ETX TECHNICAL TIPS Last updated: 16 August 2000

Yet Another Deluxe Field Tripod mod

Here's one more Meade Tripod #883 modification...

Like everyone else who owns this tripod I got tired of the scope shaking everytime the wind would blow, so I decided it was time to make a modification. What the field tripod lacks is weight. So I figured the heavier the tripod, the more stable it would be. So I went down to the local Lowe's Home Center and bought some Durhams Rock Hard Water Putty. This stuff sells for $5 for a 4 pound can (I needed three cans for this project). You add water to the powder and in roughly one to two hours it becomes rock hard, practically bullet proof!

So I basically took apart my tripod. I capped one end of each aluminum piece with tape (metal ductwork tape works the best) and proceeded to fill each one up with this putty. I also taped up whereever there was a hole for a screw or bolt. I wiped down each piece before this stuff dried. In two hours the pieces were ready to put back together. All I had to do was remove the tape and drill pilot holes in the putty where the various screws and bolts go.

Now this thing weights a ton. Actually I think it only increased the weight of the tripod by a factor of 8 or 9. Still it is heavy and solid as a rock. I test it out and I'm very pleased with the results. I just hope I don't pull a muscle in back moving this tripod around (LOL!).

Take care,
Tony

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