making my own lightbox help please?

[James_dubern]

sorry, not sure why those links don’t work; try these.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/putneypal … pg&.src=ph

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/putneypal … pg&.src=ph

[David Rogers]

1. if i use 50% translucency opal acrylic, what’s the min. thickness i should use.
Stick with 3mm – most plastic companies hold this as standard.

2. how deep do i need to make the lightbox..presumably you can’t put the acryliic too close to the light source.
You can get away with 50mm with the correct lighting, but 75mm as a minimum may be better for you.

3. will one of those 15 watt undercounter kitchen striplights be okay?
In short – no. You’ll need a LOT more light & a more evenly distributed source. If you can get the ULTRA slim tubes & holders you can keep the profile shallow – but buy ‘gear trays’ if possible – (it’s the guts of the holders) from an electrical factors. I’ve seen backlit poster cases with up to 7 tubes for the size you’re aiming for to provide an even glow. A cheat to stop bars of light from showing (for you) would be to put the lights hard into the sides (x4).

4. if i hand cut acetate for the lettering, any suggestion on glue that won’t show up/block the light.
Give your design to your local sign shop for cutting in translucent vinyl – or if you are determined to hand cut – ask for some offcuts of vinyl. It’s self adhesive and purpose designed for the job. OR, have it PRINTED on clear vinyl and then ‘just’ lay it over the opal.

Hope this helps a little. It’s not exactly going to be a cheap project to build at home!

[James_dubern]

Cheers David, that’s perfect.