I purchased a light box at JoAnn's using one of her coupons for 50% off. It ran about $25.00 after coupon.

I know you don't want to make one but I made mine for les than $10. Scrap piece of plexiglas, scrap 1x4s, and a six foot strip of rope lighting.

I just got mine from Nancy's Notions catalog. I didn't opt for the LED version but I got the larger size and am glad I did.
I am studying digitizing designs for computerized quilters. It has been very useful for working with my own designs. I hope to graduate to digitizing for others. I really enjoy the process.

Another possibility is to use a drawer for your box (or a cardboard box works too!)
... then plexiglass for your top.
Any of the different light options will work ... electrical or battery operated.

I took the guts out of an old scanner, took the lid off and then just put a bulb in it. It works great and is easy to set up and work with.

This thread shows a picture of how I improvised one using a clear tote.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...2-t145622.html

I lay a piece of glass across some piled books, stick one of those round tap-it lights under it and trace away. About $3 cost.

Jan in VA

they can be bought at Keepsake Quilting for $10.00

I bought a "Joe Boxer" light box at K-Mart years ago for $10.00 and was quite happy with it. Recently, I have been using my lucite extension table to my sewing machine with battery operated "press" lights underneath. It's easier and faster - no plugging in. I think the extension table surface is smoother and bigger than a light box.

I have a light box I inherited from my sister. No name. Had to cost about $25. She bought it from teacher's supply store.