Does anyone have a parts list or can tell me how to build a frame? More specifically its a frame for a 4x4 area with 9 cobs. I've seen pictures and how others are building them but need a little more help. What are the metal brackets called? How many do I need and what sizes for my set up? Where to drill holes for cobs? How to hang the light.
how to build a frame and parts
- Thread starter Photwenny
- Start date
Danielson999
Well-Known Member
nc208
Well-Known Member
Most use Aluminum angle to assemble a light. Can be cut fairly easily with a hacksaw or jigsaw with a proper blade and lubricant. I ordered my cob heatsinks from Rapid LED and they came pre drilled and tapped for m3 screws so all I had to do was drill a hole in the aluminum angle. Here's a quick pic of a recent one I built.
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I like the way you built it, looks clean
I like those frames but will probably build my own. Thanks for the link
Danielson999
Well-Known Member
If you flipped all of your aluminum angle upside down, the heatsinks would be free to swivel. I did this with one of my lights and it comes in handy once in awhile being able to slightly angle a heatsink in one direction or the other.
Sounds like a good idea. I still don't really know how to build one. Not sure how long of angle aluminum to buy and how far to space them apart.
Danielson999
Well-Known Member
If you have 9 cobs in a 4'x4' I'd make the fixture about 32" wide so your outside rows of cobs are about 8" from the walls and your inside row is about 16" from the outside row. I guess you would fluctuate the size depending on how strong you're running the cobs. The more power, the further apart you'd make them.
So that would be 8 pieces of angle aluminum @32" long? 2 pieces for each of the 3 cob rails and 2 for the ends to connect the 3 rails?
Danielson999
Well-Known Member
Correct. And all you do is drill a small hole to put a screw through to hold each heatsink and another hole through the ends to bolt it into place on the rail. Nothing else to it other than a couple holes on each side for eyehooks or whatever you choose. Put one cob as close to the 2 rails as you can and the middle cobs dead center. Should put the cobs about 14" apart or so.
Thank you for your help
Danielson999
Well-Known Member
If I were you I'd build it on the small side, maybe 30" wide or so. That way when you realize you want more power you can simply add one more row of 3 cobs for 600w total. If you made the fixture 36" wide there wouldn't be room to add another row of cobs. Tightening up your spacing will give you better ppfd under the fixture also which might be desirable with only 450w in 16sqft.
