help with a tripod problem

**sholtzma** · 02-06-2010, 07:18 PM

My Amvona Dynatran AT-A104T carbon fiber tripod has developed a problem. My question to you is: what, if anything, can be done about it. Inside the center column of this Amvona there is normally a metal plug at either end; the plug holds a screw that allows one to attach a head to the tripod. A black plasticky cap covers this plug, with a screw hole in it too. As the photo below shows, the plug has come out of the center column. Actually, both plugs have come out. They appeared to be originally secured with glue, so I tried regluing them, but the bond isn't strong enough. Suggestions?

Attached Images

rhodopsin · 02-06-2010, 08:08 PM

ask Amvona or just use any good 2-part epoxy, roughing both surfaces with sandpaper & cleaning first.

other options:

Loctite 9462 Hysol

SP340LV

Gillies · 02-07-2010, 01:45 PM

I'm not familiar with the options, but I agree a good cleaning, sanding and epoxy should work.

Ratmagiclady · 02-07-2010, 06:51 PM

Yep, like the others said. From the looks of things, it may have been a lack of cleaning that made the bond not hold. You could possibly drill a little hole once that's done and pin it in place as well, but that should be unnecessary.

snostorm · 02-08-2010, 02:41 PM

Hi sholtzma,

I have the same model, but from a different production run, as mine had a single screw holding the plug in -- without any adhesive. The plug is too soft an alloy, and should have been mfg'd to a tighter tolerance, then welded in and ground square -- but it wasn't, so it loosened up, allowing a head to move, no matter how tightly it was attached to the camera platform.

I use this tripod with a Manfrotto 468 MG head with a Wimberley QR conversion clamp and a Wimberley Sidekick for my 300/2.8s and heavier lenses, so there's a lot of stress put on this setup. I tried glue and epoxy, but both loosened up in a few uses. I tried peening the column with a center punch to tighten the fit of the plug, but that also loosened up with surprisingly little use.

My final "no more playing around" solution was to drill two holes through the column and into the plug, countersink the holes, and tap them to 4-40 (got the drill and tap set from Sears). I installed two screws with Loctite, then peened the edges of the screw heads to make doubly sure they wouldn't back out. This lasted the whole last season with almost everyday use, and is still rock solid with no additional attention needed. I don't anticipate any more issues with this in the future.

Too bad they scrimped on such an important point in this product. I also won a CF 94 from them, and this was never an issue, so I guess this is model specific -- but I'm not really complaining -- It's really hard to bitch about a CF tripod that's very solid and taller than I need for under $100 USD. . . I expected to have to make a few mods to make it more usable -- and this wasn't all that difficult nor expensive (but it was frustrating and a PIA

).

Scott

creampuff · 02-08-2010, 04:05 PM

Typical shoddy Amnova quality.
Unless you can somehow guarantee a secure way to bond, I would just junk it as the risk to your gear is there.
This is an excellent example of the adage "buy cheap pay twice".

**sholtzma** · 02-08-2010, 06:52 PM

Yes, they are cheap tripods. But, to be fair, it was my first foray into CF, and I wasn't even sure I would like it. I do. Very much. If I can fix it, as snostorm did, it might be worth my while. Better yet, maybe I can convince one of my workshop-handy acquaintances to do the work for me!

Anyway, thanks for all your good replies. If you can think of any alternatives not already mentioned, I'd appreciate hearing them.

Lloydy · 02-09-2010, 04:24 AM

If you have some "workshop handy acquaintances" I would ask them to make a longer insert with a tighter fit, bond it in with some epoxy resin or one of the Loctite engineering glues, and then put a few tiny countersunk screws through the carbon fibre.
A longer insert will reduce the sideways stress on the insert, that one looks as wide as it is long which will have a tendency to 'rock' when you are screwing the head on the column, or even when fitting the camera.

That's what I'd do, from looking at the picture, but I have a workshop with a lathe so I could easily make a new insert.

Ben_Edict · 02-09-2010, 05:18 AM

Originally posted by Lloydy

If you have some "workshop handy acquaintances" I would ask them to make a longer insert with a tighter fit, bond it in with some epoxy resin or one of the Loctite engineering glues, and then put a few tiny countersunk screws through the carbon fibre.
A longer insert will reduce the sideways stress on the insert, that one looks as wide as it is long which will have a tendency to 'rock' when you are screwing the head on the column, or even when fitting the camera.

That's what I'd do, from looking at the picture, but I have a workshop with a lathe so I could easily make a new insert.

