Setup is self-explanatory. The Quick-Grip clamps are great for holding subjects because they ratchet down, which means they can hold something tight without squashing it. On the other hand, they're not very good for large round things like tripod legs, so the A-clamps went on the other end. I had to drill a hole in each Quick-Grip.
The Loc-Line tubing is not cheap--that's the primary reason why you won't save a dime over the Wimberley version--and assembling the 3/4" line by hand will test your strength and your sanity. There's a reason why they sell a $12 pair of pliers meant for the job, but I was stubborn.
I've been wanting to make something like this ever since I figured out that that stuff was called Loc-Line! I've used the Irwin Quick-Grips for several other projects--aren't they great? And the fiber-reinforced plastic holds threads quite nicely. I have several with threaded 1/4-20 holes all aver the arms for different mounting positions on mini-tripods.
Sounds like those $12 pliers are worth the price, too, eh?
BTW--A few minutes with a brown Scotch-Brite pad will dull that glossy finish on the Loc-Line, which might be a problem when shooting reflective subjects.
The $12 pliers are quickly worth $40 once you try to put together 12 sections, four elbows, two female-female couplers, and four ends. Next time I do something like this, the pliers are going in the cart first.
The Irwin Quick Grips are great for everything except tubing, so I couldn't use the larger ones that I got for the project. The only other problem is the little yellow ends falling off.
The flash is on a Wimberley macro bracket. Great little device, although it makes a Plamp look inexpensive. Holds a 580 and Lumiquest softbox (which I used to think was goofy, but it's fantastic for macro) like it's nothing.
