With the Accessory Tray done, we move down to the end of the tripod legs, where we need to bevel the tips of the “adjustable center legs” so the tripod sits nice and flush on a flat surface. To do this, with the VSC “North Start Field Tripod sitting on a flat surface, we took a compass and placed its pivot point end on the floor and adjusted its pencil point end to coincide with the height between the floor and the outward facing edge of the  “adjustable center leg”. Next, all I had to do was trace a line along the side of the leg with the compass pivot point contacting the floor. Only the “adjustable center legs” were then removed from the tripod and cut along the line to form a flat surface interface between the floor and leg end. A neoprene foot was attached to the bottom end of each leg for protection and surefootedness. But, other alternatives to this type of system can be utilized.

The prototype VSC “North Star” Field Tripod is now complete and ready for finishing. Now, let us check out some photos of the completed unit. Please be aware I was not able to apply a finish to the unit before it had to leave with Gary for its trip home to Louisiana. I certainly will be building one of these units for myself with several improved modifications.