Machining an L plate

I'm going to try making my own L plate. I have machine shop access and the stock should be $20 or so. $150 for this things is nuts and it should be fun to make one. Anyone tried?

I saw a video of how they're made. Block of aluminum goes into the CNC machine, L-plate comes out. Are you also going to design it in SolidWorks?

when you get done, post some pictures of your work. i'm curious how long it would take.

Be sure to leave space for a cable release when the camera in in portrait mode. And for me, time is money. I don't think that price is bad for a custom machined part on which I depend not to break and drop a $5000 item to the ground.

rick_reno wrote in post #14376627
when you get done, post some pictures of your work. i'm curious how long it would take.

If you value your time at a reasonable rate, it will take long enough to make $150 seem pretty cheap...assuming you end with something of comparable quality to an RRS plate.

I was just thinking of doing something like this, I would like to see how much I use one before dropping that kind of money. I use solidworks all day for work and also have access to a shop and enjoy diy projects. To me its easy as I can do it during my breaks and lunch at work I will post up info and pics as I go

Scott, I use mine every day, they're on my camera 24-7.

rick_reno wrote in post #14378481
Scott, I use mine every day, they're on my camera 24-7.

I kinda figure it will be one of those put it on and leave it kinda things, I am also having issues finding one for my cheapo T3.

Also I am using an inexpensive tripod with a different mount then the upper end ones use it looks like, I have the plate designed in my head just need to sit down with the camera and get it all drawn up this weekend and pop it in the CNC on Monday

I have also been thinking of picking up a grip so this first plate will be more of a test run and a new one will need to be made after I grip up.

I'd be interested in seeing it too! Sounds like a cool DIY project. We use SolidWorks here (I am in the very beginning learning stages). I'd like to make one for my 1DIII. Good luck with your project!

Ive seen people try and do think its cool to build things yourself, but from what I have seen made over the year, IMO the $150 is worth it for the convenience of having a clean, perfect fitting, tried and true product any day.

ben_r_ wrote in post #14379679
Ive seen people try and do think its cool to build things yourself, but from what I have seen made over the year, IMO the $150 is worth it for the convenience of having a clean, perfect fitting, tried and true product any day.

Just because something is diy, home made or however else you wanna call it does not mean it wont be clean and perfect fitting. Tried and true maybe not but its not rocket science here, its an L bracket with some notching and holes, measure a couple times cut once and your done, clean it up anodize or paint it and good to go My guess is I will come in under $20 for all material.

There's a few things in the photography world that make my head spin on prices. $150 L plates are at the top of the list along with $500 camera bags and $900 tripod legs.

BeerWolf wrote in post #14379792
There's a few things in the photography world that make my head spin on prices. $150 L plates are at the top of the list along with $500 camera bags and $900 tripod legs.

Tripod legs have got me too, have not figured out a way to make my own yet, but for gods sake I cant get over the prices, which is why I still have my cheapo radioshack tripod.

Littlejon Dsgn wrote in post #14379702
Just because something is diy, home made or however else you wanna call it does not mean it wont be clean and perfect fitting. Tried and true maybe not but its not rocket science here, its an L bracket with some notching and holes, measure a couple times cut once and your done, clean it up anodize or paint it and good to go My guess is I will come in under $20 for all material.

I'm really in awe of people who can do this kind of thing. But seriously, there are curves and angled surfaces along the body, even RRS got it wrong the first time, so I don't think it's measure twice, etc. The first design scratched the bottom of the cameras.

Are you saying by measuring, you mean a laser measured CAD design? Or is it meant just to be a metal L?

I use to do this kind of work. I'd say (at an estimate) that initial layout and rough cuts would consume about 4 hours solid work. Radiusing the edges, final finishing (getting rid of tool marks), and paint prep at least another two hours. That's about six hours invested... or you can pay $150.

Granted it would fun to do, but so would shooting for six hours somewhere. Easy choice for me.