Dear Nigel,
Yes , I have.
My set up is a 10" LX200 with superwedge on a 12" tripod....and I required a
ladder to get up to the thing when it was assembled....also the problem of
lifting the tube to those great heights during set-up.
I dropped the legs by 81/2" to get a manageable height, also lowering the
centre of gravity for the assembly and therefore, greater stability.
I requested info from MAPUG some time ago to do the work as I wanted to know
how to diss-assemble the tubes. But no reaction.
The angles of the legs must be maintained, and therefore work is also
required to the spreader bars.
I concentrated on the dismantling of the top section of each leg by applying
controlled heat to the moulding to break the internal glue seal and pressure
joint. (A good working surface, clamps and a steel bar to ease the moulding
during heat application is required to carry out the work). No blemishing of
the epoxy surface of the moulding was noted.
Cut the legs to the required length and reassemble using a two-pack glue and
the application of a little brute force. Make sure the internal surfaces of
the moulding are clean and free of the old glue.
Sounds easy doesn't it.
Then the spreaders have to cut, ground and drilled to accept the original
cotter pins to maintain the original angles to the tripod head unit.
I can give you more accurate information if you want to go ahead with the
then arrange for a working drawing for you.
Best regards, BrianB.

-----Original Message-----
Sent: 27 February 2001 22:21
To: mapug
Subject: [M]: Giant Field Tripod - can it be shortened?


Hello all:

I am acquiring a Giant Field Tripod for use with my 8" LX200 and Superwedge.
According to the Meade website the GFT is 40" high in its shortest position,
compared to the standard tripod which is 30" to 44". Now for my question:

Has anyone shortened their GFT?

If so, by how much, and how did you go about it?

I can see that the outer tubes would have to be extracted from the castings
at one end or other, and cut.
Possibly the inner tubes would need to be shortened also.
The three arms connecting the legs would need to be shortened.
As the leg spread angle would be unchanged, the cast spider would not need
alteration.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
Nigel Puttick

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