diy crane from tripods...

[ciencin]

Had an idea to try making a small crane from old standard tripods... Did anybody try this before?

I have taken apart one of my old cheap tripods and looks like something can be put together (and since the legs are light and expandable it will be handy for transportation).

I have a feeling it wont perform as great as some of the professional cranes but if anybody tried this before or have any feedback please let me know

Here is what I have so far... (planning on welding the two legs together side by side for extra strength)

 

[TiE_Shepherd]

I'd be worried that it'd be pretty flimsy, what kind of camera are you going to try and put on there?

As for welding the legs, are they aluminum? If so then welding them is more involved than just welding steel. It's a different process and with something that thin, you're going to want them Tig welded, which isn't cheap.

Personally I love DIY, but I really think you'd be much father ahead using more suitable materials before hand.

 

[ciencin]

hoping to have a dvx on it but thats only if it look like it be able to support it, if not then maybe the small hd Hero cam.

Good point about the welding.. the legs are aluminum so will need to think of another way to attach them together, probably some sort of a clamp.

It might not work out but just curious can you put a cheap tripod to an alternative use

 

[TiE_Shepherd]

I don't think I'd trust anything on their personally. How long are those legs from the tripod, maybe what 4' ? I think you'd be much better off just getting a piece of round, square, or rectangular tubing and not bothering with messing with those legs.