I got a new tripod for my camera recently and would like to convert my old one into something resembling a nightstand or tv tray; I was thinking of using a board or flat surface with a nut or something similar attached to the bottom that would be the right thread size to screw onto the tripod. The idea would be to have a platform/tabletop surface that could have its height easily adjusted up and down; I know they make things like these, but I'd rather not pay $85.00 for a 15 inch piece of plastic that's ready-made to screw on to tripods (like this: http://amzn.to/9k4i2N) or $150.00+ for an adjustable end table (like this: http://amzn.to/a6UExN) when I can probably make something very similar myself for less than 5 bucks with the right equipment. problem is, I'm not very handy with this type of stuff and don't really know how to go about attaching a threaded hole to a board or what type of threaded hole I should even be looking for. I figure it can't be that hard, though. Any help?
I've made specialty 'adapters' for several tripods to correct lens focal length (in virtual tour productions), by making a slim molding from wood, that mimics the profile of the camera 'wedge' that locks down on the tripod. The wedge can be screwed into whatever 'shelf' material you want from there. That top is then removable, but still fairly secure, provided you don't overload it. Mine was easy with the table saw (for the angles), but perhaps you could make one with a hand saw? Good luck.
