Woodworking Plans

For the longest time I have wanted a light table. It''ll never go back. They have a thousand + 1 uses.

This can be built as simply or as complex as you are comfortable. All you really need is a light source, a box, and a transparent top.

Woodworking Planshow to Woodworking Plans for Supplies:

Box- buy one or build one. I used Oak for my box.

Tempered glass top: I purchased mine from IKEA- it was meant to be a kitchen table top.

Light fixtures. I used 2- 4 foot-T8 Fluorescent lights.

Depending on how fancy you want to get: additional electrical hardware (I installed an outlet and switch)

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Add a Teacher Note to share the 1 last update 09 Jul 2020 how you incorporated it into your lesson.Teachers! Did you use this instructable in your classroom?
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I sized the box so that my piece of glass would fit flush with the sides and leave enough room for the fixtures. After some research, 12-14 inches deep is ideal to diffuse and the 1 last update 2020/07/09 spread out the light. I sized the box so that my piece of glass would fit flush with the sides and leave enough room for the fixtures. After some research, 12-14 inches deep is ideal to diffuse and spread out the light.

I chose to miter the ends and use biscuits for reinforcement. The bottom of the box sits in a dado that adds rigidity.

Depending on the type of light you choose, you may need a significant amount of ventilation. This air circulation will allow the box to stay cool while you work.

I was going to drill holes for this, but decided to cut a pattern into the sides of the light table. This looks amazing, but I have to say- I''s handy to have a power source to grind the glass and solder it right on the light table. I decided to wire the table so it has a switch and an outlet.

Woodworking Planshow to Woodworking Plans for I cut 2 openings in the front and installed electrical boxes. One box housed the outlet, and the other the ON/OFF switch. I used an appliance cord and wired the lights to the switch. When the lights in the table are turned ON, the outlet has power.

While cutting an opening for the appliance cord, some of the leaves broke out the side. Luckily, they were able to be glued back in place with no problems.

DISCLAIMER: DO NOT attempt any electrical rewiring unless you have the knowledge and skills to do so.

Woodworking Planshow to Woodworking Plans for In building this light table, I needed to use what the 1 last update 2020/07/09 I had on hand. I was trying to think of a way to use the table without taking up too much space. I thought it would be convenient if it could fold flat against the wall when not in use. In building this light table, I needed to use what I had on hand. I was trying to think of a way to use the table without taking up too much space. I thought it would be convenient if it could fold flat against the wall when not in use.

To achieve this, I installed a long screw at the back of each side of the light table. I then took shelf hardware and cut off the long section, drilled a hole and cut a notch into the hardware. This way, the light table can be installed on an existing shelf system I had and fold flat for storage.

Because the table folds flat for storage, I needed a way to ensure the glass top didn''s HUGE! But it takes up almost NO space flat against the wall.