Storing unexposed MakeScreens
Undeveloped MakeScreens are light-sensitive and degrade quickly in temperatures over 90°F.
Stored in its original black bag in the refrigerator, it should last about a year.
Undeveloped MakeScreens can tolerate a few minutes of exposure
to light levels found in typical homes as long as it’s kept several feet away
from artificial light sources and is protected from direct sunlight.
Minimize exposures to fluorescent tubes and sunlight before developing.
Illuminate working area with a 60 watts or less yellow bug light if additional
working time is required. | |
| |
Build a light table
|
|
|
What you’ll need to make the light table
- Light fixture:
Two 20-watt double fluorescent light tube fixtures measuring 24" long with
cords and plugs. (If you don’t want to re-wire the fixtures yourself, ask if the
store will re-wire up them for you).
- Bulbs:
All of the following tubes will work, but the exposure times vary.
Fluorescent Light Table Exposure Times
using two 20-watt bulbs approximately 1.5"-2" from MakeScreensTM |
Full Spectrum tubes |
Transparency |
4 minutes |
20-lb white paper |
14 minutes |
Daylight tubes |
Transparency |
6 minutes |
20-lb white paper |
24 minutes |
Cool White tubes |
Transparency |
14 minutes |
20-lb white paper |
40 minutes |
- Clear Top:
Plexiglass (1/4" thick) for top measuring 14” x 28”
- PVC pipe framework:
- Two 12.5" lengths 3/4" pipe for short sides of table
- Two 25” lengths 3/4" pipe for long sides sides of table
- Four 3/4" x 3/4" x 1/2" side outlet elbows with
a 1/2" threaded opening for corners
- Four 4" lengths of 1/2" threaded nipples for legs
PVC piping comes in various lengths and will probably require
cutting. If your hardware store won’t cut it for you,
you can purchase a ratchet action PVC pipe cutter that
cuts up to 1” diameter pipe for under $10.
Total cost of materials to construct the frame is approximately $21.
Light fixtures and bulbs are additional. |
|
Assemble the light table
|
|
|
|