Tripod Leveler

cults3d

This is a printable tripod leveler, with space for a bubble spirit level. You install the leveler between the tripod and the head. It lets you get the head completely level for better panning performance. It's also great for setting a level base for panning time lapses with any of the amazing panning mechanisms available on Thingiverse. The leveler itself has six M3 holes, top and bottom, sitting on a circle of diameter 26.7mm, and I've made top and bottom adapter plates that take a 3/8" 20 bolt and nut respectively. I designed it with McMaster Carr parts and tested it with parts from the open bins in Home Depot. (I have printable 3/8 to 1/4 inch adapters in my things.) There are two top pieces, one which will work with a 1 inch bolt, and a lower profile one which may need a shorter bolt, depending on the tripod head you're using. This will take a lot of weight if it's centered, because the weight is carried by the pillar at the center of the joint. If the weight isn't centered, you may be limited to small DSLR cameras as the largest cameras. You lock it by turning the top ring clockwise; it will sometimes take a bit of force to release it. All parts print without support, so I suggest lightly sanding the surface of the cap after printing. You need six to twelve M3-10mm screws for the top and bottom, but you can just use three on each end unless you're supporting something heavy. The top adapter will press-fit a 10mm circular spirit level; these cost less than a dollar each (in packs of ten) on Amazon (http://a.co/d/1r32IT1). Depending on how well dialed in your first layer is, you may need to deburr the hole before pushing the level in. I suggest printing with at least three perimeters to ensure strength in the gripping arms and a fine layer height to ensure smooth action. (As an option: if you print the cap in wood-filled PLA, it will polish to a nice smooth surface with good frictional priorities.) To assemble, screw the top and bottom plates on, place the cap on the base, and slide the cam over the top. Align the tabs on the cam with the gripping arms to slide it down into place, then twist to lock.