New DIY 15mm rod support

  • Thread starter Thread starter j
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j

j

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So I went ahead and made myself a set of support rails for my camera. I’d been wanting to build some as they are extremely expensive, but I don’t have access to a metal shop, and couldn’t figure out how to build some of the items. That is until I found these:

http://ebusiness.ilsco.com/webapp/w...Id=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=1&categoryId=192

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These are electrical connectors that just happen to be exactly 15mm – the industry standard width for support. They are made of aluminum, so they are lightweight but strong. Perfect, especially at $5 a pair! (If ordering I would get the TA-250)

So I went ahead and bought all the parts and pieces, then found Cavision came out with affordable (~$160) and well made rods:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...s&Q=&sku=335222&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

I’ve also seen these very affordable rods at ~$90!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rod-Support-Tri...hZ004QQcategoryZ79322QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

So why put myself thru the grief of a DIY epic when I can buy some well built rods for an affordable price? That’s what I though until I got tired of looking at all the raw materials just sitting there – potential unfulfilled. Well, two weeks later I was able to put them together, and I’m quite happy. What is nice is that the 15mm electrical connectors means I only needed a drill press to put everything together. Even the large aluminum pieces are scrap, and I just found something close to the right size. I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t already have the pieces, but since I did, I’m quite happy. Below are some pics. I plan on blacking the aluminum and bluing the steel parts, but I thought I’d grab some shots so the parts are easy to see. The rods are 14mm, so they are a little small, but work just fine when clamped down. (It’s darned near impossible to find affordable SS or Aluminum 15mm rods in the US!)

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Excellent!!!!! well done! I may just give this a shot. I will check and see if 15mm rods are easier to find here in "Metric Canada" and let you know if there is a deal but yours seem to do fine and I am sure they wont be slipping.
Cheers!
 
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BTW, the Ilsco connectors can be purchased in store at "contractor's warehouse" in california.

-J
 
j said:
BTW, the Ilsco connectors can be purchased in store at "contractor's warehouse" in california.

-J
Click to expand...
I am gonna pick some up today and probable start next week. One question, did you drill the connectors in order to have two bolts holding them to the plate? Rather than just have the one on the "tongue'
Will have the brace off the wrist by then...finally.
 
Very nice. I have a friend with a machine shop and we're talking about cranking out some things or parts to sale, (if we can make it profitable for us both and the price still nice for the buyer). I'll ask him if he could turn 15mm rods on his lathe. I assume they are supposed to be exactly 15mm diameter, but what length do they usually come in?

Also, he could make a modified version of that electrical connector if anyone else is interested in making one of these. What do you think about not having the lip at all, but having drilled and tapped holes instead so you can just bolt through the bottom plate into it without the need for the nuts? Also, would it be nice to have the set screw accessible from the side or is it better from the top like you have it?

Thanks,
Gary
 
>What do you think about not having the lip at all, but having drilled and tapped holes instead so you can just bolt through the bottom plate into it without the need for the nuts? Also, would it be nice to have the set screw accessible from the side or is it better from the top like you have it?

yes, yes and yes. All of those suggestions are spot on, although it's important to have a second hole to keep it lined up and solid.
 
the reason I asked is because I am considering taking some license with your protot type and putting the connectors on their side so the set screw is accessible for the side, attaching them this weay woud allow the whole unit to slide along the rods . I would liek to mimic the ability to have not only something hangin on the front end but the back as well.. Perhaps llonger set screws with kknurled ends??
Just a thought.
 
Diy rods

Diy rods

i found some affordable rods at smallparts.com, I gotta wait to see if it's an exact fit (5/8th") for the rod support system...
 
J, how much would you sell me that(or one like it) i really likethe intuitive and simple design you've got... Pm me

-thanx,
eli
 
It's not worth it, For the time I spent building it, I'd charge more than the Cavision or indian brand, and they have better construction. But feel free to steal or modify the design...

-j
 
Well Done!!!!

Well Done!!!!

Looks great and very sturdy. I attempted to make rods but gave up and bought the Cavision assembly per mine just weren't going to be sturdy enough or cheaper than Cavisions.
 
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nice job!! i love the tripod plate underneath. is there any way you can get the longer tripod plate under there?
 
thanks for the inspiration on building this thing J. I 've sofar gone through 3 versions, from a simulcrum of your original design, to a more streamlined and compact design. tryig to get photos of it today, but those electrical connectors were an integral part of the setup. THANKS!
 
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