Adjustable Camera Pedestal w/75mm bowl. by godsalvage

Last crawled date: 2 years, 11 months ago

What is this?
This collection of prints can be used to make a camera pedestal with 75mm bowl from commonly available Schedule 40 black pipe.
This thing is a work in progress with additional parts planned.
A build tutorial video is planned but not yet complete.
Bowl
The bowl assembly consists of 2 printed parts. A 75mm bowl top and a bowl bottom.
There are two versions of 75mm bowl top. A tall one and a shorter one. If you have big hands or want the most flexibility in choosing a half ball adapter the taller bowl may be the better choice. The shorter bowl does fit the above mentioned Manfrotto half ball, but is a bit trickier to work with initially.
The same bowl bottom is used for both versions of bowl tops, and you'll need to use an epoxy (or other appropriate adhesive) to join the two parts of the print.
I used PETG for these parts because they'll be exposed to higher temperatures while traveling in my vehicle and I needed the resistance to deformation. PLA would likely be acceptable if you'll be using this in a climate controlled environment.
I used the Manfrotto 520BALLSH for the half ball adapter to my tripod head. Other 75mm half ball adapters should also work.
Adjustable Pedestal
The pedestal assembly consists of 2 printed objects. A collar and a sleeve.
You'll need one section of 2" Schedule 40 black pipe, one section of 1.5" Schedule 40 black pipe, a 2" coupler, a 2" floor flange, and a 1.5" floor flange.
A 5/16 tap set and a 5/16 threaded wing-bolt will be needed.
(4) 1/4-20 x 3/4" carriage bolts with nuts or wingnuts
A pipe wrench may be used but is optional if you have good grip strength.
Assembly
Attach 2" flange to floor or other base. (I used a piece of 2'x'2x3/4" plywood.)
Attach 2" pipe to floor flange. Tighten.
Attach 2" pipe coupler to the 2" pipe. Tighten.
Insert the bottom sleeve on the 1.5" pipe over the pipe threads. This is press fit.
Insert the other side of the 1.5" pipe into the 2" inch collar.
Install 1.5" floor flange on 1.5" pipe.
Insert 1.5" pipe with sleeve downward into 2" pipe.
Seat printed collar into 2" coupler.
Drill and tap 5/16 threads into 2" coupler.
Install 5/16 wingbolt
Install bowl assembly to 1.5" floor flange using appropriate fasteners.
Check and tighten all connections.
Final Notes
Use at your own risk. I am using this project with Canon 5dMKIII's mounted on Manfrotto 502AH heads but you shouldn't put any camera on them without evaluating the strength of the final print and assembly. If it breaks, you get to keep all of the parts.
Planned updates and additions
-Stability collar for lower section of pedestal.
-Drink Holder
-Accessory Mount