Arca Swiss type tripod adapter

thingiverse

I have refined my prior iteration (2) of the adapter. This new version boasts tighter tolerances and employs a 1/4-20 three-prong T-nut to secure the adapter, allowing the threads to be situated closer to the base for tripods with short mounting screws. The T-nut also enables more threads of the 6-32 screw to engage with the plastic of the base. Additionally, the base features recesses for plates that incorporate stop-screws, and the knob has been redesigned for improved usability. I have included a camera quick-release plate in this design as well, addressing an issue where some plate designs failed to fit my standard Arca-Swiss type adapters. As with the initial version, my objective was to create an adapter that seamlessly integrates with my existing plates while utilizing a single knob to tighten or release the clamping mechanism. I explored using springs to disperse the jaws but opted for a simpler approach by flaring the end of the knob to fit into a dovetail-like slot in the sliding component of the jaw. The knob features a hex recess, which houses a 6-32 nut that is pressed into position with a vise and a nylon bushing. After inserting the slider into the base, a 6-32 x 2" machine screw is threaded through the knob and into the base until it just reaches the recess for the 1/4-20 T-nut, at which point it is backed out a few turns. The T-nut is then pressed into position using a 1/4-20 machine screw. This enables the jaws to be opened and closed by turning the knob, securely clamping onto standard Arca-Swiss plates or the plate included in this design. Notably, commercial plates that are Arca-Swiss compatible also fit this adapter seamlessly.