105% overcut and 1/16" mulitpass depth. I cut those parts at 24 ipm but plan to finish the rest at 20 ipm. I have a huge pocket in two parts the plexi will fit in that I may get to tonight if it isn't too noisy.

 

I got home from work too late this week to start up the PP. Tomorrow when the rain rolls in I'll try to finish up cutting the parts. I am finally mounting my driver and power supply today.

 

Looking good Tim, can't wait to see the finished product

 

No, there is going to be a rectange that fits within the lip on the bottom of the box. What looks like an inner box are paths for air to move through but stop light. They should also damp any fan noise if I have to add one.