That would certainly be the best solution. And if you really have somebody with a machine shop at hand, get a cross cut made though the lower half of the replacement insert and then he can expand that to a solid fit with a center screw.

Ben

Russell-Evans · 02-17-2010, 12:55 AM

You could try putting a general purpose epoxy putty plug in the center column that the original plug would rest on when epoxied into place. If you can get access to the other end of the center column to be able to tap the putty into position and expand it out, it would be better.

A second epoxy would be needed to glue the original plug's bottom to the top of new epoxy plug as well as the sides of the center column. It might be helpful to file a grove into the original plug around its circumference so that a bead of epoxy can expand into it as the original plug is pushed down into the center column. A small triangle file would work to create the groove.

If you have enough thread on the 3/8-16 thread you could drop the plug a little lower than the lip of the center column and use more epoxy to top the plug.

Thank you
Russell

Bob Tuttle · 02-21-2010, 03:51 PM

Another suggestion would be to use GOOP which does a good job for many problems. A really great adhesive that can also take shock as it always remains pliable but strong.

Ratmagiclady · 02-24-2010, 02:09 PM

A lot of the fellows here like to use JB Weld for stuff like this: I've never tried it, myself.

**Ex Finn.** · 02-24-2010, 04:11 PM

+1 on the JB-weld, it even holds back sulphur hexafluoride.

Cheers, Mike.

Majikat · 02-24-2010, 06:30 PM

I think fiberglass resin is used for carbon fiber as a glue, and the threaded piece needs to be about 4x that length. To have not screwed that in is really cheap. Your equipment is not cheap, so when in doubt, throw it out. Just get a new one.

**sholtzma** · 02-26-2010, 05:59 AM

By the way, just to add relevant information, I did reach Amvona. Their rep and I emailed back and forth a bit. She understood that there was a problem, but her only solution was to offer to sell me another center column, which at least was only $10. But as I told her, why would I buy another product if it has the same design flaw and will likely fail just as mine did? Either she didn't understand, or didn't have an answer to, my question about how it could best be fixed.

Now, here's an interesting thought that struck me. No doubt you folks will know. Can I replace the Amvona center column with another company's center column??

02-06-2010, 07:18 PM	#1
sholtzma Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Salisbury, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,043	help with a tripod problem My Amvona Dynatran AT-A104T carbon fiber tripod has developed a problem. My question to you is: what, if anything, can be done about it. Inside the center column of this Amvona there is normally a metal plug at either end; the plug holds a screw that allows one to attach a head to the tripod. A black plasticky cap covers this plug, with a screw hole in it too. As the photo below shows, the plug has come out of the center column. Actually, both plugs have come out. They appeared to be originally secured with glue, so I tried regluing them, but the bond isn't strong enough. Suggestions? Attached Images

02-08-2010, 02:41 PM	#5
snostorm Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago suburb, IL, USA Posts: 1,535	Hi sholtzma, I have the same model, but from a different production run, as mine had a single screw holding the plug in -- without any adhesive. The plug is too soft an alloy, and should have been mfg'd to a tighter tolerance, then welded in and ground square -- but it wasn't, so it loosened up, allowing a head to move, no matter how tightly it was attached to the camera platform. I use this tripod with a Manfrotto 468 MG head with a Wimberley QR conversion clamp and a Wimberley Sidekick for my 300/2.8s and heavier lenses, so there's a lot of stress put on this setup. I tried glue and epoxy, but both loosened up in a few uses. I tried peening the column with a center punch to tighten the fit of the plug, but that also loosened up with surprisingly little use. My final "no more playing around" solution was to drill two holes through the column and into the plug, countersink the holes, and tap them to 4-40 (got the drill and tap set from Sears). I installed two screws with Loctite, then peened the edges of the screw heads to make doubly sure they wouldn't back out. This lasted the whole last season with almost everyday use, and is still rock solid with no additional attention needed. I don't anticipate any more issues with this in the future. Too bad they scrimped on such an important point in this product. I also won a CF 94 from them, and this was never an issue, so I guess this is model specific -- but I'm not really complaining -- It's really hard to bitch about a CF tripod that's very solid and taller than I need for under $100 USD. . . I expected to have to make a few mods to make it more usable -- and this wasn't all that difficult nor expensive (but it was frustrating and a PIA). Scott

02-09-2010, 04:24 AM	#8
Lloydy Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Shropshire, UK Posts: 1,114	If you have some "workshop handy acquaintances" I would ask them to make a longer insert with a tighter fit, bond it in with some epoxy resin or one of the Loctite engineering glues, and then put a few tiny countersunk screws through the carbon fibre. A longer insert will reduce the sideways stress on the insert, that one looks as wide as it is long which will have a tendency to 'rock' when you are screwing the head on the column, or even when fitting the camera. That's what I'd do, from looking at the picture, but I have a workshop with a lathe so I could easily make a new insert. Last edited by Lloydy; 02-09-2010 at 04:29 AM. Reason: sp

