Step by step

Step 1

After carefully marking out the parts, use a saw to cut them to size. You can use the downloadable templates at https://bit. ly/2AQy5fF to help you get the angles right. If you have access to a chop saw you could save some time here. Check the similar pieces match.

Step 2

Drill the 10mm holes in one example of each part. Use this to transfer markings to the corresponding parts. You can line up the parts with the ‘master’ on top, then put a bolt in the hole and strike it with a hammer, denting the one below.

Step 3

Once all the timber is cut, sand any rough edges and check it all fits together. If the holes are tight you can ‘waggle’ the drill or re-drill them using a 10.5mm bit. Now is a good time to paint the wood with preservative stain.

Step 4

Bolt the three triangular leg frames together. Each short ‘foot’ section should be fixed between the two leg struts with long woodscrews once you have aligned the other elements. Fix a pair of hinges to each frame, then join all three frames to form the tripod.

Step 5

Mark out the plywood hexagons. Drill a centre hole in each and a second hole near to one corner, then use small bolts or dowels to hold the layers together before cutting – this ensures replica shapes. Screw one fixed top plate to the tripod and add plywood lips.

Step 6

Measure your mount. Cut a suitable hole in a removable top plate. Glue a block of hardwood or similar into a notch to form a pin for the alignment screws. Screw a second thin layer of ply (with a central hole for the fixing screw) to the underside.