Introduction: Retro Lightbox (Customizable)

By https://mightynozzle.com
About: I like to create things to save money and time. Wherever possible, I try to use aspects of ecological design. As a full-time software developer and pragmatic solution designer my focus is on the creation of cu…

This is a customizable thing, where you can print your own retro lightbox. These boxes normally costs >20 bucks, a printed one costs me about 5 dollar.

I've also added the two lightboxes as .stl files each with two different fonts that I'm using in the first picture.

The lid as well as the letter plates are chamfered. So you are able to slide the letter plates into the rails of the lid. After that you can slide the lid into the rails of the box. This ensures that these parts don't fall out.

Step 1: Needed Parts and Tools

Tools:

  • 3d printer
  • hot glue gun

Software:

  • OpenSCAD or Customizer to customize the lightbox and generate the .stl file
  • Slicer of your choice

Parts:

  • printed box, lid and the letter plates you want to use

Light sources:

I've bought and tested following lights from Banggood:

For a small lightbox:

For a medium lightbox:

For a big lightbox:

Attachments

Step 2: Insert the LED Light

Use some hot glue to place the led bulbs to the bottom and also fix the cable that way, otherwise the light isn't that homogeneously as you wish.

Step 3: Check the Lighting

If you are using a LED strip instead, you can glue it along the inner side of the box.

After gluing the LED, slide the lid on the lightbox to check the overall lightning.

Step 4: Slide the Letter Plates In.

Remove the lid from the box and insert the letter plates. Slide the lid back on the lightbox.

Step 5: Thats It!

This Lightbox is enrolled in "First Time Author Contest" and if you like this instructable, feel free to vote for it.

Step 6: How to Support Me?

Do you like my things and do you want to support me? You can use these links if you want to buy something. This helps me doing more things. Thanks!