DIY Light table - IKEA hack

Steps

Unpack the table and place the table board on top of the polystyrol sheet. Draw the outline including the cut out corner edge, cut out using a jigsaw.

A fine grade sawing blade will make a cleaner and smoother cut. If you use sticky tape along the cutting edge there will be less splinters.

Fix the transparent paper on top of the polystyrol sheet, built the table using the polystyrol sheet instead of the table top.

Because the sheet might be thinner than the original table top, use folded cardboard to fill the gap and make the sheet sit firmly.

Use double sided adhesive tape to fix the LED strips, also fix the cables at the same time. - Ready is the light table in the simple version.

If you want a colour changing light table use colour LEDs.

For a more elegant and tidier solution you only need to do the following steps.

Using the jigsaw make the corner cut out of the original table top a little bigger, turn the table around and use the table top as a neat finish at the bottom of the light box.

Fixate the table top with screw hooks. Because of the reflecting surface the light is now evenly distributed, in addition the electric installations are protected, but they will stay accessible for repairs due to the screw hooks.

Steps

Use the dismantled table top as a template, outline the cut out corner edge on the shelve board and cut out using the saw.

Screw the braces in equal distance onto the table legs and insert the shelve. Fill with working materials for the light table - and go!