wwp@yahoogroups.com:
Re: Tripod Camera Screw
Nick 2005-Jul-17 04:29:00
--- In #removed#, "Scott Highton" <#removed#> wrote:
> --- In #removed#, "Nick" <#removed#> wrote:
> > I'm curently making a camera mount so I can centre the camera
> > properly. I have a design and I'm making it out of metal. I wanted
> to
> > find out some information of the tripod camera screw, the diameter
> and
> > the pitch of the screw. I'm going to cut a hole into the metal mount
> > and then screw the quick relase into the metal.
>
>
>
> Nick,
>
> Standard camera and tripod mounting screws are 1/4"-20 -- that's 1/4"
> diameter with 20 threads per inch (tpi) - also called a 1/4" coarse
> thread.
>
> The larger, beefier bolts or screws that are used for larger cameras,
> or which attach the head to the tripod are 3/8"-16 -- 3/8" diameter
> with 16 threads per inch - also called a 3/8" coarse thread.
>
> You can find these in bolts, machine screws and nuts at almost any
> hardware store, as they are pretty standard sizes.
>
> If you want to make custom pieces that include these threads, you can
> also purchase tap and/or die sets in these sizes at some hardware
> stores (these sets are usually in the tool aisles).
>
> A tap is the one you use to make a particular size thread in a hole
> (to make a threaded receptacle). A die is the sleeve you use to cut a
> particular size thread on the outside of a rod (to make the bolt or
> screw section). Both require handles to use for hand threading, and
> it is best to use a liberal amount of cutting or tapping oil as you
> cut the threads. Make sure you put the work piece in a vice when you
> cut threads, and go very slowly and make sure you start the threads
> straight. After you've cut the first one or two rotations, back the
> tap or die out to clear the chips, then proceed with a few more
> rotations. Continue doing this until your threads are complete. If
> you try to force the threads without backing out to break or clear the
> resulting chips, you'll wind up with very ugly and rough threads.
>
> If you're making your own pieces, it's usually a good idea to make one
> or two more than you think you'll need because you're likely to ruin
> at least one as you're working on them. (Believe me when I say I've
> had far too much experience in ruining custom fabrication pieces as
> I'm working on them... grin.)
>
> Good luck.
>
>
>
> Scott
>
> Scott Highton
> Author, Virtual Reality Photography
> Web: http://www.vrphotography.com
Hi Scott
Thanks for the info, my camera and tripod are the 1/4"-20 screws. And
thanks for the advise on cutting a tap.
Nick