MadModder

Gallery, Projects and General => How do I?? => Topic started by: Joules on April 22, 2016, 07:35:44 AM

Title: Light Tube/Pipe
Post by: Joules on April 22, 2016, 07:35:44 AM

I'm after getting extra daylight into the workshop and started looking at light pipes and tubes.  Then I saw the cost !!!  Hang on, isn't this a tube lined with tin foil and a Pyrex bowl on the roof ???

I know the South Americans use pop bottles filled with water and a dash of bleach to stop the water clouding.  However I'm not so keen of Pop bottles sticking out the roof tiles.

Has anyone made their own, was it a success.   The commercial units I looked at cost as much as installing a large solar panel and driving LED strip lights, which is the other option.

The basic requirement is, it must be a Mad Mod....


          :thumbup:


http://www.gosmith.com/howto/4604/How-to-Install-a-Tube-Skylight

For those wondering what I am currently smoking....

Title: Re: Light Tube/Pipe
Post by: awemawson on April 22, 2016, 08:11:50 AM

a/ Solar panel on the roof.

b/ Length of twin core to workshop.

c/ LED lights in workshop

..... sorted  :lol:


(well you did say DAYLIGHT didn't you  :clap:  )

Title: Re: Light Tube/Pipe
Post by: mattinker on April 22, 2016, 08:19:32 AM

Quote from: Joules on April 22, 2016, 07:35:44 AM

I know the South Americans use pop bottles filled with water and a dash of bleach to stop the water clouding.  However I'm not so keen of Pop bottles sticking out the roof tiles.

Has anyone made their own, was it a success.   The commercial units I looked at cost as much as installing a large solar panel and driving LED strip lights, which is the other option.

I've often wondered why they don't use glass bottles, they would last indefinitely and would look nicer!

Regards, Matthew

Title: Re: Light Tube/Pipe
Post by: mcostello on April 22, 2016, 09:24:04 AM

Uniform size to pop bottles, many scads of them when glass is not as common.

Title: Re: Light Tube/Pipe
Post by: chipenter on April 22, 2016, 02:54:35 PM

I have fitted the velux ones without any roof leaks http://www.myroofwindow.co.uk/roof-domes/sun-tunnel-with-flexible-tube, a lot depends on the type of roof felt or tiled .

Title: Re: Light Tube/Pipe
Post by: Jonny on April 22, 2016, 04:37:54 PM

Cheaper and better to put a upvc window in generating more value for money.

Cant do either in mine, all walls and roof racked.

Title: Re: Light Tube/Pipe
Post by: PK on April 22, 2016, 06:10:01 PM

On the topic...
The domes are pretty easy. so long as you don't want something that won't fit in your oven.

Clear acrylic sandwiched between two bits of ply with holes cut in them.
In the oven on max.
Pull out when the dome has sagged to the point you want it to.

For bonus points, just put a hole in one  sheet of ply, put it on top and run a bead of sealant between the acrylic and the bottom sheet.
Into the oven and, when hot, blow some compressed air between the acrylic and the bottom sheet.
I once made a 1m diameter dome from 6mm sheet like that....

As others have said though, the dome only provides a small improvement, and may not be worth the hassle.

As for the ducting. Hit the aircon places up for scraps.  Not quite as internally reflective as the light pipes, but the price is right...

Title: Re: Light Tube/Pipe
Post by: Swarfing on April 22, 2016, 06:38:12 PM

Make your own tubes...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/99-Reflective-Flexible-Bendy-Mirror-Sheeting-61cm-x-100cm-or-longer-/261261443250?hash=item3cd46540b2:g:PiAAAOSwHPlWdCMl