add a glass shield to a reflector

mogie · #1 03-20-2007, 12:09 PM

Adding Glass Shields to HPS reflectors

1. First of all, you'll need a Reflector with HPS of course I think that way of adding glass will be suitable for many kind of reflectors.

[Editor's note: Venus has used a batwing, but this technique can be used on many different shapes of reflectors, as long as there is adequate clearance between the bulb and glass. Large 1000w MH bulbs may not fit inside glass-enclosed reflectors]

2. That is all u need: Pliers, Sidecutter, "Philips" screwdriver, 5mm bit for making holes in reflector, 4 bolts, 4 "L" shaped brackets, a ruler, electric drill and isolating band (rubber/elastic tape). Note the bolts and "L" shaped brackets that I used.

3. Now, to make this done u will need a peace of glass. Take the ruler and measure the size of glass u will need. Hardware stores, windows shops, etc will cut any type of glass you want. Bring your measurements. I used regular, 1/8 (3 mm) window glass. Here is the peace they cut for me using sizes I gave them.

[Editor's note: most window/glass stores can make fabricate/cut tempered glass (high heat resistance, thin & light, but high cost), or regular plate glass (lower cost).

Tempered glass is preferrable for high wattage lamps, as their heat is extreme. Plate glass can crack under these hot conditions.]

4. Take the electric drill and drill 4 holes in each corner of the reflector. To make this, I used a 5mm bit.

5. Take the isolating band and cut it with scissors in half......I doing this because the width of the iso-band is more wider than the "L" shaped bracket. Now ,take that half cut iso-band and just roll over the "L" shaped bracket. That way, the glass will sit on a soft surface instead of a metal surface - protecting it against scratches, vibrations and slip over...

6. Take the bolts & brackets and screw them all together to the reflector......

Then, flip over the reflector and slide the peace of glass into it.

Here u can see how it will look with the glass sitting on the brackets and just below the bulb......I kept 1.5 inch (4 cm) between the glass and bulb.

7. After all dirty work is done, the final product looks gorgeous and will do the job it was intended to do......

With all stuff prepared before doing the job ,yuo can finish all this in about an hour ....

creative_mind · #2 04-07-2007, 02:13 PM

wut does the glass shield do??

pauliojr · #3 04-07-2007, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creative_mind

wut does the glass shield do??

I am pretty sure it allows you to move the light closer to the plants. Glass also filters some light and prevents too much heat from going on your babies! Nice post as always Mogie!

mogie · #4 04-07-2007, 02:39 PM

Thanks Paulio. It allows to move the light closer to your plants by reducing the heat. Heat is actually sucked away before leaving the encolsed hood.

BOGGLEGUM420 · #5 04-12-2007, 12:58 PM

how do you exhaust it? or do you just leave an end open and pull air out of there...i have a maximizer reflector...can i make one for this reflector? if so how would i exhaust it? thanks mog..

mogie · #6 04-12-2007, 01:47 PM

This is just a simple version. You are just giving your plants a break by focusing the heat away and venting out the sides.

You would have to cut holes in each end. Run tubing (the kind used for dryers) and exhaust out.

BOGGLEGUM420 · #7 04-12-2007, 02:00 PM

so is it possible with the reflector i have to add glass?

mogie · #8 04-12-2007, 02:34 PM

Okay see the two rings at the bottom right of the pic? Those would go where the flange is (directly above the ring on the right). You would run tubing from these rings.