Machining an L plate

I can't wait to see what you come up with. I have access to a mill but have no idea how to use solid works lol. Having see what my brother in law can do, an L Bracket doesn't to hard to design. I'll ask him and see if he is willing to help lol.

I'd also be interested to see the solid works file. What body are you making it for? I have a $20 universal plate that fits surprisingly well on my 7D, so I'm in no hurry to go buy a RRS one.

Littlejon Dsgn wrote in post #16729679
I built mine, however I am in the process of making a second version, the first worked great, but added more weight then I wanted. I know have a 3D printer and plan to do a test print and see if a plastic version will hold up. If not I will slim down my metal version.

I'm working on another design that uses L-plates and can tell you that ABS prints with 5 shell layers and 30% infill do not cut it haha. If you're only working in dry conditions then maybe. But I'd be afraid of cracking the plastic unless it's almost 100% fill.

It's fantastic for rapid prototyping though!

MikeG2012 wrote in post #16729826
I'm working on another design that uses L-plates and can tell you that ABS prints with 5 shell layers and 30% infill do not cut it haha. If you're only working in dry conditions then maybe. But I'd be afraid of cracking the plastic unless it's almost 100% fill.

It's fantastic for rapid prototyping though!

I have had some very strong prints come out with 5-7 shell and 40% infill, thats about where I planned to start.

I will get some pictures and screen captures of the design at work tomorrow. I have no problem sharing the SW file but it is very very basic. I just used two pieces of bar stock, and had our welder weld them up. I made it for my T3 (1100d)

So I came into work this morning and did a bit of redesigning to my previouse design which was very "square", this design shaved a little more then half the weight off the previouse version. I think I will 3D print this one this week so see how I like the shape. We have been playing with reinforcing our 3D prints, so I might try out a few ideas and see if I can get the ABS print to work as a final design.

Its nothing real fancy, but should get the job done. I also do not currently use a Arca Swiss style head so this is designed to use the plate that comes with my tripod hence the 1/4" holes to "bolt" the plates too. There are two holes on the base to allow a 1/4 bolt to secure to the camera while the other hole accepts the qr plate.

Here is a picture of the 1st version, it worked well for the 15 days I was in Glacier National Park last summer.

Custom made to work with you have, designed by you=win win!!!