Introduction: Easy Tripod Mount for a 7 Inch Tablet
This simple tripod mount is made from:
(2) 1/2" PVC elbows
(2) 1/2" Pieces of PVC pipe 5-3/8" long.
(1) 1/2" Piece of PVC pipe 6-1/4" long
(2) 1/4-20 screws 1 inch long
(2) quarter inch flat washers.
(1) rubber band to make sure your tablet stays held into the slots.
(1) 1/8" thick piece of steel about 1/2" wide by 3" long.
(1) gob PVC pipe primer
(1) gob PVC pipe cement
Tools Required:
#7 drill bit
1/4-20 tap
saw (I used a bandsaw, but a coping saw would work).
7/16" wrench
Total cost for this project is less than $2.
First, cut two of the pieces of PVC pipe to 5-3/8 inches long. Cut one section of 1/2" PVC pipe to 6-1/4 inches long.
Step 1: Glue the Three Pieces of PVC Pipe Together
First glue the uprights (5-3/8") to the elbows. This will allow us to align the uprights while gluing the center section. Next glue the center section (6-1/4") to each set of uprights. I found it easier to align the uprights if I pressed it flat against the workbench while the glue set on the center section.
Step 2: Drill and Tap Three Holes in a Piece of Steel at Least 1/8" Thick .
This is the "hard" part. Drill 3 holes with a #7 drill bit. Use a 1/4-20 tap to make threads in each hole. The center one is used for the tripod mount. The holes at each end are used to hold the plate to the pipe.
Step 3: Make 3 Clearance Holes That Match the Positions of the Three Tapped Holes.
Use at least 1/4" drill bit to drill 3 holes in the PVC. You can sharpie the holes from the plate onto the pipe to use as a template.
Step 4: Bolt the Plate to the Pipe With 1" Long 1/4-20 Bolts.
The 1" long bolts were the perfect length to JUST get through the pipe and start into the threads on the plate.
Step 5: Mark the Pipe With a Square for Cutting Out the Excess Material From the Uprights.
I went right down the center when I made this mount, but you may wish to leave about 2/3 of the pipe. This will make a narrower opening and allow the mount to grip the tablet a bit better.
Step 6: Saw Away the Excess Material Using the Lines Drawn As a Guide
Be sure to use sandpaper on the inside edges to remove any sharpness. Stop cutting when you get to the elbows-that will give the mount extra strength.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Tripod
Mirrors...heh...
Step 8: Thank You!
If you are a maker like me you like buying yourself awesome new tools
and supporting instructables like this one. You can do BOTH by checking out the #MADEINUSA branding irons I make that allow you to burn your fully custom logo into your finished work. Check out my shop at http://yeltrowshopllc.com – THANK YOU – yeltrow
