Two 15W 18" cool white fluorescent lamps run cool.
I did not make this light-box. I am such a pack-rat I will salvage any and everything that others throw away.

That's exactly what I would have built for this project. Fluorescents are so much better suited than LEDs.

 

But they are so much less efficient for the same light output! You just need a good diffuser to use LEDs.

 

That’s a great led kit, I think I will go with something like that. I will try and find something on eBay as postage costs are usually cheaper to Ireland than amazon.

I also think I will make a metal box, i might just 90% bend a sheet rather than make it in bits.
I will go down my local sign makers and see what sort of diffuser I can get off him.

What about sanding a bit of clear Perspex to make it frosted and using the
un-sanded side as the working surface? This would save mounting two layers.

Then it’s time to make a decision and build it!!