DIY Spiderlite

[Darren Mathews]

After the plethora of tips, tricks, tuts and the like on the web, which have been of tremendous help as I tinker with my new hobby. I thought it could return the favor and share my latest DIY creation.

For what it's worth, I built my own Spiderlite, DIY style. If you care to have a look, feel free.

http://www.sanddlife.com/2010/06/29/diy-spiderlite

[TFord.LTTP]

It's a shame I, and most people probably, don't have the resources or know how to really do that with the metal because I think the idea is solid though I'd add the individual light controls the commercial one has if I was going that far. There's gotta be a way to DIY one of these that isn't excessively hard or expensive.

[Darren Mathews]

Fortunately, I have access to a metalsmith at work who is kind enough to accommodate my hobby.

Another design idea for this that could reduce the amount of metal work would be the following.

Instead of using a metal rod to mount the shoot-thru umbrella in the middle, just use a normal umbrella swivel atop a light stand. Screw a flat bracket to the back instead of the rod I used mounted with screws instead of welding. I think you could do this entire light without welding of any kind, just use small bolts and washers to hold it together. Not hard, just imagination.

As for adding light control like the 'pro' models, I could have easily added a second/third/forth switch. $2 each.

Cost: much cheaper than pro models, and for DIYers, there's a certain satisfaction knowing you can build something very 'similar' to what you can buy and get about the same results.

[candleman]

nice effort

the 2nd/3rd/4th switch would have been nice..
a dimmer would be better.. but i dont think thats possible with flourescents.