A very simple light box for checking seams

Ideas for (DIY) shop made tools -- save money and add to the enjoyment
Dave Bagwill
Posts: 5951
Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:44 pm

A very simple light box for checking seams

Post by Dave Bagwill » Sat Mar 05, 2016 9:00 pm

Either it is the dt's (but I don't drink) or old age (but I'm not....oops) but holding two thin top pieces together long enough to get a real good sight picture against a strong light is becoming a hassle. So whilst I was shopping at the Wal-Mart today I picked up a $5 light bar designed for under-counter use. Comes with a switch and all. Threw together a box of mdf and made a slit to look through, using hardboard scraps.
Works like a charm and will disclose any sloppy jointing and has the benefit that I can mark the offending areas with a light pencil so I don't have to try and remember exactly where they are.
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John Link
Posts: 800
Joined: Tue Nov 27, 2012 8:01 pm
Location: Kalamazoo, MI

Re: A very simple light box for checking seams

Post by John Link » Sat Mar 05, 2016 10:35 pm

Good idea. Better than getting an eye transplant.
John

Dave Bagwill
Posts: 5951
Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:44 pm

Re: A very simple light box for checking seams

Post by Dave Bagwill » Sat Mar 05, 2016 11:53 pm

I'm going to be jointing and joining that torrefied Sitka tomorrow, the stuff that Brian Burns tested. I've got the fish glue that is recommended, and which I will be warming to around 140 degrees (hat tip to Ken Cierp) . It was watching this guy that got me thinking I'd better look MUCH closer at my joints. He's not using a light, but this box should eliminate any question.
Attachments
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Kevin in California
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Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2011 4:19 pm

Re: A very simple light box for checking seams

Post by Kevin in California » Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:06 pm

Dave that is a great idea, hang it on the wall for a convenience. When you start manufacturing them I'll take one.

Dave Bagwill
Posts: 5951
Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:44 pm

Re: A very simple light box for checking seams

Post by Dave Bagwill » Mon Mar 07, 2016 1:07 am

Hanging is a good idea! In this context of course.

I plan on making about a dozen of these out of old-growth BRW, you are first on the list. Send the down payment asap. Herman, you too!
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Herman
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Location: Arnhem area, the Netherlands
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Re: A very simple light box for checking seams

Post by Herman » Mon Mar 07, 2016 9:23 am

No need Dave. Anja has this tight glow-in-the-dark suit. Together we can check seams for hours!
Herman

Tim Benware
Posts: 1489
Joined: Thu Dec 22, 2011 1:22 pm
Location: Asheboro, NC

Re: A very simple light box for checking seams

Post by Tim Benware » Mon Mar 07, 2016 9:45 am

Herman wrote:No need Dave. Anja has this tight glow-in-the-dark suit. Together we can check seams for hours!
Herman
Hahahahahahahhahahahahhahahhahahhahahahhahahahah!
I've "Ben-Had" again!
Tim Benware
Creedmoor, NC

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