wwp@yahoogroups.com:
Re: Tripod Camera Screw
Scott Highton 2005-Jul-16 20:28:00
--- 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