Tripod leg cutting

[Half Cocked]

Does anyone have a good resource for how to alter the length of carbon fiber tripod legs? Thanks!

 

[WoodBow]

I would imagine it is simply a matter of disassembling and using an appropriate saw. I've cut carbon arrows with all manner of saws. A tripod leg is just a thicker walled arrow. You could use an arrow saw for sure. Even have the bow shop do it for you. A grinder with a cutoff wheel works well. I have even used a coping saw. Depending on the type of saw you use, it may be beneficial to wrap masking tape around the area to be cut. It will prevent the back side from splintering out any when the blade exits. I would lightly sand the cut edges to chamfer them slightly.

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[Half Cocked]

I would imagine it is simply a matter of disassembling and using an appropriate saw. I've cut carbon arrows with all manner of saws. A tripod leg is just a thicker walled arrow. You could use an arrow saw for sure. Even have the bow shop do it for you. A grinder with a cutoff wheel works well. I have even used a coping saw. Depending on the type of saw you use, it may be beneficial to wrap masking tape around the area to be cut. It will prevent the back side from splintering out any when the blade exits. I would lightly sand the cut edges to chamfer them slightly.

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Having never done it before, is there pieces of the locking mechanisms that I might have to remove and replace?

 

[WoodBow]

Having never done it before, is there pieces of the locking mechanisms that I might have to remove and replace?

Personally I would be cutting off the far end of the skinniest leg section/s. I would pull the foot off it (heat may be required) and cut off the desired length without disassembling anything.

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[Half Cocked]

Personally I would be cutting off the far end of the skinniest leg section/s. I would pull the foot off it (heat may be required) and cut off the desired length without disassembling anything.

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I think I’m following. You’d just cut the upper ends of the legs and maybe just the beefiest leg would end up being longer than the rest.

 

[WoodBow]

I think I’m following. You’d just cut the upper ends of the legs and maybe just the beefiest leg would end up being longer than the rest.

To be clear i would cut the lower part of the legs. The end that touches the ground.

To back up, why are you wanting to cut the legs down? If it is to shorten the length of the tripod when it is in your pack, all the leg sections will need to be cut down. If you are just wanting to cut weight by removing unnecessary height, yes cut down the skinniest (least stable) portion of each leg. Likely an entire leg section can be removed if that much height can be sacrificed. But more extensive disassembly would be required.

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[Half Cocked]

To be clear i would cut the lower part of the legs. The end that touches the ground.

To back up, why are you wanting to cut the legs down? If it is to shorten the length of the tripod when it is in your pack, all the leg sections will need to be cut down. If you are just wanting to cut weight by removing unnecessary height, yes cut down the skinniest (least stable) portion of each leg. Likely an entire leg section can be removed if that much height can be sacrificed. But more extensive disassembly would be required.

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I’m thinking of cutting it down mainly because I don’t need it’s fullly extended height, due to my lack of height. Secondary to that would be to shorten the packed length. It’s a 3 section inverted.

 

[Erict]

I would measure each end diameter to see if the sections are tapered, which may help you decide which end of the section to cut, and whether it will fit back together. Obviously, avoid breathing the dust generated by cutting.

Measure twice, cut once. Good luck

 

[4090Sharps]

I started this with my Leofoto SO282 tripod this evening, as I want the packed length shorter and don’t want to buy the shorter version.

Trying to work the glued in portions off with a heat gun, but nothing is budging yet.

 

[kylem]

I’d see if you can remove the lowest leg section and put a new cap of some sort on the piece that is now touching the ground before I cut anything. It won’t make it a lot shorter on your pack, but the extended height will be shorter and it will weight less. I did this with a sirui tripod to loose some weight and it worked well. I was also able to easily add the lower leg section back on when I wanted more height.

 

[Tod osier]

I’d see if you can remove the lowest leg section and put a new cap of some sort on the piece that is now touching the ground before I cut anything. It won’t make it a lot shorter on your pack, but the extended height will be shorter and it will weight less. I did this with a sirui tripod to loose some weight and it worked well. I was also able to easily add the lower leg section back on when I wanted more height.

Yes, I have done this myself. Remove the lower section (mine came apart by removing screws in the locking mechanism) and then add an appropriately sized chair leg cap.