How to Build Your Own LED Light Panel

This LED Light Panel is a great way to save money for anyone looking to shed some light on their work, using just a few simple tools. Most popular with video creators, but equally capable as a large work light, this LED light panel costs a fraction of the amount commercial light panels are selling for.

LED Light Panel Build Video

Tools Needed

• Hand Saw
• Tape Measure
• Square
• Pencil
• Utility Knife (for cutting panels)
• Drill Driver Set
• Screw Driver
• Countersink Bits
• Stapler
• Soldering Iron
• Solder Iron Holder / Stand / Helping Hands
• Combination / Bone Wrench
• Hot Glue Gun

Optional Tools

• Miter Saw
• Table Saw
• ISOtunes OSHA Approved Ear Buds

Materials Needed

• 1×4 Pine Board (or similar) ripped to 1″ wide and cut to fit the size of your light panel
• Prism Ceiling Light Panel cut to the size of your light panel
• Flat Matte White Lay In Ceiling Tile – cut to the size of your light panel
• 1.5″ wood screws
• Wood Glue
• Backer Board Clear Glue
• Staples
• LED Light Kit
• Small Gauge Wiring
• Electrical Solder
• Hot Glue
• 1/2″ Pan Head Screws
• 1/4″ x 20 Threaded Insert

 

Project Build Steps

1. Cut the prism and smooth panels to the size you want your LED light panel to be. I made mine 24″ wide and 8″ tall.
2. Rip the pine board into 1″ wide strips, then cut it to the required lengths to make a frame the same size as the panels you cut in Step 1.
3. Assemble the frame by drilling pilot holes and countersinking for the 1.5″ wood screws to attach the pine pieces together. Be sure to put a bit of wood glue on each of the joints, too.
4. Using the clear glue, run a bead around the whole wood frame, then place the smooth white panel on top of it. Using the stapler and 1/2″ staples, secure the smooth panel to the wood frame. This will hold the panel in place while the glue sets and allow you to keep working.
5. Drill a 1/4″ hole through the side of the frame to fish the power cord through.
6. Unpack the LED Light Kit and cut the strips to the desired length to fit inside the frame.
7. Feed the power cord through the hole in the frame (Step 5) and tie a knot in the wire to keep from pulling the wire out of the panel by accident later.
8. Cut the small 18ga wire into lengths to reach from strip to strip inside the panel.
9. Strip and pre-tin all of the wires and solder points of the LED light strips.
10. Solder the jumper wires on the LED light strips.
11. Test the light panel that all strips light up as you expect.
12. Using the hot glue gun, secure the jumper wires to the panel.
13. Install the prism light panel onto the frame using the 1/2″ pan head screws.
14. Drill a 3/8″ hole into the bottom center of the light panel frame and insert the 1/4″-20 threaded insert into the wood.

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