Spotting Scope Tripod
I’m going to build a short tripod for my spotting scope for prone use.
Still in the design process, but have started making some parts – Will likely change as things progress.
This is the solidworks model of the tripod stowed and deployed (I have something in mind for the head but I haven’t designed it yet).
And some pics so far.
4×4 block of aluminum too big for my vice
One pocket done, 2 to go, these were to be protusions to keep the legs from folding up on themselves but I have revised that.
Z axis chip guard working great
Cutting the exterior profile
Locking bracket got in the way and was bent… I knew I should have left it off the mill.
And a short video – air only, no coolant.
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Even I can figure out what’s goin on! 😆
Man I really like the way that unfolds – don’t think I’ve seen a tripod for anything unfold that way.
Pictures are worth a thousand words so instead of me explaining here are the “retaining” rods.
Holes drilled in legs with rod inserted
Rod marked, removed and them a flat milled
After cut to length and installed (still need securing).
gotcha 😀
They are and thats how it was supposed to be, but I had to scrap that and make the wings as an add on part – decided to add them to the legs for ease of machining.
ah, my bad…Just looking at the 3D drawing it looked like the wings sticking out were part of the base…
Nope – still same as before. Will be a bar sticking out each leg that will prevent rotation past a certain point.
So, you went the ball-detent idea? Looks good!
Neat way to align the tap…
Looking good YN!
Drilled the base for the legs
Centerdrill all three
Then drill through
And tap
Done for today – Made a jig
Which provides for support when mounting flat in vice
and holds the top surface level for when I drill it
Also let me face it to make the surfaces nice and flat after my mishap the other day.
Rounded of the leg ends
Just have to do some bolt shopping tomorrow so I can start attaching things together.
ok just let me know what you use most most of mine are 4 flute
Thanks for the offer eddie – I’ll send you a PM.
YN what size cutters do you use I see what you had on pictures was a tin coated bit I have some I use on my wood working last quit a while if you use 1/2 allot I can send you a couple of them also have solid carbide, I will never use all of them I was a machinist for 35 years and collected a few from time to time we used to kind of order a few extra for jobs that came up because our crib supply would be out most of the time, let me know I will mail you out a couple
Ooh, solidworks rotates whichever direction is needed for the model and I’m used to mastercam which rotates counterclockwise. Learned now I am!
Ninja-san, your CAD FU is very Good! 😎
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The basic design of the bracket to attach spotting scope –