I Built My Own Wooden Tripod

G

giganova

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Built me a custom wooden tripod. It's not adjustable because I wanted a fixed height when I crouch down, which is how I take most of my photos.

Went to the hardware store, bought all the parts and built it on one afternoon for a whooping $30.- total costs. Best of all: it is the sturdiest tripod I ever had, including my heavy Gitzo tripod ... and is ultra-lightweight!

I opted for a LEOFOTO LH-40 ballhead because it is a low-profile head with an Arca Swiss-type quick release, has a high 44 lbs max load capacity, and Amazon had same-day delivery in my area, so I could finish everything the same day.

When you open it, the chain prevents the legs from spreading too far, and provide extra stability. When I tighten the knobs at the top of the legs, it is ultra solid! I drilled and glued wooden rods through the legs which act as the attachment points for the chain via three keyring, and add extra stability to the tripod. The three chains are attached to a bigger keyring at the center. I added door shins at the bottom of the legs, held together by glue and deck screws. When everything was assembled, I added a light coat of wood stain.

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Why did I build it in the first place? Because I wanted a tripod I can put into sand, mud, water, etc, without ruining the twist-lock mechanism of my other expensive tripods.

This tripod weights 2 lbs, as little as a carbon-fiber Gitzo Series-1 tripod but has the stability of a heavy Gitzo Series-4 tripod.
 
Very nice. I miss having space to make projects like that. But then I sold off most of my tools anyway.


PF
 
Brilliant! Wood is definitely vibration free. I use a Berlebach Report 302 which was a lot cheaper than my carbon fiber tripods. It's a bit heavier than CF but it's great to have as a backup especially in urban areas.

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Great job. I made one myself out of 2x4's, 3/4" plywood, and 3/4" bolts but besides being awkward everyone laughed at me. Not being a wood worker I bought a Berlebach. Seriously, I think wooden tripods are the best. Light weight and vibration free. Wish I had your talent to make my own.
 
I like it! And along with others here, I'm very impressed.

It looks like it might be a good height for a TLR with WLF (waist-level finder), which is how I mostly use my tripod.

I'm with John; I would really like one of these, myself!

- Murray
 
I've been thinking about making a surf shooting tripod for the north shore season; wooden and large. Wood would be ideal for the often wet and salty air and occasional wave wash throughs.
 
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