How to Make a Weatherproof Stand for your Tripod

If you take a lot of photographs as I do, and hate having to mess around with a frail tripod, make this stand for your tripod and it will help you out.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• treated 2x4
• skill saw and goggles
• drill and wood drill bit
• wood screws or bolts.

1. I take a lot of photographs. Many of them outside. Sometimes the wind is so bad that it keeps knocking the tripod down. This is frustrating, especially if you have a good shot of what you want to take a photo of. I am a private investigator, so I use this a lot when I have to be still or quiet in the woods.

2. First, take your tripod and fold it out. Measure the bottom legs to see how far apart they are. You need to do this so you'll know what lengths to cut your 2x4's. Once you've done this, cut your 2x4's, making sure that you add a few inches more on the end of the wood.

3. Next, take your 2x4's and cut the ends at a 45 degree angle so you can piece them together... sort of like a picture frame, except you'll just have 3 sides. You can then use wood screws to secure the 2x4's together. You can also use bolts for this, and would require using your drill to drill the holes for the bolts to go through.

4. For even more strength, I took 3 mending plates, and secured them on top of the 2x4's, using wood screws to make sure they are tight.
   Next, take your tripod and place it on top of the 2x4's. With a pencil or a marker, circle the tips of the tripod on the wood. Make it is even all the way around. Then take your 2x4's and use a wood drill bit that is the same with or a little larger and drill about half way through the wood. Do not go all the way through.
   Take your tripod and sit it in the holes, they should stick in there fairly tight, as pictured above. This is great for keeping the tripod still in wind, and easier to adjust if you're on unleveled ground.
   And for you private investigators out there, you can shorten your tripod and the base and tripod can be placed in the passenger seat next to you, and is easy to adjust and snap pictures or record video on while you're driving.

Tips & Warnings

• To make sure you don't get any splinters, you can sand the 2x4's with a sander and make it smooth. This 2x4 treated base will last you a long time.
• Make sure you use caution while using the power equipment and make sure you wear your goggles.

[Dawnella66]

on 8/7/2009 I can't wait to make one of these! *5/rec

[jhkcpa]

on 8/6/2009 Great article on how to make a weatherproof stand for yor tripod. 5*