DIY Multi-Purpose Lightstand

[SYS]

Someone asked me about this in another post a while ago, and I just got around to taking some photos of it.

I made this because, hey, DIY is in my blood, I can't help it. :D

The Docking Station (All Made of PVC + Caster Wheels):

I call it "docking station" because... see the below images for a couple examples of what gets to dock...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3516/3463280482_81449f2d99_o.jpg

Its Sexy Legs:

Who needs sand bags to hold it down when the legs are muscled with pebbles for stability? ;) The lockable caster wheels make it mobile for a lazy person like me... :)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/3462466091_f01f1c47f4_o.jpg

The Arms:

The four arms are for easier pulling/pushing the station with a bunch of "No-Slip Grips" on for better grabbing, as well as holding down things like PWIIs or external battery packs, etc.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3463280538_8ef5027775_o.jpg

The Whole View:

This is just one of the many uses of the docking station for lighting. Here's shown my 580EX with another DIY of mine, straw grid snoot...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3496/3462466013_6b8ca8f9b0_o.jpg

580EX + DIY Straw Grid Snoot + Impact Swivel + PWII + "No-Slip Grips":

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3542/3462466027_317da3b964_o.jpg

[SYS]

PWII Held by "No-Slip Grips":

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3462466061_f8a4c59547_o.jpg

The Tube to Impact Swivel Connection:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3551/3462466079_1ca608a64b_o.jpg

Another Example of What Docks on the Station:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/3421281663_b69eff1b92_o.jpg

This Portable Thingy: The Flash "Speed(lite) Gun":

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3558/3426609899_eb4d271d57_o.jpg

Given the photos of this multi-purpose lightstand, you can easily imagine its strengths and weaknesses, as well as its "other" uses....

[Jim G]

Whoah. First ever custom light stand I've seen. Fantastic work! May even give this a go myself when I get time...

[SYS]

Whoah. First ever custom light stand I've seen. Fantastic work! May even give this a go myself when I get time...

Yea, you gonna need some time.... ;)

Seriously, though, it doesn't take too long especially if you've messed around with PVC tubes before...

[Ray Marrero]

very nice. now I have to try some ....

[Seanzky]

It looks top-heavy. Is it? Does the wheels 'trip' over small cracks, debris, gaps, etc.?

[SYS]

It looks top-heavy. Is it? Does the wheels 'trip' over small cracks, debris, gaps, etc.?

It's not top-heavy at all as shown with just the flash and a few other gadgets. It would be top-heavy if you place something really large and weighty. But, as I stated in the "Sexy Legs" section, the inner tubes of the legs are all filled with small pebbles, so it's bottom-solid. I can easily use an umbrella atop, and that'd be considered "nothing" given the "rock-solid" foundation.

Any wheels would trip over cracks and gaps and so on, but the pebble filled foundation as well as the "arms" allow for greater mobility in comparison to lighter foundation. One thing for sure is that the mobility is better than those commercially sold lightstand on wheels as they're not weighed down. Also, my DIY is meant for smooth surfaces whether indoors or outdoors, as would any similar units with wheels.

[SYS]

By the way, the reason why I made the legs rather compact is because I can't stand the ordinary lightstands with legs that spread out too much. If you squeeze the legs in a little with these commercial units, then they'd be more prone to tipping over due to their light foundation. I wanted a compact set of legs with heavy foundation, and I think I've accomplished that. To my satisfaction, at least. :D

This is one of the main reasons for going DIY rather than simply pressing the "order" button. Another reason for going DIY -- although you can probably get a cheap lightstand for about the same expense -- was to customize the unit to my liking and for my specific needs. Because of this, I'm actually using this DIY almost exclusively over my Impact lightstand.

[BluewookieJim]

Impressive. I wish I were that skilled as a DIY'er.

[tetrode]

Very creative but it looks like it should have a mailbox or bird feeder on top instead of a flash :)

Dave F.

[Seanzky]

By the way, the reason why I made the legs rather compact is because I can't stand the ordinary lightstands with legs that spread out too much. If you squeeze the legs in a little with these commercial units, then they'd be more prone to tipping over due to their light foundation. I wanted a compact set of legs with heavy foundation, and I think I've accomplished that. To my satisfaction, at least. :D

This is one of the main reasons for going DIY rather than simply pressing the "order" button. Another reason for going DIY -- although you can probably get a cheap lightstand for about the same expense -- was to customize the unit to my liking and for my specific needs. Because of this, I'm actually using this DIY almost exclusively over my Impact lightstand.

Thank you for answering my question. You've clarified my concerns. I wholeheartedly agree that the feet on these light stands are way too long. I find myself stepping on them or tripping over them 9 times out of 10! Granted that it's part of the design where balance is a priority, I'm pretty sure there's a way to engineer something so that the core balance in the middle will help shorter legs be just as stable if not more stable.

Kudos on the DIY. Because of you, others will experiment and take it to the next level. Once again, thanks for answering my questions. It wasn't meant to shut down your DIY or anything. I thought they were valid.

