I've seen some people use camera tripods (the aluminum kind), adjustable
height for table support and photography..

https://www.manfrotto.com/global/190go-ms-aluminum-4-section-photo-tripod-with-twist-locks-mt190goa4/

On Thu, Jul 21, 2022 at 8:27 AM Alistair Bell <albell@shaw.ca> wrote:

> Oh yeah Tom, I was ready for the redesign suggestions  :-)
>
> First, I made the table for my own use, my own set of circumstances when
> camping. I think it’s wise to limit the design brief to a defined set.
>
> I understand the scenario you described. What we do is have the large
> table inside , and use the small table on the Swellegant stand outside. The
> stand is a luxury, it’s sitting between our camp chairs. Books, binoculars,
> drinks, nibbles. You get the picture.
>
> The quick release idea is interesting. Maybe too interesting .  And the
> idea of the legs falling out? Well,  way the legs attach right now…pinned…
> works well and defines the amount of splay when deployed. When the table is
> screwed onto the base, it holds the legs securely , the legs don’t move if
> you lift the entire assembly .
>
> I’ve tried to make it as simple as possible. For two main reasons. First,
> is I like a simple design. Having as few parts as possible pleases me.
> Second, it’s an expensive thing to make in small numbers. Believe it or
> not, the only part that is “off the shelf”is the m10x1.5 stainless socket
> head bolt that is ( it’s screwed and locktite in the stand) used to attach
> table.
> The rest…. Legs, feet, main base unit, pins to hold legs… are all made by
> me. ( I really need to buy the 1/4” diameter pins pre cut to length and
> bevelled, it’s a tedious part of the job making those )
>
> The base unit is a multi op cnc part. First Op creates the shape and
> features, I cut 3 at a time in one block of stock. The parts cut out of
> that machined stock  then flipped and decked to final thickness one at a
> time. counterbored and tapped in same op.
> Then each part set on edge, pin holes drilled. That’s three holes per
> unit, so in essence three more ops.
> So the base itself takes 5 ops, five times I have to position part in vise.
>
> The legs are cut to length on chop saw, set one at a time in cnc mill, the
> angle and the pin hole machined on one end.
>
> Legs and base put in the big tumbler for a few hours.
>
> The feet are turned on cnc lathe. Made to a press fit in the legs .
>
> And the pins, cut to length and beveled , by hand .
>
> Parts are powder coated before assembly. That’s not cheap either.
>
> So you see, I want to keep the number of machining steps and the parts
> list low as I can. As is it’s an expensive product.
>
> Cheers
>
> Alistair
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Jul 21, 2022, at 7:52 AM, Tom Myers <tm.me@me.com> wrote:
> >
> > 
> > I’m imagining myself using it.
> > Bear with me.
> > This being a Westy product, not ‘general RV'.
> > ============
> > We’ve been camped for a little while.
> > Need for a table outside arises.
> > Find a place to put all the stuff that’s on the table now (inside).
> > Which is feasible, but a task that “precedes” the outside plan.
> > For us - there will be stuff to manage "every time".
> >
> > Unscrew the friction knob while balancing the now-empty table.
> > Carry it outside, screw on the legs fixture, assemble legs upside-down.
> > Set table, load table, sit back.
> >
> > Then reverse of the above.
> > Empty the table, flip upside down, disassemble.
> > carry inside,
> > find the hole,
> > balance while screwing.
> > Set the tightness.  Is it tight enough?  If Lisa does it, will I have to
> tighten it later?  Always?
> > Stow the table fixture & legs.
> >
> > I think what I would need to make use of this ——> is a ‘quick release’.
> > Where that CNC block remains on the table inside the westy, and with one
> button/lever, disengages from the Westy L-pipe.
> > Requiring ’no adjustment/tightness.  Just a lever.  Like the quick
> release on a bicycle wheel.  You adjust it once, and it’s ‘friction'
> remains adjusted upon the subsequent reassembly.
> > Perhaps you can unclip it from the Westy L bracket…..even with some
> stuff STILL ON THE TABLE as you ferry it outside.
> > Coming back in
> > You lift the table with some stuff on it;  the legs just wiggle out,
> fall on the ground.
> > Inside it re-engages the L-bracket in one motion.
> >
> > The legs are "just pipes” in a tight little bundle of 3.
> > Or if you wanna get carried away, 3 diameters that store concentrically
> that you could bundle in a pack of 3 - if you don’t feel like inserting
> them concentrically.
> > But not 3 different hole sizes that the user has to ‘find' ‘from below’.
> > So now ya gotta have tube-ends all same size so it’s not "a puzzle".
> >
> > Anyway, sorry for the complete re-design or different product.
> > You knew the job was dangerous when you took it.
> >
> > Tom
> >
> >> On Jul 20, 2022, at 8:30 PM, Alistair Bell <albell@shaw.ca> wrote:
> >>
> >> I’ll reply to the rad discussion later, I agree with your points but
> have something to add,
> >>
> >> Meanwhile, I know you can’t be without this , my late test table stand
> iteration. It’s really very good, it’s swell, it’s elegant, it’s Swellegant!
> >>
> >> And it’s not cheap
> >>
> https://shufti.blog/2022/07/20/vanagon-the-swellegant-junior-sneak-peek/
> >>
> >
>