Homemade Lightbox

This weekend took a piece of plexiglass and cut it to fit into the opening of my sewing table; turning my sewing table into a lightbox when I need one.  Below are the pictures of how I did it in case you want to try.

First you need a piece of plexiglass.  I was lucky enough to get a scrap from work that was big enough.  The plexiglass has blue film on both sides to prevent scratches.

I took a piece of freezer paper – because it was wide – and laid it over the opening on my table.  I marked the corners and used my quilting rulers to draw out a perfect square.  I taped this template over the plexiglass.

The tools I used and my workstation (see the safety glasses?  The nail files were for sanding, I didn’t have sandpaper and I didn’t feel like going to the store).  I used a circular saw to cut the plexiglass and a grinder to round the corners.

Once you have it cut and you have tested the size, sand your edges smooth.  Then you can peel off the blue film and clean it.

 Tip – I could have cut the piece bigger and just laid it over the opening when I needed to use it, but I wanted a flat surface to work on as well; plus this idea didn’t hit me until later.

Now I had to figure out how to suspend it in the open space.  I had some pegs left over from some shelves.  So I drilled some holes and stuck them in.

Fit perfectly

Next I mounted a light underneath.  I bought this light at Lowe’s for under $20.

Viola!!!  I now have a lightbox.

When I want to use it , I lower my machine and place the piece of plexiglass on top.

I think I am going to add another light.  The lights I bought link together so it should be easy and the one light is not quite bright enough.

Tags: Sewing Table