Modding A Cheap Tripod into a Laser Holder

Hi guys,
I really want something now to hold my cheap laser 303 while I wait for my new sci-fi lasers to arrive! LOL ANyway, I live in a very small place and deciced to make a laser holder on a budget ! I know these can be purchased quite cheaply off the internet but seeing how I do work in a building supplies and hardware store, I know it can be built cheap and way better than can be bought. SO I just got like a 5.00 tripod at the local Walmart and am now fiddling around with a custom mount for securely holding lasers. I do realize some of them are threaded to fit onto a universal camera tripod mount, but I thought it would be great if we could build one cheaply, and easily from things that are readily available that would fit just about anything. I don't see a thread like this on here but if there already is, I would be pleased for someone to put the link on here !
As soon as I get out tomorrow to pick up the bits I need to do this, I will put up pictures and a how to on this thread! Wish me luck on this, this being my first real thread!

Good Luck on your project!

I need a laser holder as well. Maybe i can utilize some scope mounts i have lying around

:beer:
-Matt

Well, I have been sizing up this tripod. I think the mount on top is a standard 1/4 npt thread . I think all I will need to do is superglue a standard 1/4 nut onto a half of a paint stirring stick and then super glue two long Velcro strips onto the stick. It would then be a simple matter to simply wrap the Velcro around the laser and voila, a scratch resistant, very secure mount for a laser on a tripod. Price should work out to about 10.00. More on this tomorrow when I finally have all the required components on hand!

Actually, I have given this a lot more thought and you are going to be really surprised by the easy holder we are going to make tomorrow! I am going to pick up all the things we need tomorrow and put it together in a jiffy! Til then keep it real !

Ok folks, here we go ! What you need for this is :
1 - 6" ( or longer depending on length of your laser ) piece of 3/4 " cove moulding
1 - 1" long x 1/4 npt thread coupling nut
1 - 1" x 1/4 tapered head machine bolt
3 - 8" long Velcro straps (usually used to tie up computer cords)
1 - tube 5 minute epoxy glue
1 - 3/8 drill bit
1 - 1/4 drill bit
1 - extremely cheap tripod
Pictures will follow once I can figure out how to resize these pics lol

I'd steer clear of Velcro. Some lasers are HEAVY! I would think 2 rubber straps with clamp locks ,over the base where the nut goes in, rubber below too, no blemishes on ur lasers and a sturdy hold.

Ok here are some pics !

Ok using the 3/8 drill bit you drill from the top aprox halfway through the cove moulding. This will allow the tapered bolt to countersink, so as to not scratch you beautiful laser. We use cove moulding so the round laser will fit snugly into its round groove. If you have bigger lasers then you can use a larger size cove moulding as it coves in lots of different sizes.After you drill the hole it should look something like this.

Next step is to use the 1/4 drill bit to finish the holes. Use the 1/4 drill bit in the center of the previously drilled hole to make a countersunk hole to accommodate the tapered bolt. When finishihed it should look like this.

Next step is to mix some 5 minute epoxy and put it in the bolt hole with the bolt. Then put the long coupling nut on the other side tightly making sure the tapered bolt is completely recessed into the moulding. As stated earlier, this will prevent scratches to your precious laser. When finished it should look like this.

Last step is to thread your custom holder onto your tripod. Then using a couple of very soft Velcro straps ,no scratches please lol , attach your laser. I wanted to do this quick for you guys so please forgive the shoddy photos. My good camera is MIA so I had to make do with crap. ALso, here in Canada, we would wrap this with either soft hockey (cloth ) tape, or electrical tape. I, however will be dipping mine in either liquid rubber or plastidip once my stock arrives at work lol ! You can also make this out of aluminum or plastic cove moulding but I wanted this to be fast and cheap. Fine tuning is your own thing.
Once finished it should look like this.

I hope you guys don't mind my first attempt at this. For the heavier lasers, you could add some weight at the back as a counterbalance. I am only a newbie at this so I don't own anything with a lot of weight YET. That 303 is my first laser and I have two on order from scifilasers . My safety goggles , eagle pair Laser Safety Goggles for 190-540nm & 800-1700nm will be here any day now. I hope they are good enough for my wee lasers. Let me know what you think of a newfie redneck custom laser holder ! After looking at this, the plastidip stuff or liquid rubber is a must ! LOL

Hi again,
when I get my real camera back, I will put some better pics on here. However, with the ones on here I think you get the idea.