[inthedeck]

Thanks for the pics. Looks like an even more interesting unit, and now, my 'design' questions have been answered. ;) Nice lookin' unit, too. How much does the 'base' weigh, with the pebbles, and secondly, do the wheels 'lock' so that the umbrella/stand combo don't go rolling off somewhere on their own?

[Zansho]

Nice job! Care to put up a tutorial or maybe a diagram of parts?

[SYS]

How much does the 'base' weigh, with the pebbles, and secondly, do the wheels 'lock' so that the umbrella/stand combo don't go rolling off somewhere on their own?

The "docking station" weighs approximately 10LBS, but it can get heavier simply by placing more pebbles or sand down the main tube.

Yes, the wheels are lockable with a simple toe step as you can see in the "Sexy Legs" photo. :)

[HSK]

Looks great. well done.

[SYS]

Nice job! Care to put up a tutorial or maybe a diagram of parts?

I'll try to do a tutorial on how to build one, but for now I can tell you these simple steps:

1) At Home Depot or Lowe's, choose the PVC tube diameter that you feel comfortable (I believe mine is 1-1/4"). I'd get two 10'. They're only like $3.99 per 10'.

2) Get 3 "Cross," 4 "Elbow," 8 "Cap" PVC connectors. Make sure to take these to the 10' tube and actually fit them to make sure.

3) Cut the tubes for the legs and the arms and the center column to your preferred lengths. This is really personal. You can make the legs more compact or wider than mine.... or the total height to be shorter or taller, etc.

4) Connect the parts with PVC cement, taking extra extra caution because it glues SUPER fast!! I mean like in a few seconds! So make sure to practice aligning the legs and the arms prior to applying the glue.

5) Get 4 caster wheels (and these are actually the only things that cost the most at something like $3.99 per wheel). Don't forget the corresponding nuts to go with these for the inner part of four PVC caps.

6) Drill the caps right in the middle to the same diameter as the caster wheels' "bolts." I marked the center with a nail and the hammer prior to drilling, otherwise you'll get this "drill drifting" that you won't enjoy. ;) Also, make sure to wear handyman's gloves to avoid injuring yourself.

7) After you're done with the legs, pour either the sand or pebbles for the foundation weight. Or you can just wait until the whole thing is glued and done with and then follow this step. Makes no difference.

So that's pretty much it. I'll try to post in greater detail at a later date. With the leftover tubes, you can create the ones that docks to the station in whatever the lengths you need. Be sure to get some extra caps (or more tubes if you're creating several like I did) and the hex bolts and nuts for connecting the flash.

[SYS]

Very creative but it looks like it should have a mailbox or bird feeder on top instead of a flash :)

Dave F.

That's precisely why I called my DIY "Multi-Purpose." ;)

[SYS]

Looks great. well done.

Thanks. :)

[SYS]

Kudos on the DIY. Because of you, others will experiment and take it to the next level. Once again, thanks for answering my questions. It wasn't meant to shut down your DIY or anything. I thought they were valid.

Thanks, Sean. It never occur to me that your earlier post was anything but genuine questions. The true spirit of DIY NEEDS lots of questioning regarding the unit's practicality and therefore validity. For obvious reasons, I create these DIYs for my own personal suitability and satisfaction, and if others can find the idea suitable to them, as well, or even improve on the design to suit their own specific needs, then great! :D

[tetrode]

That's precisely why I called my DIY "Multi-Purpose." ;)

Touché

[SYS]

Touché

Oh, by the way, speaking of the bird feeder, my next next (because I have another DIY thingy completed today) DIY project is precisely the bird feeder for my birding.... :D

[Slicer]

Thanks for the inspiration SYS!! I ran out today and made one. Mine I made the base wider with interchangeable bottom leg caps. Mine is without wheels and the interchangeable caps I made with 6" studs so I could plant it in the ground like tent spikes for stabilization in the wind. I also made different length tops so I could reach higher for hair light.

This has soo many possibilities. Like interchangeable tops to allow for a boom light
( weighted on the other end ) or interchangeable handle T's to allow for more flashes at different angles/height.

Thanks! well done

[SYS]

Thanks for the inspiration SYS!! I ran out today and made one. Mine I made the base wider with interchangeable bottom leg caps. Mine is without wheels and the interchangeable caps I made with 6" studs so I could plant it in the ground like tent spikes for stabilization in the wind. I also made different length tops so I could reach higher for hair light.

You might also try making one interchangeable center tubes with a spike at the bottom. You can then take it out to a park or a beach and just stake it on the ground when you have no assistants to help you for off camera flash lighting...

This has soo many possibilities. Like interchangeable tops to allow for a boom light
( weighted on the other end ) or interchangeable handle T's to allow for more flashes at different angles/height.

