Slik 700DX / PIG 0311 without center column?
- Thread starter skatz11
- Start date
I am the one that posted about it. Stay tuned for pictures this evening.
Bear with me, as I know nothing about technical tripod terms. Basically, the center "apex" that the legs attach to has a male threaded portion sticking up. the center column slides up and down in this. There is a large green (~1 1/2") female threaded nut with 3 tabs that screws down on top of this column. All I did was remove the center column completely, and find a fender washer that would fit inside the large green female threaded nut. It was then sandwiched between that and the top of the male threaded column. From there, I just got a 3/8x16 bolt and a few lock washers, and I had a stud that things could be mounted to. Took me about 2 minutes scrounging around in a hardware store to figure it all out. Very simple.
Bear with me, as I know nothing about technical tripod terms. Basically, the center "apex" that the legs attach to has a male threaded portion sticking up. the center column slides up and down in this. There is a large green (~1 1/2") female threaded nut with 3 tabs that screws down on top of this column. All I did was remove the center column completely, and find a fender washer that would fit inside the large green female threaded nut. It was then sandwiched between that and the top of the male threaded column. From there, I just got a 3/8x16 bolt and a few lock washers, and I had a stud that things could be mounted to. Took me about 2 minutes scrounging around in a hardware store to figure it all out. Very simple.
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That is what my temporary solution is for the time being at least. I would feel a lot better about it as a long term solution if the top of the large green "wing nut" was a flatter mounting surface.
What I REALLY want to do is find a female threaded aluminum collar that's capped on one end and tapped for a piece of 3/8 all thread. It could then be screwed down on top of the male threaded column on the tripod body and serve as a permanent replacement for the center column. My only issue is that I can't figure out what the threads are. It appears to be something close to 1 1/2", but it's a finer thread pitch than regular NPT. I've asked Hog Saddle for some info but haven't had any luck. If anyone could help me figure that out I'd be very appreciative. Differences in sizes aside, the picture below is a bit of an illustration of the concept I'd like to go for:
What I REALLY want to do is find a female threaded aluminum collar that's capped on one end and tapped for a piece of 3/8 all thread. It could then be screwed down on top of the male threaded column on the tripod body and serve as a permanent replacement for the center column. My only issue is that I can't figure out what the threads are. It appears to be something close to 1 1/2", but it's a finer thread pitch than regular NPT. I've asked Hog Saddle for some info but haven't had any luck. If anyone could help me figure that out I'd be very appreciative. Differences in sizes aside, the picture below is a bit of an illustration of the concept I'd like to go for:
I was thinking of the same idea. That’s part of the reason I wanted to see the washer quick fix. I have a few friends with machining backgrounds and access to the right tools. I may see what we can come up with.
What I was thinking about was just buying an aluminum threaded collar and getting someone to weld a piece of round plate on the top of it. Then drill/tap a hole in the center. With a piece of all thread, you could have a stud sticking up and leave it long enough that it will stick out the bottom of the apex a tiny bit so you can have the hook on the bottom.
Just can't figure out what the damned thread pitch is so I can buy a collar. Best solution may just be taking it to a machine shop. Have to be careful not to spend more money on it than the damned tripod cost to begin with.
Just can't figure out what the damned thread pitch is so I can buy a collar. Best solution may just be taking it to a machine shop. Have to be careful not to spend more money on it than the damned tripod cost to begin with.
Thanks for the idea.. I like it.. I went a little further, added a few more washers, as well as some smaller OD ones that just fit in the smaller hole in the 'nut'.. Played with the number/thickness of washers so that the bolt would bottom out in the Pig Saddle and it would still turn with as little slop as possible. Rifle spins nicely now.
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Looks good, glad the idea worked for you! As far as I am concerned, the center column doesn't do anything for stability in the raised position, always a good idea to trim additional weight and complexity out of your system when you can.
Anyone using the RRS Anvil 30 with Pig 0311 tripod yet? Any pictures? I am interested in that set up as well if it works. Also considering the Sunwayfoto GNN XB-52DL but I have not seen any reviews with use of precision rifles. The Anvil is amazing.
My 700DX legs arrived last night. I’m pretty impressed with how sturdy they are. I couldn’t bring myself to spend the extra $50 on the Pig for the green paint job and spiked feet.
I was able to canibalize the center column base and stud and remove the column. The base plate it’s a close fit to the collar. I can’t see it moving when tightened down. I may put this on top of the collar and put a bolt/washer to center it up and give have a nice flat mating surface.
I was able to canibalize the center column base and stud and remove the column. The base plate it’s a close fit to the collar. I can’t see it moving when tightened down. I may put this on top of the collar and put a bolt/washer to center it up and give have a nice flat mating surface.
Anyone have any ideas on someone with a CNC lathe who could turn out a replacement cap? There seems to be some interest out there.
Wanted to bump this thread with another idea for removing the center column. I’m trying out a Sunwayfoto DY90 leveling base, the methods discussed above didn’t seem sufficient enough. So I bought a .125” thick, 3” round piece of aluminum off eBay for $5 or so. Drilled a 3/8 hole in the center of it, then ran a 3/8x16 bolt through a washer up through the column sleeve from the bottom. The bolt goes through the hole in the center of the aluminum disk and serves as a stud to mount the leveling base.
I tried it out in the field last weekend, it ended up being very stable. I am very, very close to taking a hacksaw to the remaining 1” of the column sleeve so the top of the center piece is flat.
I tried it out in the field last weekend, it ended up being very stable. I am very, very close to taking a hacksaw to the remaining 1” of the column sleeve so the top of the center piece is flat.
