I've had several people on Facebook ask about my DIY equipment. I am almost to the point were financially I can start replacing some of my homemade stuff but honestly some things like my diffusion panels work so well it's not a high priority. I imagine there will come a day where the branding of my company will supersede the inexpensive and functionality of my DIY gear. However, I think being bit of a MacGyver will always be part of my photographic charm.
I'd like to do a little How-To on building a PVC diffusion panel.
Equipment list: PCV Cutter: 1/2 inch PVC pipe, 3/4 inch PVC pipe (One size larger that that used for the frame), 2 “T” shaped PVC connectors, 1 “L” shaped PVC connector, 1 “X” shaped PVC connector (All connector for 1/2 inch PVC), Heavy Savage Plastic (I was using a $10 shower curtain as my diffusion material. It worked fine but Savage plastic has several advantages.)
The PVC cutter is key. It reduces the construction time down to a matter of minutes. Also, the larger width PVC is for attaching the diffusion material to the frame. For the example build you will need a total of 16 inches of 3/4 inch PVC. If you want to make legs for your panels you will need more of the 1/2 inch PVC and 6 more “T” shaped connectors. For this example I made a 1 foot by 1.5 foot panel.
I started by cutting two 1 foot and two 1.5 foot sections of 1/2 inch PVC. (“Measure twice, cut once.”)
Use the connectors to assemble the pieces together with the “X” between the two “T” connectors. If you use legs like I do this allows you to use the panels horizontally or vertically.
I've never bothered gluing the frame together. If you push down hard enough it will not fall apart and I always like they idea that I could break them down if I wanted.
Also, I try to face the red lettering out so there is little chance that I will see it reflected in shinny objects.
Next you will need a total of 8 pieces of the 3/4 inch PVC cut into 2 inch lengths. (If you are making panels that are wider you can cut enough for three fasteners on each side)
You want to cut a more than a quarter but less than half of the fastener off. The remainder should easily snap over the Savage plastic and the frame tightly holding the plastic in place. However, if you cut too little off the fastener it will be nearly impossible to attach to the frame and if you cut too much it will not hold.
Here is how I did it: On my cutters there are two metal pieces that hold the PVC opposite the blade. I stick the holders inside the end on the 2 inch piece and cut length wise. The holders side makes two indentations on the end of the PVC opposite the cut. These marks are perfect indicators for where to make the next cut.
When I make my next cut I always try to cut off all of the red lettering on the outside of the PVC. Because the 2 inch piece is too long to cut through in one cut I have to make four separate cuts. Repeat this process until you have all 8 fasteners.
Next, I lay my frame on top of the Savage plastic. I use a spare PVC to add width to the plastic so I can have some extra length to wrap around the frame. I make little tick marks with an Exacto knife. I don't use a pen because I'm trying to avoid putting black marks on any of the diffusion material.
Using a straight edge I cut the Savage plastic to size.
Next I lay the frame back over top of the plastic. I use a Exacto knife to make two marks where the PVC connectors meet the 1/2 inch PVC pipe. Then I cut out the area to go around the connectors at an angle.
Finally, I wrap the extra Savage plastic around and connect it with two fasteners on each side. If it is a little loose I twist the fasteners a little to tighten everything up.
I have two different size diffusion panels, the 1x1.5 foot panels and 2x3 foot panels. I use interchangeable legs and feet for both sets of panels. I will not go into detail on how I make the legs because they are pretty straight forward. I have three different leg lengths that I mark with different color tape so I can pair them up at a glance.
I hope this is helpful to you. Thanks for reading!