Replace That Missing Tripod Mount

After assembling your photographic lamps, you need a tripod to mount them to. As these are not precision instruments, and this is a Low-Budget series, we don't want to go buy a nice manifrotto or something. 

If your first stop is a thrift store, (and it probably should be) you might notice most of the available tripods are missing their quick release plate. These plates might cost three times as much as your bargain tripod for a new one. More than likely you won't even be able to find one. 

Fortunately, most of these pieces are very simple. Chances are you have all the tools you need lying around.

Step 1 Parts and Tools

 For this instructable we don't need power tools, but they sure make life easier. 

We're going to need these tools:

Hand Saw and Miter box (these can be and are replaced with a table saw)
1/4" drill bit
Chamfer bit (nice to have, but I used a christmas tree stepped bit.)
Drill
Protractor
Carpenter's Rule
Hacksaw
A stack of thick card stock or similar
Sharp Chisels

Of course, some materials are also handy:

1/4" - 20 threaded bolt
Captive bolt ring
Length of Hard Wood approximately the correct size for your tripod (Use hard wood, I used pine, but it was what I had at hand. I will replace it when I get a chance.)