$9.00 400MH reflector hood

lilmafia513

lilmafia513

Well-Known Member
Hey guys, i made this today and thought i would share it with ya'!!:idea:

I got the materials at Lowes and it was under $9.00:

1- 3.25x10x24 rectangular duct, for cold air return vents.= $ 6.53
2- 1/4 x 2 1/2 Eyebolts,washers and nuts = $1.76

Total = $8.29 + Tax!!

I Posted some pics of the completed hood, forgot camera when i went to make it!:wall:

It was pretty easy to make, i traced the pattern of the inside edge of the duct work, after flexing it to my desired width, and heght for the bulb to fit in, on a piece of 2x4 lumber. ( SEE pics. 1-4)

Use a saw to cut the lines and squeeze the 2x4 inside the spread ductwork. Drill pilot holes through metal into wood, and screw fast with drywall screws. You don't need many screws, just two on the top, and one on the front edge where shown. (See pics. 5-6)
***Don't sink the screwheads, they will pull through the metal and be pointless!!!***************************

Drill pilot holes in the top surface of the hood, now put the eye screws through those holes, and fasten with a 1/4" fender washer, and 1/4" nut.
*****Make sure the holes are spaced evenly on the top of the hood, if not it will hang uneven. (See Pics. 7-9)

Now, i decided to add mylar to cover the bare lumber between the metal. Just cut strips big enough to wrap around the 2x4 and staple across the back. Duct tape works good if you put it down before you shoot the staple through. make a seam across the 2x4 on the backside(outside of the hood), and staple tight. I wasn't so worried about the backsides on mine..LOL!!!! (See Pic. 2)

After that is in, i took the box apart that the socket is attatched to for my growlight. In the back of the socket box there are holes. Screw the box to the inside of the 2x4 through the holes.
*****WATCH THE WIRES ARE NOT IN THE WAY******* replace cover with socket, screw in light bulb(with gloves on), and clean bulb. (See Pic. 10)

Now all that is left is hanging the light. Install screws in ceiling of cabinet, rated for the weight of this hood ( My eye hooks were rated for about 65 lbs. i think). But anything should work for this, it's not heavyv at all!!!:-P (See Pic. 11) edit:the light is not on yet...LOL!!!!!)

Sorry so long guys, but thought it would be helpful!!!:weed:
 

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keyman

Well-Known Member
Looks cool and nice job!
Just wondering, do you think some hi heat white spray paint on the inside of that hood would assist in reflecting more then the plain duct work?
 
lilmafia513

lilmafia513

Well-Known Member
keyman said:
Looks cool and nice job!
Just wondering, do you think some hi heat white spray paint on the inside of that hood would assist in reflecting more then the plain duct work?
Click to expand...
There is no duct tape on this hood. But, yes white paint would reflect better than duct tape!!!LOL!!!!

I did think about painting it white, but didn't have time to mess with it. Thanks man!!
 
Antman

Antman

Well-Known Member
Looks GREAT bro, and very ingenious. Only thing you might want to think about changing is the wood cross-members. I would be worried about the high heat from the light drying it out and possibly starting a fire. They sell metal studs too, which can easily be cut to the length you need, would render your reflector a bit lighter(weight wise) and would eliminate the potential of becoming a fire hazard. Other than that, it's awesome. +rep for ya.
 
lilmafia513

lilmafia513

Well-Known Member
Antman said:
Looks GREAT bro, and very ingenious. Only thing you might want to think about changing is the wood cross-members. I would be worried about the high heat from the light drying it out and possibly starting a fire. They sell metal studs too, which can easily be cut to the length you need, would render your reflector a bit lighter(weight wise) and would eliminate the potential of becoming a fire hazard. Other than that, it's awesome. +rep for ya.
Click to expand...
Thanks antman, i was in a pinch and just went with what i had. But i think the metal studs would be a better call on bracing.
 
Magnificient

Magnificient

Well-Known Member
Good job, but maybe put some duct tape over the sharp edges for safety.

I just made a hood out of wood, plastic, and mylar for dual 400 watt mh/hps lights for about 5 dollars, so we're both on the cheap there. I used the 2' x 4' plastic sheet that's used to cover fluorescent fixtures, elmers spray glue, duct tape, mylar, a scrap of 2" x 6" treated lumber and a few screws.

I tested it last night to see if it would get hot. I put my light 4 inches from the mylar, which is closer than it will be when used, and after 20 minutes the mylar and the plastic were both cool to the touch. I'll be nervous using that for a while, but I'm not paying 130 dollars or even 39 dollars for a professionally bent piece of metal that's no better than what we can make ourselves.
 
lilmafia513

lilmafia513

Well-Known Member
Magnificient said:
Good job, but maybe put some duct tape over the sharp edges for safety.

I just made a hood out of wood, plastic, and mylar for dual 400 watt mh/hps lights for about 5 dollars, so we're both on the cheap there. I used the 2' x 4' plastic sheet that's used to cover fluorescent fixtures, elmers spray glue, duct tape, mylar, a scrap of 2" x 6" treated lumber and a few screws.

I tested it last night to see if it would get hot. I put my light 4 inches from the mylar, which is closer than it will be when used, and after 20 minutes the mylar and the plastic were both cool to the touch. I'll be nervous using that for a while, but I'm not paying 130 dollars or even 39 dollars for a professionally bent piece of metal that's no better than what we can make ourselves.
Click to expand...
I agree that the prices of everything to do with this hobby of ours is high, but think of how much more is available to us now than 10 years ago.
The hood i made here was intended for CFL bulbs originally, but have since then, fastened my T5 strips to the inside. I have 8 of these strips under this hood, and when running, is quite cool and efficient.
 
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