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How to Make a Monopod for Photography

A monopod can be the mobile photographer's best friend. The simple camera stand offers the stability of a tripod but is much less bulky and easier to transport. Unlike a tripod, the monopod has only one leg which stabilizes the camera and takes up considerably less space. The one-legged design of the monopod also makes the monopod easier to use when moving the camera frequently. The purchase price of a new monopod overwhelms photographers that work on a budget. Fortunately, building your own monopod is a relatively uncomplicated task and all the materials can be purchased at most hardware stores.

Things You'll Need

Collapsible paint roller extension rod, 3/4-inch adapter bolt
Wooden paint roller extension rod
3/8-inch hangar bolt
3/8-inch washer
Glue
Saw
Table vise
Drill
3/4-inch drill bit
3/8-inch drill bit

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a 4-inch section off the end of the wooden paint roller extension rod with a saw. Discard the long end. On each end of the wooden rods, mark the exact center of the pole with a dot or a cross.
- 2
  Secure the wooden rod into the table vise so that the rod is standing upright. One end of the rod should be exposed and accessible to a drill. On one end of the wooden rod, drill a 3/4-inch hole where you placed a mark on the center. Drill the hole the same depth as the adapter bolt on the collapsible paint roller extension rod, usually about 3/4-inch. Flip the rod around in the table vise so the opposite end of the rod is exposed. Drill a 3/8-inch hole on the center mark that is 2 3/4-inches deep.
- 3
  Apply a drop or two of glue into the 3/8-inch hole on the wooden rod. Screw the hangar bolt into the glued hole.The pointed tip of the bolt should be inserted into the wood. The flat end should be sticking out of the wood exactly 1/4-inch, just enough to mount your camera onto.
- 4
  Apply a thin layer of glue around the end of the wooden pole that has the 3/8-inch bolt sticking out from it. Do not get glue onto the bolt. Slip the washer over the bolt and hold in place a few minutes or until the glue sets.
- 5
  Apply a drop or two of glue into the 3/4-inch hole on the wooden rod. Screw onto the collapsible paint roller extension rod. Allow to dry before mounting your camera to the tripod.

Photography