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02-06-2010, 08:08 PM	#2
rhodopsin Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Deep Forest Posts: 643	ask Amvona or just use any good 2-part epoxy, roughing both surfaces with sandpaper & cleaning first. other options: Loctite 9462 Hysol SP340LV

02-07-2010, 01:45 PM	#3
Gillies Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Montreal Photos: Gallery Posts: 50	I'm not familiar with the options, but I agree a good cleaning, sanding and epoxy should work.

02-07-2010, 06:51 PM	#4
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	Yep, like the others said. From the looks of things, it may have been a lack of cleaning that made the bond not hold. You could possibly drill a little hole once that's done and pin it in place as well, but that should be unnecessary.

02-08-2010, 04:05 PM	#6
creampuff Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,953	Typical shoddy Amnova quality. Unless you can somehow guarantee a secure way to bond, I would just junk it as the risk to your gear is there. This is an excellent example of the adage "buy cheap pay twice".

02-08-2010, 06:52 PM	#7
sholtzma Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Salisbury, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,043 Original Poster	Yes, they are cheap tripods. But, to be fair, it was my first foray into CF, and I wasn't even sure I would like it. I do. Very much. If I can fix it, as snostorm did, it might be worth my while. Better yet, maybe I can convince one of my workshop-handy acquaintances to do the work for me! Anyway, thanks for all your good replies. If you can think of any alternatives not already mentioned, I'd appreciate hearing them.

02-09-2010, 05:18 AM	#9
Ben_Edict Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: SouthWest "Regio" Photos: Albums Posts: 3,309	Originally posted by Lloydy If you have some "workshop handy acquaintances" I would ask them to make a longer insert with a tighter fit, bond it in with some epoxy resin or one of the Loctite engineering glues, and then put a few tiny countersunk screws through the carbon fibre. A longer insert will reduce the sideways stress on the insert, that one looks as wide as it is long which will have a tendency to 'rock' when you are screwing the head on the column, or even when fitting the camera. That's what I'd do, from looking at the picture, but I have a workshop with a lathe so I could easily make a new insert. That would certainly be the best solution. And if you really have somebody with a machine shop at hand, get a cross cut made though the lower half of the replacement insert and then he can expand that to a solid fit with a center screw. Ben

02-17-2010, 12:55 AM	#10
Russell-Evans Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,553	You could try putting a general purpose epoxy putty plug in the center column that the original plug would rest on when epoxied into place. If you can get access to the other end of the center column to be able to tap the putty into position and expand it out, it would be better. A second epoxy would be needed to glue the original plug's bottom to the top of new epoxy plug as well as the sides of the center column. It might be helpful to file a grove into the original plug around its circumference so that a bead of epoxy can expand into it as the original plug is pushed down into the center column. A small triangle file would work to create the groove. If you have enough thread on the 3/8-16 thread you could drop the plug a little lower than the lip of the center column and use more epoxy to top the plug. Thank you Russell

02-21-2010, 03:51 PM	#11
Bob Tuttle Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Lakeway, Texas Posts: 313	Another suggestion would be to use GOOP which does a good job for many problems. A really great adhesive that can also take shock as it always remains pliable but strong.

02-24-2010, 02:09 PM	#12
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	A lot of the fellows here like to use JB Weld for stuff like this: I've never tried it, myself.

02-24-2010, 04:11 PM	#13
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	+1 on the JB-weld, it even holds back sulphur hexafluoride. Cheers, Mike.

02-24-2010, 06:30 PM	#14
Majikat Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 11	I think fiberglass resin is used for carbon fiber as a glue, and the threaded piece needs to be about 4x that length. To have not screwed that in is really cheap. Your equipment is not cheap, so when in doubt, throw it out. Just get a new one.

02-26-2010, 05:59 AM	#15
sholtzma Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Salisbury, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,043 Original Poster	By the way, just to add relevant information, I did reach Amvona. Their rep and I emailed back and forth a bit. She understood that there was a problem, but her only solution was to offer to sell me another center column, which at least was only $10. But as I told her, why would I buy another product if it has the same design flaw and will likely fail just as mine did? Either she didn't understand, or didn't have an answer to, my question about how it could best be fixed. Now, here's an interesting thought that struck me. No doubt you folks will know. Can I replace the Amvona center column with another company's center column??