Very cheap diffuser - or not?

Shawn Mielke · April 17th, 2004, 12:02 PM

Hi, Imran.

How did you attach/apply the wax paper? I'm looking for this sort of fast solution to diffusing 500w halogen worklights. Can I just wrap it around the head? Have yet to play around with this...

Bill Ball · April 17th, 2004, 03:25 PM

>wax paper? I'm looking for this sort of fast solution to diffusing 500w halogen worklights. Can I just wrap it around the head?

Wow an amazingly fast way to set yourself on fire. Dont get wax paper within 6 feet of those lights. Better yet get rid of it and get some diffusion that is heat resistant.

Ken Tanaka · April 17th, 2004, 05:25 PM

Shawn,
I think you meant "bakers paper". Wax paper will, indeed, be an instant insurance liability. Bakers paper is designed to withstand much higher temperatures and can serve a degree off light diffusion.

But Bill's suggestion is best; get the right stuff for the job. It's just not that expensive.

Shawn Mielke · April 17th, 2004, 06:55 PM

Yes, Ken, thank you. I'll leave the pyrotechnics to some other department.
Baker's paper, or, baking parchment.

Bryan Beasleigh · April 17th, 2004, 09:15 PM

I believe unbleached muslin is somewhat fire retardant naturally. It may smolder but it won't burn. It's not something that I'd want close to a 500 watt (or better) halogen bilb though . I don't think toasty brown is a color temp that i'd appreciate.

Bear in mind that the difussers in Westcott, Photoflex and Chimera are or at least appear to be some form of nylon fabric. These difussers are 12-14" away from the lamps and there are vents in the enclosures.

April 17th, 2004, 12:02 PM	#16
Shawn Mielke Major Player Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Santa Rosa, California Posts: 745	Hi, Imran. How did you attach/apply the wax paper? I'm looking for this sort of fast solution to diffusing 500w halogen worklights. Can I just wrap it around the head? Have yet to play around with this... __________________ Breakthrough In Grey Room

April 17th, 2004, 05:25 PM	#18
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Shawn, I think you meant "bakers paper". Wax paper will, indeed, be an instant insurance liability. Bakers paper is designed to withstand much higher temperatures and can serve a degree off light diffusion. But Bill's suggestion is best; get the right stuff for the job. It's just not that expensive. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

April 17th, 2004, 06:55 PM	#19
Shawn Mielke Major Player Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Santa Rosa, California Posts: 745	Yes, Ken, thank you. I'll leave the pyrotechnics to some other department. Baker's paper, or, baking parchment. __________________ Breakthrough In Grey Room

April 17th, 2004, 03:25 PM	#17
Bill Ball Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NEW JERSEY Posts: 216	>wax paper? I'm looking for this sort of fast solution to diffusing 500w halogen worklights. Can I just wrap it around the head? Wow an amazingly fast way to set yourself on fire. Dont get wax paper within 6 feet of those lights. Better yet get rid of it and get some diffusion that is heat resistant.

April 17th, 2004, 09:15 PM	#20
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	I believe unbleached muslin is somewhat fire retardant naturally. It may smolder but it won't burn. It's not something that I'd want close to a 500 watt (or better) halogen bilb though . I don't think toasty brown is a color temp that i'd appreciate. Bear in mind that the difussers in Westcott, Photoflex and Chimera are or at least appear to be some form of nylon fabric. These difussers are 12-14" away from the lamps and there are vents in the enclosures.