Thread: Mad scientist lab

Tweet

I'm going to build a mad scientist's lab around my Dr. Shivers for this years haunt. I need a good backdrop to hold one of those lightning plates and assorted dials, lights and switches. My plan was to make a frame out of 2x4 lumber with trestle style legs. I was then going to hang thin plywood on the frame and cover it in thin sheet metal. It'll probably be at least 8x8' if not wider.

I was curious what everyone though of that plan and hear any suggestions or alternatives.

Thanks!

Sounds heavy, but I'm not entirely sure I'm "seeing" it correctly by your description. Love to see any pics you get of it.

Sounds simple and do-able. (Simple always works)

With an open back, wiring and lighting will be simplified.

If it is only a backdrop and the trestle-legs will only be on the back-side, make sure that the entire assembly is either weighted or tied down to secure it. Single sided structures tend to fall down, go 'boom'.

If it is going to be a 2 or 3 sided room, just bolting the sections together would make it sturdy.

For moving, storage and ease I'd make each section 8'x4', using 2x4 (or even 2x2) and a single sheet of plywood. Then lag-bolt the sections together and skin with the sheet-metal. Makes it easier all around.

If your sheetmetal is in 4'x8' sections, go ahead and skin it to the modules.

Post pics on your progress.

It's going to be one sided and a single piece so I have to make sure it's stable. It'll be close to the wall so the base won't be very broad but it should be enough. It'll be in a location where no one can touch it. The back will be open so installing everything and wiring should be easy.

A 4x8' panel would probably be enough. I have to decide if I want it to go all the way to the floor or just leave the space open. Going to the floor would be a bit more realistic but also heavier. I'd like to make sure I could link it to other similar structures in the future for other haunted house layouts. I think for storage I'll just remove the leg bottom crosspieces and then it's essentially flat.

UnOrthodOx, imagine one of those big free standing whiteboards.

I'll be sure to post pictures. If anyone else has comments or ideas please post them!

To keep it lightweight, since it is only a backdrop for a scene and won't be touched, I'd scrap using real metal. I would suggest a frame of 1" x 2"s and foil covered rigid foam glued to it. You can get Celotex at most home improvement stores. It is usually 1/2" thick foam, with a metalic looking silver mylar attached to the face. It will be in the insulation and/or HVAC areas. It is lightweight and has a convincing metal look to it. It does dent easily, but it will keep your costs and weight down. I used it once for a mad scientist "super computer" (cheesy 50's feel to it as intended).

Eric

I was thinking of doing something like that but it won't support the weight of the plasma effects and electrical boxes that will be attached to it.

I was always envious of the laboratory props on this site:

Frankenstein Laboratory Props

But, at $2,500 for the Jacobs Ladder prop and about $1,400 for the other panels, I will definitely stick to building my own.

I was able to get all sorts of vintages dials, domed lights, toggle switches, meters, ceramic insulators and more really cheap on ebay. I am building mine on a 4 X 8 sheet of plywood with 1 x 2's on the back to make up for the depth of some components. Instead of metal sheeting, I decided to use black latex with areas of iron paint from Sophisticated Finishes. I am using SF's rust antiquing solution to oxidize the iron paint for that aged metal, rusty appearance. Still trying to decide on whether to add some flicker circuits to some of the lights, I think it would look cooler!

Joe

Wow! Those are some nice props. Expensive but they look to be worth it. The overall look is incredible. I'm planning on building a Jacobs Ladder but I doubt I'll have time to do one for 2009. I feel a lot of inspiration from some of the details on that site however!

The latex and paint solution will probably look great. I'm going to get a 4x8' piece of sheet metal in the near future and leave it outside for a few weeks while I build the frame.

Originally Posted by joepolicy

I was always envious of the laboratory props on this site:

Frankenstein Laboratory Props

But, at $2,500 for the Jacobs Ladder prop and about $1,400 for the other panels, I will definitely stick to building my own.

I was able to get all sorts of vintages dials, domed lights, toggle switches, meters, ceramic insulators and more really cheap on ebay. I am building mine on a 4 X 8 sheet of plywood with 1 x 2's on the back to make up for the depth of some components. Instead of metal sheeting, I decided to use black latex with areas of iron paint from Sophisticated Finishes. I am using SF's rust antiquing solution to oxidize the iron paint for that aged metal, rusty appearance. Still trying to decide on whether to add some flicker circuits to some of the lights, I think it would look cooler!

Joe

wow thanks for that link those are amazing props ,prices a little too high for me but all the ideas in there wow , i'l make sure to use a few ideas when we re do our mad lab as the next time we'll do it will be bigger , it as been a big hit a halloween at our place .

I was thinking of getting a bunch of frisbies and painting them silver grey and cutiing a hole in the middle of each one and slide them all on a broom stick or dowel. and using that for some electrifing apprastis' in my lab. do ya get the picture?