I have a tripod head that has a limited vertical range of motion, so I designed this 45 degree wedge to allow me to get greater elevation angles on my camera when needed.
Additional parts used:
- 1/4-20 brass heat set inserts for plastics (i.e. McMaster-Carr part no. 93365A162)
- 1/4-20 x 1.00" button head socket cap screw (i.e. McMaster-Carr part no. 98164A214)
- Adhesive cork sheeting (sold at arts and crafts stores for lining cabinet bottoms)
- A strong epoxy, i.e. JB Weld or Devcon for securing the screw in the thumbscrew housing.
Tools used:
- Soldering iron (for installing the threaded insert)
- Supplies for mixing and applying the epoxy, i.e. aluminum foil for mixing on, toothpicks for stirring and applying, gloves, safety goggles, etc.
- Craft knife and scissors for cutting up the cork liner and cleaning up the printed part as needed.
Notes:
- This design uses a captive thumbscrew. Make sure the thumbscrew and screw are installed in the body BEFORE you epoxy the thumbscrew and screw together. There is no way to insert or remove it after the two parts are epoxied together.
- Make sure to get the brass threaded insert installed straight. My strategy for this is to use a low temperature so the insert flows into the hole very slowly, then when it has reached a level slightly deeper than flush with the surface, I quickly remove the iron and put a 1/4-20 screw in a few turns and have a look from a few different angles to see if it's straight enough. If it needs straightening, remove the screw, warm the insert back up with the soldering iron and adjust as needed. I then use a craft knife to clean up the hardened ABS ooze around the insert. There should be a little ooze lip, otherwise your hole was too loose for the insert and it may not be securely mounted. This may vary with your printer's performance, all the tolerances in this design are based on my personal experience with my own printer.
- I included both STL and STEP files in case you want to make changes; I know that for me importing and editing STL files is very problematic and STEP files are much preferred.
Disclaimer:
As with anything else supporting your expensive camera equipment, test, test, test, until YOU are satisfied that it's strong enough. You are using this design at your own risk, and I am not responsible for any damages or injury that results.
AndrewT111
