ThatTallGuy wrote:Love the detached platen idea and the handle out of line of sight of the cameras. Is it light enough so lifting it 200 times is not an issue?
On your second build, I don't see what keeps the two halves of the bookrest from sliding apart and letting the book fall open wider.
#1 :: It is light enough: two pieces of particle board (11" x 11"), two sheets of thin Plexiglas (12" x 14") and an almost weightless handle. At first, there was some discomfort (I guess that depends on the height), but then I could make over 1,000 images w/o even noticing it. (You do not need to lift it too high to turn pages).
#2 :: As you can see, one half has a long "tongue," while another one has an extra plate, which makes an opening through which that tongue comes. I can adjust the width moving them apart or joining them together, yet the "tongue" goes into the opening tightly enough to keep both halves from sliding apart. Simple and effective. Although, of course, time will show how practical it is.