So here's my challenge:

I have a Mini-Cool light made by Cool-Lux, given to me as a birthday gift years ago... and I've never been able to figure out a use for it. For those who don't know, they're a small halogen light which give a massive blast of hard blinding light. I believe wedding videographers and news reporters were supposed to be using these, but I still can't imagine how or why. Maybe at night?! This sucker even has heat vents on the top, which makes it extra tricky to diffuse.

So, what I could really use if a soft box. The thing is, Cool Lux has what looks to be a sock, with a panel of white material that they're selling for $80.

I need a cheaper option! and suggestions for practical uses for this light, since it's just sitting in a drawer right now.

I've used the mini-cools as an on-camera light, a "hair light", and even as a little kicker background light. You can get lamps at a lower wattage to keep them from being too hot as an on-camera light, and they even make (or made?) a little diffusion glass to replace the regular clear glass on the front. If you have barn doors for the little guy (those will run you about $35-40 if I remember correctly), then using them as a hair light or for highlights in the background work great, just like any other light.

Have fun!

Rob

Thanks, for the lower wattage bulb suggestion - that's probably my best bet, and actually it hadn't occured to me.

I would still love a way to convert this into a soft box.

Would this help:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Portable-Flash-Difusser-fits-lenses-65mm-85mm-with-bag_W0QQitemZ7616196730QQcategoryZ15221QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I've just bought one for my DSC but it might cheaply solve your problem, I know it's going to look wierd but hey it's cheap.