There are other options- can use a window- a blue tv screen. a glass dish over a flash light, a storm window over a lamp on chairs- I've tried all of them whether transfering a patten or a rough draft of an illustration- depending on you size need and how much you want to set up is how I decide what I am willing to get out. I have a very nice light box hand made by my father years ago but for the life of me I can't locate it. Other options are a glass coffee table or check the toy department they may have something at a much lesser price