The $10 PVC C-stand

Step 6 Finishing up

The last thing to do is to drop in the 1/2 inch pipe. Once you have done so, try it out! See if you can slide it up and down and tighten the bolt to lock it in place.

While this project is not as sturdy as a real c-stand, it will do a good job holding reflectors or cameras, maybe even lights. If you make a second one, you can use them to hold backdrops or green screens.

You may also find it useful to make attachments like clamps. A great trick a saw is to use electrical pipe conduit holders to grab onto the riser. You can see some examples below.

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Comments

[ohowson]

I was also wondering about the potential of a sturdier base. How about something like this - the only problem I can see is stopping the middle t-connector spinning around. Involves a lot less precise measurements for lengths of pipes though. I might go get some pipe from B&Q and give it a go!

[tristantech]

Let me know how it goes! The base of my c-stand is designed to spread out the weight as much as possible to create a low center of gravity to prevent it from tipping and to allow multiple stands to placed in a tight space, but your design looks like it will work. If you use PVC, you will probably have to glue the middle T-junction!!!

[ohowson]

I'm struggling to see where the 1/2" pipe goes - can you add some more detailed photos of that bit? Would also love to see this in action!

thanks :)

[ejk00]

Nice job! I may have to make a couple myself. One suggestion - after you get the 120-deg angles of the legs worked out, use a sharpie to mark their positions, then you could conceivably fold the legs flat for storage, and easily rotate them back to their marked positions tor use.

[tristantech]

yes! The PVC pipes make it very easy of fold or take the whole thing apart!