For the past couple of years, I've been using a metal halide light hanging from the ceiling in the basement for a UV light source. I've wanted something I could put in or near the darkroom for UV printing.
I was over at Tillman Crane's darkroom, lusting over his fancy UV boxes. I told him I came over to look at his UV lights so I could build something. He whipped out "The New Platinum Print" and suggested the plans in it. http://www.amazon.com/Platinum-Print.../dp/0966609905 I took photos of the pages with the instructions and gave it back to Tillman. I'm sorry it's such an expensive book at amazon, but I'm respecting the author's copyright and not posting my high quality cell phone pix of the instructions. There are probably other plans free or cheap, but I'm just referencing my sources.
I found 18" t8 black light bulbs on the 75% off already-marked-down-clearance-rack-prices at Lowes; I scored all I needed at $1-something per bulb. The box has 11 light fixtures in it; this comprises most of the cost; these were sourced new in contractor quantity at ebay. Cooling is done with an antec case fan and removes heat from the upper and lower sections of the box; air intake is in front underneath. Hinge is a nylon strap. Metallic insulation is leftover scrap insulation4less, but reflectix works fine too. With fixtures, bulbs, wood, I have about $200 into this; something you'd pay $700-800 for (with nicer woodworking of course) at B&S.
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