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Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: tim in jersey on September 07, 2011, 12:00:03 AM

Title: Weighting legs on mic and lighting stands
Post by: tim in jersey on September 07, 2011, 12:00:03 AM

I recall reading here about filling the hollow legs on lighting stands/mic stands with melted lead for added stability.

I want to do that. What kind of equipment do I need? I used to cast 1-3oz. fishing sinkers with my pop many years ago, so I might have access to the proper tools...

In lieu of filling with solid lead, I'm thinking of filling the legs with either lead shot or sand. Any leads as to where to find lead shot?

Title: Re: Weighting legs on mic and lighting stands
Post by: JD on September 07, 2011, 12:23:35 AM

I took the rubber feet off of my stand and inserted a 14" long, 1" diameter steel rod into each leg, then put the feet back on with the addition of a little gaffers tape to secure it.
Added several pounds. Makes the stand kinda heavy to carry around, but it is way more solid. And the weights can be easily removed if needed.

Title: Re: Weighting legs on mic and lighting stands
Post by: willndmb on September 07, 2011, 09:49:59 AM

there was a recent stand comp done
A - hitting a wook with a "normal" stand =  :crying:
B - hitting a wook with a weighted stand =  :crazy:

Title: Re: Weighting legs on mic and lighting stands
Post by: sunset on September 07, 2011, 09:52:01 AM

These work well:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/421469-REG/Impact_SBE_18O_Empty_Saddle_Sandbag.html

Title: Re: Weighting legs on mic and lighting stands
Post by: Lil Kim Jong-Il on September 07, 2011, 11:45:25 AM

Quote from: tim in jersey on September 07, 2011, 12:00:03 AM

Any leads as to where to find lead shot?

Any decent gun shop that caters to hand loading should have coated lead shot. 

You can order some here: http://www.rotometals.com/Lead-Shot-s/64.htm?gclid=CJTyg_O8i6sCFQUJ2godTl_uuw

Title: Re: Weighting legs on mic and lighting stands
Post by: F.O.Bean on September 09, 2011, 11:00:38 PM

I just duct tape my legs to the ground, when running indoors :)

Title: Re: Weighting legs on mic and lighting stands
Post by: stevetoney on September 11, 2011, 06:29:43 PM

Is extra weight in the legs really gonna keep a stand stable when someone trips over it?  I kinda think the stand would still twist.  Heavy legs would definitely help in the wind though, but I'm still gonna say that duct tape for indoors and tent stake for outdoors is the way to go.

Title: Re: Weighting legs on mic and lighting stands
Post by: F.O.Bean on September 11, 2011, 06:47:48 PM

Quote from: tonedeaf on September 11, 2011, 06:29:43 PM

Is extra weight in the legs really gonna keep a stand stable when someone trips over it?  I kinda think the stand would still twist.  Heavy legs would definitely help in the wind though, but I'm still gonna say that duct tape for indoors and tent stake for outdoors is the way to go.

100% agreed!

Title: Re: Weighting legs on mic and lighting stands
Post by: Breeze on September 12, 2011, 10:38:14 PM

Quote from: mshilarious on September 07, 2011, 12:07:37 AM

I prefer using barbell weights around the shaft, much more easily reversible.

+1. I bought an old "Yorx" plastic coated weight set in a garage sale and they're great.

Title: Re: Weighting legs on mic and lighting stands
Post by: sunjan on September 14, 2011, 03:55:48 AM

I'd be wary of filling the actuall leg with sand. The risk that it would seap into the moving parts and cause abrasion shouldn't be neglected.