Rod Support System

Rodney V. Smith

Rodney V. Smith

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McMaster-Carr supplies most of the parts that you might need to build a Rod Support System. I built mine using the Ilsco parts, loosely based on a design by J. I've recently been asked to build a new one for a friend of mine and I've been sourcing the parts for this.

Thought I'd document the build this time around for those of you who are interested in a project like this.

Pics of the current system. It's a little rough around the edges, but the new build should get cleaner lines.

The current system also features a DIY Quick Release platform. I'm thinking of upgrading that and attaching a Bogen Quick Release. This one works pretty well but I got lucky with some of the parts and I don't think I can find those again. My goal here is to use parts that can be found almost anywhere.


RodSupport1.jpg

Current system before rebuild... Top
RodSupport2.jpg

bottom of current system
RodSupport3.jpg

front view of current system

So far McMaster-Carr has the electrical cable lugs which seem to be the equivalent of the the Ilsco brand. I'm ordering a set of the 5/16" and the 1/4" to see which best fit my rods.

Here is ths link from McMaster for the ALUMINUM SET SCREW LUGS
1/4" #6920K27
5/16" #6920K25
http://www.mcmaster.com/nav/enter.a...tTrack=False&ftctlgpg=&FlCntxt=&newfrmwk=true

More links and parts to come, but those are the first parts I'm going to need. Now I have to source the tripod mount nuts for the bottom cheeseplate.
 
I'd like to find thumb screws or knob screws that have a big enough thread to fit where those giant hex screws are. Anybody have any ideas?

-J
 
actually McMaster-Carr is here in Atlanta a few miles from where I live. I was going to take a drive over there to see about matching some parts up. I can check on the sizes of the thumb-screw and knobs to see what works.
 
I know. I was totally amped when I looked at my order and saw the telephone number and then it clicked. Now I'm here making lists and gettign ready for the big trip. My girlfriend is just rolling her eyes at me...
 
this is the plan for the basic skeleton for the first design. i plan to replace the smaller cable lugs with something a little more solid and in one piece. maybe a sold block of aluminum, which I can then mount additional hardware onto.

Any suggestions?

baseplate-sketch.jpg
 
the lever was actually from one of old cheapie tripods. It's got a tension spring inside and that allows it to hold the camera plate in place, as well as being able to swing out. Just like on a regular tripod head... just now on the mount.
 
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