2x4 Tripod

thingiverse

This is a remix of PSomeone's "free standing tripod" with changes to the center column to allow a 4th 2x4. I also adapted to allow for "fresh from the lumber yard and still wet" treated lumber, providing approx 1-2mm of play, so the boards could more easily be docked into the chassis. I wanted to build a freestanding mount for a weather station that I could deploy to a flat section of my roof that was sturdy enough to not be blown around in a storm. Final dimensions are 6ft tall by 42 inches triangle footprint and approximate weight (with new treated lumber) is 48lbs. Here are the materials I used: (1) 10ft treated 2x4 (1) 8ft treated 2x4 (4) 1 5/8 inch deck screws (4) washers (pint) white latex exterior paint Cut the 2x4s as follows: - 10ft, cut at 6 feet to yield (1) 6ft and (1) 4ft section - 8ft, cut in half to yield (2) 4ft sections - You should have (3) 4ft sections for the legs, cut 30 degrees at the end of each to make feet - On 1 leg, add an addtional 30 degree cut so it can mate inside the 3D printed chassis, as that board will be adjacent to the center column 2x4 (see pics) Finishing and Assembly: - Paint if you'd like, but note treated lumber should dry/season or the paint won't adhere well - Rough fit the boards together into the chassis in your final location. Note there is some intentional play in the chassis that allows you level the tripod, but wait until you get to your final location to do this, unless you're building and deploying onto a perfectly level surface. - With the boards rough-fit into the chassis, place a 9in torpedo level atop the flat top of the chasis and adjust the boards until level. - When the boards are adjusted and level, insert the 1 5/8in deck screws and washers to lock everythign into place