Thanks! well done

Yup, the possibilities are only limited by one's own imagination. I also thought about making the legs with spikes. In fact, my upcoming DIY project is making a set of spike legs for commercially available lightstands (not for the DIY Multi-Purpose Lightstand). I just need to make some adjustments to my earlier DIY project on "Let Your Lightstand Roll": http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=655290

By the way, I have TWO Multi-Purpose Lightstands, and that opens up even more possibilities, such as being able use them for paper background with a connecting tube between the two stands, or placing a hairlight in the middle of the connecting tube, etc. just to name a few.... :)

EDIT: You might also want to turn one of your center interchangeable tube and put a stake at the bottom. You can then take it out to a park or a beach and simply stake it and use it for off camera flash on location when you've no assistant to help you with the lighting.

[lazer-jock]

Just adding my own "very nicely done" to the chorus.

[SYS]

Just adding my own "very nicely done" to the chorus.

Thanks. :)

[Rudi]

Every time I look at all that plumbing, I get this urge to grab the newspaper and head for the bathroom! :D

[SYS]

Every time I look at all that plumbing, I get this urge to grab the newspaper and head for the bathroom! :D

I've since moved from the plumbing to the gutter section at Lowe's for my latest DIY projects... That should be an improvement... :)

[Rudi]

I sold plumbing gear for a while in a previous life, so this brings back memories... :)

[SYS]

I sold plumbing gear for a while in a previous life, so this brings back memories... :)

Quite a different profession now, eh? By the way, you do your current work very well. Browsing through your photos is a pleasure.

[Mike McCusker]

SYS,

You truly are an inspiration.

[Rudi]

Quite a different profession now, eh? By the way, you do your current work very well. Browsing through your photos is a pleasure.

Thanks very much! :)

SYS,

You truly are an inspiration.

He keeps me regular! ;) :D

[dave63]

It occurs to me that further weight stability could be achieved on the bottom by adding a means to attach a 5 lb (or more) weight from a weight bench set, via a built-in nut/bolt addition.

[SYS]

It occurs to me that further weight stability could be achieved on the bottom by adding a means to attach a 5 lb (or more) weight from a weight bench set, via a built-in nut/bolt addition.

Yes, you CAN place more weight depending on the specific user needs. I designed this so that I can use it mostly at home, but also to be able to throw it in the trunk of my car or my Thule cargo on some occasions for off location use. In other words, how much weight do I want for my (or your) use.... Nice thing about making this with empty PVC tube is that you can have it light or add weight as you go.

[zincozinco]

Someone asked me about this in another post a while ago, and I just got around to taking some photos of it.

I made this because, hey, DIY is in my blood, I can't help it. :D

Just brilliant!! Amazing and jaw dropping!!!

[c2thew]

This Portable Thingy: The Flash "Speed(lite) Gun": you could scare the crap out of people just by standing on the road and holding it at their direction. they'll think your working with the local police.

kudos to your wal mart foam diffuser. it works great

[SYS]

This Portable Thingy: The Flash "Speed(lite) Gun": you could scare the crap out of people just by standing on the road and holding it at their direction. they'll think your working with the local police.

kudos to your wal mart foam diffuser. it works great

It's a good thing that I don't do street photography, eh? :lol:

[brunski]

this is awesome!! Thank you!!!

[jrsforums]

Sys, I think your creative is wonderful....this and your other creations.

For those of us (at least me) with less creativity, here is another alternative for a portable, rolling flash stand...

The idea came from Chuck Gardner. Here is the info he sent me on it...

http://www.med-worldwide.com/product2509.html (http://www.med-worldwide.com/product2509.html)

You need to saw or Dremel off the U shaped bag holder on the top. A universal umbrella holder will then fit over it. You can see the very top of mine in the photo on the top of http://super.nova.org/DPR/Canon/MultiCanon/ and the entire thing in the wide shot of my wife at the bottom of http://super.nova.org/DPR/DIY01/

The sections on the stand are friction twist lock . You can put a foot on the legs and adjust with one hand. Handy if you have the camera in the other. But make sure you give them a hard twist and the lock catches.[

John

[SYS]

Sys, I think your creative is wonderful....this and your other creations.

For those of us (at least me) with less creativity, here is another alternative for a portable, rolling flash stand...

The idea came from Chuck Gardner.


Well, believe it or not, it was Chuck Gardner's use of that medical device that got me thinking towards making the DIY. I could have ordered one, but it wouldn't have been much fun. ;) I tremendously enjoy the challenges of coming up with the "original," whether excellent or crap, beautiful or ugly.... But I do absolutely agree that if you don't want to make one, that medical device can be easily mod'ed to suit your need. The cost ain't bad, either. :)

[SYS]

It rained all day today the July 4th, but I couldn't give up on grilling juicy steaks in my backyard, so I decided to employ my "multi-purpose" DIY lightstand.... :D

377534

[TMR Design]

HI Soo Young,

With such a small footprint, that stand looks like it's an accident waiting to happen. :D

[SYS]

HI Soo Young,

With such a small footprint, that stand looks like it's an accident waiting to happen. :D

Ah, no worries... All four legs are loaded with small pebbles inside for good stability such that it's hard to knock it over. I intentionally made the legs rather compact for use in tighter environments. By the way, I got my steaks! :D

[datadump]

wow
\

this is some serious DIYism.

awesome work man...... those pipes are so dang handy

[mtimber]

This deserves a bump...