Great post Ray. I use a cardboard box also w/ tissue paper in the windows. Depending on the light and effects you're looking for copy paper works also. For the back drop I use some blotter paper I had laying around. My light source is directed from the top and one side w/ desk lamps. Cameras used are point and shoot. I have some really nice lenses but they are on my 35mm SLR Canon ELOS ELAN. Some day I plan on getting a Canon digital SLR my lenses will fit but so far I am glad I am waiting since the resolution keeps increasing. My son has been taking most of my shots posted.

Side note: I noticed some of your SOTD shots w/ Kodak 25 mm film cans in the background. When I was a tool and Die maker my last job was w/ Kodak making tooling and prototypes for film cutting, perforation dies, metal forming and emulsion equip. Perf dies had a tolerance of +- .00005. Lots of lapping and polishing. It was a great hobby.