Arc Welding and Headrests

         Today was the first day I have ever welded. I did arc welds on a scrap piece of metal and did not burn myself or ruin any equipment. I really liked it and this whole new world of opportunities opened. I always wanted a vintage headrest used to make daguerreotypes and wet plate images. The head rest is like a c-stand, but has an armature that comes out and makes a "u" around the sitters neck to stay still. I do not want the stand so much for the sitters, but more of the crazy look of it. Figured I could take that idea and implement it in ways of showcasing my work to hold plates of basically make my own c-stands. So today I googled some headrests and maybe in a month or so when my welds are decent I can give it a go. I also know a really good powder coater and would love to have my stands painted. Next time I go to the powder coater I will take a picture of there massive color collection. They have paints that are textured, metallic, satin, and matte.

You can see the different stands on the right. I would love to find scrap metal to make elaborate bases.

  My first ever arc welds. Not perfect, but the one second from the top is the best I think. Nice and even all the way. The hardest part is remembering to go slow. When I get an auto darkening helmet my lines should be much straighter and well organized.

Different types of head rests. 

Another diagram of a head rest.

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Tripod Adapter

     For about $13 I made a 5x7 tripod adapter. Did not take me to long and is sturdy as can be.

I used the some wood scrap from the cases. I traced the camera onto the wood and tried to figure out which hardware I needed to work best.

I went to Ace Hardware and picked up some rubber spacers, acorns, washers, and the U hooks to hold down the camera. The camera already had these three loops I could take the U hooks and hold them down with.

Drilled the holes and made one for the center where the tripod head will attach.

Bottom view of the camera with the wood cut down and everything assembled. In a few days I plan to stain the wood to match the camera.

Without the tripod head.

U hooks clamping down on the camera. I also had these flat washers that went underneath the chrome part of the camera to make it flatter and look cleaner.

Camera is now protected off the ground with the adapter.

To attach the tripod plate to the camera I have this little screw which grabs very nicely onto the plate and gives for a great secure hold.

This is a picture of a tree I took testing the 5x7 tripod adapter. This is actually up on a hill near my house and the camera was tilted far back and exposure was long. So 5x7 adapter is proven successful! I feel like shooting some landscapes tomorrow since I have been in a portrait rut. Until then...

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