Building a table.

[delysid]

I'm building a table, like so:


The green layer is where I'm going to lay bottlecaps side by side, then pour epoxy or similar over.
The bottom part of the table is supposed to be a light box, for drawing. Then the top part can be put on top (hence the pegs) when I'm not using it.
Any advice?

[ratfrink]

Nice diagram, but the annotations are confusing. The arrows should all be at the same angle (or a combination of angles i.e. horizontal, then 35 degrees, then horizontal again) - much easier to read.

Are you going to have a light source under your perspex? A couple of layers of frosted perspex with some fairy lights underneath will give an even glow.

You might not need a light source if the table is going to be facing a window. If it's going to be against a wall, you'll probably want one.

Also, is the table top going to be flat, or tilted towards you slightly? I would recommend tilting it; easier to draw on. Remember to put a lip on the bottom edge so your pens don't roll away.

[delysid]

I've got an old desk lamp with a clamp which needs using, so I'm just going to clamp it to one of the legs then point it upward. Although the fairy lights idea sounds good.
The table will be flat, I don't have much space where I'm living for a full size lightbox, which is why I'm doing the combo thing.

[Kwinnie Bogan]

Take it from a draftsman (...and the rest), what Frinks said about the diagram and it's leaders is critical if you want to give us clearest communication of your ideas in the future.

If the bottlecaps are side by side in the bottom layer with epoxy over top, you could probably save yourself the cost of the second and larger sheet of Perspex (as well as its weight) by leaving it off. You can use a clear epoxy to fill in around the bottlecaps and maybe what 6-7mm over the top of the caps if you have the depth about 12mm thickness of frame, and just throw epoxy sealer over the timber too. If it hardens nicely once it's cured it'll be a much better solution in my opinion than heavy, expensive, incredibly scratchable, and most importantly redundant Perspex.

If the desk lamp is the flouro tune variety that would work very well, best if diffused with something like etched Perspex for the light box top as Frinks said, or a semi opaque (milky white) sheet, and some distance between it's underside and the flouro tube/s. I guess you've got room to figure that out.

Following on from Frinks vital recommendations, you might also want two make sure one side of the light box is as square as possible, and smooth finished without any protrusions, if you can swing it without it being any problem at all. This means that if at some point down the road you want to use a T square for running a pencil OR a blade along, you've got it sorted.

[delysid]

Thanks a lot, I'm still in the planning stage, also collecting bottlecaps, almost done.
I'll post another clearer picture of the diagram w/ dimensions etc once it's ready.

[Kwinnie Bogan]

It may not be that expensive for you, but I just assume the smallest budget when there's none provided. We DO understand the diagram, just offering tips in case next time you have something not so simple to figure out.

It is great that you've taken the time that the majority don't. I wouldn't have bothered posting if I didn't see that you give enough of a shit that you'll spend a while planning and drawing your concept.

What kind of bottle caps, and placed in no order of origin/date/colour/beverage? Assorted beer tops appeals to me, what has got your interest?

[delysid]

Originally Posted by Kwinnie Bogan

What kind of bottle caps, and placed in no order of origin/date/colour/beverage? Assorted beer tops appeals to me, what has got your interest?

Mostly just bumming around on the internet, stumbled upon a picture of one, then watched a few youtube videos. Came across this, and then I really wanted to make one.

Amazing Bottle Cap Poker Table - YouTube

Amazing Bottle Cap Poker Table - YouTube
Video: click to display

And I'm just going to use mixed bottle caps, I've been buying beer for the caps, rather than the taste. Found loads of good drinks in the process.

[Spatula Tzar]

For the best light table, use an LCD television. You can pick them up for free if they have a cracked screen. Take out the actual LCD and polarizing filters, and you're left with a very bright, very evenly diffused light panel. Chances are the audio part will still work, too.

Instead of buying beer solely for the bottle caps, ask a bartender. I'm sure they'll let you get rid of their garbage for them.

[Spatula Tzar]

For the best light table, use an LCD television. You can pick them up for free if they have a cracked screen. Take out the actual LCD and polarizing filters, and you're left with a very bright, very evenly diffused light panel. Chances are the audio part will still work, too.

Instead of buying beer solely for the bottle caps, ask a bartender. I'm sure they'll let you get rid of their garbage for them.

[Mutant Funk Drink]

I don't really have any input, but it sounds like a neat project!

[delysid]

Originally Posted by Spatula Tzar

For the best light table, use an LCD television. You can pick them up for free if they have a cracked screen. Take out the actual LCD and polarizing filters, and you're left with a very bright, very evenly diffused light panel. Chances are the audio part will still work, too.

Instead of buying beer solely for the bottle caps, ask a bartender. I'm sure they'll let you get rid of their garbage for them.

I'll give it a try.

[Kwinnie Bogan]

Originally Posted by Spatula Tzar

Instead of buying beer solely for the bottle caps, ask a bartender. I'm sure they'll let you get rid of their garbage for them.

Shhhhh. Don't discourage him trying a range of new beers! What are yaaa!?


..apart from brilliant.