To hold the two outer hard pine stakes for each of the three tripod legs, 3/4" cabinet grade birch plywood was used to join them together to create their main support structure. To make the heavy-duty pan-head, four layers of the stuff was used. Also, a piece was used to make the accessory tray. Note: Cabinet grade plywood is not required for this project. You can also go with other less expensive grades, and pretty much get the same structural advantages! If esthetics are important to you, choose higher grades and exotic woods. If not, go with the less expensive Douglas Fir, and/ or Pine plywood. The choice is yours.