Build a Versatile PVC Light Stand for Under $5

by retrofilms in Workshop > Lighting

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Build a Versatile PVC Light Stand for Under $5

light stand complete.JPG
You need to add light to properly expose your image (whether for photography or video).  I had assembled a decent DIY light kit, but needed somewhere to properly hang my lights.  The lowest cost retail stand I could find was $20.  I managed to come up with a PVC design that served the same purpose at 1/4 of that price and could do things a retail stand couldn't.

Parts List

Parts.jpg
PVC cutters.jpg
(1) 10' length of 3/4" PVC pipe
(4) 3/4" couplers
(3) 3/4" tee joints
(4) 3/4" end caps

PVC ratcheting cutters

Cut Up 10' PVC Pole

cut pieces.jpg
(3) 2' lengths.
(6) 6" lengths.
(1) 1 1/2" length.
(1) 10 1/2" length.

Assemble Basic Stand Parts

add couplers.jpg
short pieces into tees.jpg
end caps on.jpg
small piece into tee.jpg
broken down stand.jpg
Press fit the couplers onto the longest pieces.  This will give you 3 longs and a short that resemble futuristic clubs.

Cram 2 6" pieces opposite each other into each tee. 

Add end caps onto 2 of the assembled "tees + shorts" parts.

Add 1 1/2" piece in non-end-capped tee.

Assemble Stand

assemble base.jpg
low light.jpg
short stand.jpg
add wieght.jpg
Push the two end-capped tees onto the piece with the short insert.

Add lengths for different heights, all the way up to 7'.

Attaching Lights

add worklight.jpg
add clamplight.jpg
add flo.jpg
How to attach a work light, a clamp light and a florescent light.

Accessories Make It Versatile

elbow accessory.jpg
accessory tee.jpg
accesory hinge.jpg
support leg.jpg
chinese lantern.jpg
crib sheet.jpg

A Bag to Carry It In

carrying bag.jpg
You're going to need a way to transport your new stands as they can be awkward and heavier than the retail version.  Any big bag will do.

For more nanobudget tips, please visit The Frugal Filmmaker...

And Here's the Video Version...