my Spiderbrace broke at DVinfo.net

Ravi Kumar · November 20th, 2009, 12:09 PM

I've been using the Spiderbrace2 with center handle to shoot a few events and I've found it to be quite handy. Its slightly awkward when adjusting aperture/shutter or zoom/focus but overall it is useful. I use it with the Manfrotto 577 quick release adapter so you can mount and dismount in seconds from tripod to brace.

It is made out of a PVC lightweight type tubing, and one of the joining sections came apart. The guys from Spiderbrace said to cement it back together after cleaning off the extraneous paint and cement. While this will probably work, I am a bit leery of using the same cement that they used to put it together.

Any thoughts from fellow Spiderbrace users?

Allan Black · November 20th, 2009, 05:28 PM

Ravi, I don't have the Spiderbrace2 but I have a lot of experience using PVC pipes. I'd follow their advice and add additional small bracing pieces of tube to reinforce all the sections. You could find some pieces of different sizes at your local plumbers supplies outlet.

Take your Spiderbrace with you, I found the guys at my local are only to happy to help and come up with great suggestions, different grades of cement, everything. HTH Cheers.

Ravi Kumar · November 20th, 2009, 07:30 PM

Thanks for the reply Allan, I coincidentally just got home from the plumber to read this!

They only gave me some sand paper, primer and pvc cement. I will put that on now, let it set overnight then look at it in the morning. I like your idea of additional fasteners but they didnt say anything.

Steve Rusk · November 21st, 2009, 05:14 AM

I've built a couple of pvc braces for my A1 using the primer/cement method. That stuff is surprisingly tough. It bonds in seconds and has held up for over a year of shooting with no signs of weakening. One time I tried to adjust the angles on the handles of one of my rigs. I ended up snapping the pvc pipe in half with absolutely no give in the joint.

Ravi Kumar · November 21st, 2009, 08:32 PM

Thanks for confirming the strength Steve.

Last night I sanded down the socket and plug ends, then primed it, then coated it with cement and let it sit overnight. This morning it appeared cured in place, and felt sturdy again.

So this afternoon I went and shot a birthday party for a few hours with my XH-A1S, shotgun and light mounted - and the Spiderbrace held in place and was balanced again, thank goodness!

November 20th, 2009, 12:09 PM	#1
Ravi Kumar New Boot Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Vancouver Posts: 17	my Spiderbrace broke I've been using the Spiderbrace2 with center handle to shoot a few events and I've found it to be quite handy. Its slightly awkward when adjusting aperture/shutter or zoom/focus but overall it is useful. I use it with the Manfrotto 577 quick release adapter so you can mount and dismount in seconds from tripod to brace. It is made out of a PVC lightweight type tubing, and one of the joining sections came apart. The guys from Spiderbrace said to cement it back together after cleaning off the extraneous paint and cement. While this will probably work, I am a bit leery of using the same cement that they used to put it together. Any thoughts from fellow Spiderbrace users?

November 20th, 2009, 05:28 PM	#2
Allan Black Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 2,927	Ravi, I don't have the Spiderbrace2 but I have a lot of experience using PVC pipes. I'd follow their advice and add additional small bracing pieces of tube to reinforce all the sections. You could find some pieces of different sizes at your local plumbers supplies outlet. Take your Spiderbrace with you, I found the guys at my local are only to happy to help and come up with great suggestions, different grades of cement, everything. HTH Cheers. __________________ Drink more tap water. On admission at Sydney hospitals more than 5% of day patients are de-hydrated. Last edited by Allan Black; November 20th, 2009 at 05:44 PM. Reason: typo

November 21st, 2009, 05:14 AM	#4
Steve Rusk Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Stuttgart Germany Posts: 63	fwiw: I've built a couple of pvc braces for my A1 using the primer/cement method. That stuff is surprisingly tough. It bonds in seconds and has held up for over a year of shooting with no signs of weakening. One time I tried to adjust the angles on the handles of one of my rigs. I ended up snapping the pvc pipe in half with absolutely no give in the joint.

November 20th, 2009, 07:30 PM	#3
Ravi Kumar New Boot Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Vancouver Posts: 17	Thanks for the reply Allan, I coincidentally just got home from the plumber to read this! They only gave me some sand paper, primer and pvc cement. I will put that on now, let it set overnight then look at it in the morning. I like your idea of additional fasteners but they didnt say anything.

November 21st, 2009, 08:32 PM	#5
Ravi Kumar New Boot Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Vancouver Posts: 17	Thanks for confirming the strength Steve. Last night I sanded down the socket and plug ends, then primed it, then coated it with cement and let it sit overnight. This morning it appeared cured in place, and felt sturdy again. So this afternoon I went and shot a birthday party for a few hours with my XH-A1S, shotgun and light mounted - and the Spiderbrace held in place and was balanced again, thank goodness!