How to make your own studio softbox - includes related article on softbox accessories

PSA Journal, June, 1992 by Michael Dale

You'll need to fabricate the 1-x 1-inch aluminum angle to form a rigid frame around the square PVC strobe end. This allows you a working surface to tie your strobe light brackets and other parts to. Place the aluminum angle onto the square frame allowing the end of the angle to be flush with the outer edge of the PVC frame. Then measure and mark the aluminum angle. Use a craftsman's square to obtain a straight line. The length should measure the same distance as the PVC frame is square. Using the 45-degree angle of the craftsman's square, mark two cutting lines on the inside of the angle.

Cut the two 45-degree lines (with a hacksaw) up to the inside edge of the aluminum angle. A three corner triangular piece should fall away. Next line up the aluminum angle in a bench vise so it can be bent 90degrees. The newly cut edges may require some filing to smooth out and provide a true 90-degree bend. Next place the angle back into position on the PVC frame, mark it and cut out the next corner. Your angle should now be positioned tightly against the PVC frame on three or four sides. Clamp the aluminum angle in place on the PVC frame. Using a number 36 (.1065) Drill Bit and Drill Motor, drill holes through the aluminum angle into the PVC corners so that the Drill Bit enters near the center of the PVC. If you don't have number drills, a 1/8-inch Drill Bit will work.

With the angle still clamped in place, thread each hole using a 6-32 Tap and Tap Handle. Tap all the way through one side of the PVC component and the aluminum angle. Installing threads in plastic pipe is usually not recommended, however in this application there are no stringent loads. You may wish to purchase schedule 40 PVC pipe which provides a thicker wall section for more threads. However, schedule 40 PVC will add more weight to your softbox.

Install the 6-32 screws to hold the aluminum angle in place. Then position the steel right angle bracket at the center of the frame, mark off the position of two drilled and tapped holes for 6-32 UNC screws to hold it in place. Drill and tap as before. The steel right angle bracket when mounted, holds your strobe light in the center of the square opening of the PVC.

The 6-32 UNC tap and tap handle can be purchased for less than $5 at your local hardware store.

With the strobe end complete you can begin assembling the rest of the basic frame. Assemble the threaded adapters into the remaining 3-way PVC corners. Cement the PVC short nipples into the threaded adapters. Attach the 45-degree PVC elbows to the short nipples but DO NOT cement in place.

Assemble the PVC couplings onto the long nipples and cement in place. The long nipples should only be pushed into the ends of the PVC corner components and will never be cemented so they can be removed easily for portability.

With the frame completed to this point it's time to assemble and align the corner 45-degree elbows and cement in place. You can do this visually by sighting down the length of PVC stringers to attach the strobe end to the light end component. You should now have a fully assembled and completed PVC basic frame.