Homemade Layfette Tripod Copy?

Cpt_Kirks · Post by **Cpt_Kirks** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 11:37 am

I've seen sites where people make their own M2 tripods, but I haven't heard where anyone has tried to copy the Feld Layfette.

Has anyone ever tried? I'm thinking about scaling up my Mg42/22 tripod to full size for my SA M1919 (and hopefully later, my SA MG42).

It won't have many of the bells and whistles the real Layfette has, but should be funtional. The T&E of course, is the main problem.

Post by **TOM R** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 11:41 am

all I can say is good luck, the problem like you stated is the lack of available t&e on the market unlike the m2, give it a shot, can't hurt to try

Post by **JBaum** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 2:24 pm

considering the quality of the real thing, and the high cost to even approach the quality, workmanship, and design, and then that the Lafettes are only a couple hundred bucks, in today's marketing terms: "It wouldn't be very cost-effective" to try to make one.

Duplicating it exactly would be 3 times the price of what you could buy one for, and anything less would be..... something less.

Post by **TOM R** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 2:27 pm

where can you get them for a couple hundred? i think i have seen them for $1000+

Cpt_Kirks · Post by **Cpt_Kirks** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 2:43 pm

The problem is finding them for a couple of hundred bucks. It seems as soon as some pop up in the $300 range, they're gone!

As for cost, I can get steel tubing at junkyard prices. I would have to simplify the design a LOT, but it should be doable.

I managed the tripods for my MG42/22 using one of your Lafette manuals as a guide. As I said before, the T&E is the main problem, but I have some ideas.

Hey, if keeps me off the street!

Post by **TOM R** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 2:45 pm

now judging by your avetar you are the EVIL KIRK :twisted:

Cpt_Kirks · Post by **Cpt_Kirks** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 3:19 pm

Yeah, I like the eye patch. I had a scar, but it didn't look right.

Post by **JBaum** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 4:26 pm

By a few hundred bucks, I don't mean less than 3.... I've seen several in the last few months under $400, though none with optics for that price. I saw a set of optics sell for $110... I thought that was a good deal, but I already have a set.

I can get them from Germany, without optics, for $150, but shipping is the killer. I got mine a few years ago, new in the sealed moisture proof bag, with optics, for $310 delivered. The belt loader was $105 delivered. I realize that those prices are gone now, but a serious shopper will actively chase one till it can be had for the right price. Like you said, by the time you find out about it, they're gone..... you'll just have to find out about it sooner. They other guys do it, so therefore it is possible to do.

My problem is that spending that much time to save the money costs me more than it's worth. I can make more in the same amount of time working than I save by spending time shopping that hard. So - I often pay the higher price too, just because it's cheaper in the long run. If you have spare time to chase the deals, then the deals are out there for you to find. I don't have the time, so I don't too often find them. Sometimes when you ask everyone you can think of, they'll find a deal and pass it along.

Post by **TOM R** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 4:37 pm

JB, I never even consider cheap overseas prices because like you said shipping is so $$$$$$$

that it just isn't worth it, plus there is always the fear that some a#$ hole from customs that will sieze the item as illegal (you never know)