need help to build my lights.

[spankey]

i am trying to build a frame to hold my cfl lights and build a reflecter.

i have 2 of these i need some ideas on how to build the frame and a reflecter to fit in my cabinet. for the base frame can i use wood.

[attachment=o117660]

and what do i do for a reflecter?

Please Help

spankey Reviewed by spankey on 02-08-2007. need help to build my lights. i am trying to build a frame to hold my cfl lights and build a reflecter. i have 2 of these i need some ideas on how to build the frame and a reflecter to fit in my cabinet. for the base frame can i use wood. and what do i do for a reflecter? Please Help Rating: 5

[divestoned]

an A frame (swingset style) light frame.then i might try my local sheet metal shop for materials or have them create me a hood.

[spankey]

ok heere is the frame to hold the lights i designed

[attachment=o118247]

i will be made of wood i am using 3/8 thick pices.
i lights used are the ones in the photo above not the 4 bulb one shown.

i am still trying to perfect the reflecter. i will be using cardboard with emergengy blanket glued th the board for reflection. also the wood froam will be wraped in reflective tape before lights and hood are installed.

2 2 questions
1) what shape should my reflecter be
a) straight angle wilth a flat top
b) straight angle roof type
c) an arch or half round type.

2) are the materials i am using ok. i read that plain untreated wood or treated wood can cause problems. and i am kinda worried that cardboard will cause a fire hazard.

any help greatly aperciated

[canuck grower]

wow dude it would have taken me a week to make that diagram! ha ha. nice job.

I say just make your reflector the same shape as commercial reflectors.

[spankey]

this is the hood i am thinking of building this will be on top of the frame above.

[attachment=o118302]

is that a good reflecter shape?

[Volker]

That'll work nicely! Since it's CFLs, heat isn't an issue. I've used hood made of cardboard covered with mylar and/or foil for CFLs, and they work just as well as "pro" hoods.

[spankey]

also is that a good design for the hood? or would the upside down v be better?

[Volker]

I'd go with that rather that the "a frame" style. Since it is CFL, and heat isn't an issue, have you considered simply going flat? With 3 lights on a side, that hump in the middle simply means the light from the middle bulb has to travel a little further to reach a reflective surface. And with CFLs, every 1/2" counts.

[BlazenHerbs]

Howdy Spanky,
Noticed you are tryin to put together a light of cfl's. Thought I would share my set-up, maybe it will help or give ya some ideas. I was fortunate and obtained an extra reflector with my hps. Htg supply has a "budget" grow light, and if you buy the "air cool" hood, they send ya both. The design is fairly simple though, I think ya could go to home depot and get some sheet aluminun and just bend it into the desired shape. I'd recommend at least a small gap for the heat to rise and escape. Everyone says cfl's dont get hot, but that hasnt been my experiance, they do have some heat.
Hope this helps. or at least gives ya a few more ideas to kick around. :thumbsup:
my :twocents:
good luck and keep em green :weedpoke: :S5:

[spankey]

the arch is so my bulbs do not touch the top. there is 3/4" clearence from the closest bulb. a tight fit did a lot of models befor i got my design. here is my final design

i have 2 of these fixtures

[attachment=o118432]

this is the frame and hood assembly

[attachment=o118433][attachment=o118434]

whats everyone think?