Plan/design for light proof paper drawer?

[gregmacc]

Hi all ... I have an overhead projector on a trolley that I have modified for use as a portable light box. I would like to further modify it by replacing the main shelf (the bit that the projector sits on) with a light proof paper drawer. I'm planning on building it out of MDF or similar cheap but functional timber substitute. I figure some sort of latch/lock would also be handy. Does anyone have any suggestions re design/plans to get me started?
Here's a photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gregmacc/4816833390/
The wings of the trolley fold up to provide additional bench space ... very useful in my less than roomy shared darkroom/laundry.
Cheers
Greg

 

[srs5694]

I've seen online plans for such things. A quick Google turned up this one, which seems similar to others I've seen. I seem to recall Kodak or Ilford may have a PDF document with plans for such a thing, but I don't have a URL handy. I've never built one, though; I use standalone paper safes in my darkroom.

 

[gregmacc]

Thanks srs5694 ... That's the kind of thing I'm looking for ... I would also consider a ready made standalone paper safe that could be fitted into my trolley ... any suggestions?
Greg

 

[MattKing]

Here is a link to a drawing on Ralph Lambrecht's site:

Dead Link Removed

 

[gregmacc]

Thanks Matt
Greg

 

[srs5694]

Thanks srs5694 ... That's the kind of thing I'm looking for ... I would also consider a ready made standalone paper safe that could be fitted into my trolley ... any suggestions?
Greg

You could always add a shelf below the main surface and then put a paper safe on the shelf. If you buy the safe first, you could design the shelf to fit at whatever height is most convenient or efficient. If you need knee room underneath it, though, this could be limiting, particularly if you get a big paper safe -- but the same would be true of a homemade drawer.