Light box vs. Light Table

[girlfelicia]

Earlier this summer I was given a drafting table that had been converted into a light table. Unfortunately, during transportation, the table became unusable, BUT I was able to salvage the light box which I've been using on my work table. I am really "sold" now on using a light box and really want to purchase a bigger one as this one is rather small (I think its 9x12 or something). I've looked at several at this site http://www.draftingtables.com/light-tables-&-boxes/3883+3887.cfm most of which are out of my budget.

My question(s):
1. Are there any other websites that I can check out? I've been googling, but this one seems to come up most often
2. I have space issues, and I think it'd get rather old rather fast if I have to move the box itself when I need the area to cut or something~ can one build a light table that would also be safe to cut on?

What would you suggest as a first time investment?

Here's what my space looks like right now (and actually, I'm thinking of reconfiguring it a bit, so that things are in order of the actual creative process)
The table in the "studio 1" and 3 photos is one long counter that extends the length of the laundry room wall, the "portable" work station is where I have the light box now, then there's a drywall divider and in the garage portion I've got two tables next to each other for the grinder/saw and right next to that is the converted drafting table (which I'll probably get rid of). It still doesn't seem like enough room Thanks!
Felicia

[Gary]

Here's a light box on amazon... (click image to go)

[art]

Here's a light box on amazon... (click image to go)

I'm looking for one too. but don't see the image.

[art]

Sorry... see it now. Guess it to awhile to load.

[Tod B.]

It's very easy to build a basic lightbox from 1 x 6 lumber (or so). I made mine about 2' square and highly recommend 1/4" plate glass for the top.

It's also pretty straight foreword to build a lighted surface into a work bench, depending on the structure under the top if the bench already exists. IMHO, these are things on which very little money should be spent - maybe just the glass. Other supplies include white paint, a lightbulb or two, screws (or nails) and maybe some silicone. Keep it simple! - Tod

[leadlighting]

Hi Girlfelicia,

The easiest and simplest way to make a good light box is get 2 x 2ft lengths of 4" x 2" pieces of timber. Then with a piece of 1/4" glass 2' x 2'6" on top of the 2 4x2 pieces of timber and a lead light with a 100 watt globe under. This will illuminate the cartoon line under the darkest of dark glasses, enabling you to cut the shape. (Of course some glasses are impossible to see through, black glass, mirror and some really dense opals cannot be seen through. In this instance the easiest thing to do is cut a clear glass template as if it was going in the job, trace around it with a fine marking pen and cut on the line - you don't want the piece you want to be smaller than the template.) You can also scour one side of the glass with a drill and a heavy sanding disc, which will diffuse or disperse the light better. Don't use perspex because it will bend.

The advantage of this simple structure is it can easily be stored away so that it doesn't take up bench space.

Cost: next to nothing if you scrounge around.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
John.