Home made light boxes for fusible applique process

[Kate B.]

:?: Does anyone out there in quilterworld have any suggestion on how to create a light box. I thought this would be the best source.

I'm tired of taping things to the window and then taping the fusible web to the window.. :? :?

Please let me know
Thanks
Kate

[Kate B.]

I have a glass-topped table on my 3-season porch. I simply take the shade off a small, portable lamp and put it on the floor under the table, then tape down the pattern and the web on top of the table. Another idea I've seen is to take an old window and balance it across the seats or backs of two chairs with a light source underneath. Lastly, I know a woman who spreads apart the two ends of her dining room table (no leaves used) and puts a sheet of glass across the opening, with the small lamp underneath. Hope that gives you some ideas!

[Frances L.]

Look under Alex's classes for the Hand Quilting #16. It shows a picture of her set-up. I also remember someone on the forum saying they turn 4 coffee mugs upside down and put a big square ruler on top of them and a small light underneath.

[Paula D.]

Don't remember where I've seen it, but one of the notable quilt teachers out there suggested turning a plastic bin upside down and placing an inexpensive flourescent light inside. The bin should be large but shallow. I think I remember about 8 inches deep or so, to get the most out of the light. Gives you a large workspace as well. (Like one of those under-the-bed plastic storage bins). Caryl Fallert comes to mind - I could be wrong. HEY!! LETS GET CARYL ON THE SHOW, GUYS!!

[Paula D.]

I went to the home improvement store and bought a long utility light with a flat bottom so it sits on the table and a replacement picture frame piece of glass. I set the glass on four items (like coffee cups) that are a bit taller than the light and I'm good to go! The whole set up cost me about $15.00.

[Paula D.]

I made one out of a clear plastic bin / tub / sweater box works ... about 8 inches deep. I turn it over my light source ... a flatten Ott Light, ( any light that fits under the box can be used ) stretched out to full length. I modified one of the sides to fit over the cord.... I always make sure to close off the light when not being used. It does not seem to get over warm but I like to be cautious.


Everything was made from things I already have with minimal modifications. Plus each item has more than one use...

The bin carries my current project and equipment...I can take to classes easily.

The light is used for sewing...

The cost is inexpensive since I have everything....


HOPE THIS HELPS

[Wanda M.]

My DH made mine. He made a wood box, with a small slant to the top. I have a piece of plexiglass for the top. I purchased the light (an undercabinet light) from Home Depot. It's perfect. He made it to my specifications, so it's large enough to work on an 18 inch block.

[Judith T.]

If you have an acrylic table extender for your sewing machine, slide the Ott light under that. Judy in AZ

[Judith T.]

I made mine from an old computer scanner...works great! I was using my Barbie/Skipper tracing table that I got for Christmas when I was 8 years old, long long ago. Even in those days I loved to design :-) I could never part with it and never will.

Sylvia

[Judith T.]

Mine's an old scanner also. DH put it together for me. He put a little florescent light with a switch inside. I was thinking that those rope lights or white Christmas lights would work too.
Sherry

[Patti P.]

I have a store bought light box but I also scan my picture in and use my monitor to trace. I got that idea from TQS member BrinkofNorway last year.

[Judy M.]

I have a store-bought light box, too. It's great for small projects, but not for larger ones. I like the idea of the bin turned upside down. I think with any of the techniques, just make sure the light doesn't get so hot that it heats the surface too much. I had that problem with a home made light box years ago. The woman's husband had it wired for regular light bulbs and the surface got very hot! :shock: Speaking of lights--I took a class from Sally Collins and she gave this tip from one of her students. If you don't have enough light on your sewing machine needle area, open your Ott task light completely flat and place it sideways onto the bed of the machine, with the base sitting on a few books behind the machine. I used mine with my Featherweight and it works great!

[Judy M.]

I went to a glass cutting place and had them cut an acrylic piece the size of the opening in the top of my Horn cabinet. (Where the machine sits.) I remove the sewing machine, lower the sewing machine shelf to its lowest position, put a small light onto the shelf, then I cover the opening at the top with the piece of acrylic. It fits perfect giving me a flat work surface. Not only does it work as a good light table it also gives me the whole cabinet top (with the extender opened) to lay my stuff on. (I hope I explained it right.)

Connie