How To Build A Quick DIY Light Box

Matt BoleyUpdated: Dec. 17, 2021

Make this perfect light box for sketching in an afternoon. The best part is you don’t have to do any electrical work, because it works with off-the-shelf LED strips. Learn how to make a light box for tracing with these easy to follow plans.

Time

A few hours

Complexity

Beginner

Introduction

With just a couple hours, some 1x4, 1/4-in. plywood, some plexiglas, and a cheap LED light strip, you can have a homemade light box for tracing and art projects. Let's get started!

Tools Required

dado stack
Drill
Miter saw
Table saw
Utility

Materials Required

1/4-in. Plywood (2 x 4 ft.)
1x4 board (8 ft.)
Foil tape
Frosted Plexiglas (18 x 24 in.)
Plug-In LED Tape Light (10 ft.)

Cutting List

Project step-by-step (7)

Step 1

Rip dadoes into the sides

Cut 3/8-in. dadoes into 1×4 stock, 1/4-in. from each edge.

Step 2

Cut sides to length

Cut the 1×4 board into two 24-3/4-in.-long boards and two 17-1/4-in. long boards. Cut the ¼-in. plywood to 18×24 in.

Step 3

Create a reflective surface

Attach the foil tape to the interior of the side boards and plywood.

Step 4

Drill the cord hole

Drill a 1/2-in. hole, 2 in. from the end of one of the long sides, to feed the power cord out.

Step 5

Fasten the box together

Assemble three sides of the box with the plywood in place and fasten it together with screws.

Step 6

String the lights

Tape down the LED lights to the plywood bottom and feed the end through the 1/2-in. hole in the side.

Step 7

Add the frosted plexiglas

Slide in the frosted glass and fasten the last side with screws. Start tracing!

Originally Published: June 17, 2019