How To Make a Quick Release Plate for a Camera and Camcorder Tripod

First find your $100 tripod in a Thrift Shop for about $7. You may discover that it has lost its Quick Release Plate. Or you may simply have lost your own quick release plate. Having done an extensive search on the Internet you discover that Quick Release Plates come in many shapes and sizes. And the one you need is not available over the Intenet. However, making one yourself is quite straight forward.
This is what you need: Wood -- of suitable thickness, in my case -- 11/16 of an inch or 1.7 cms thick. Saw, Ruler, Drill, Nut, Bolt -- (A standard ¼ inch diameter bolt, long enough to go through the wood and be secured by the nut, with enough thread protruding to secure the camera. This bolt is 1 1/8 inches long. The thread protruding above the nut is ¼ inch or ½ cm.) Washer, Files, Screwdriver, Tenon Saw
1. Have a good look at the mounting for the Quick Release Plate, and imagine how the block of wood is going to sit on it. For example: does the wood need to be cut to shape to fit in any recesses?
2. Cut the wood to size. When measuring the length remember to include an allowance for any recess, together with the securing catch in the secured position.
3. Mark on the wood the angle of any recess, and the depth of wood which needs to be removed.
4. If it is difficult for you to measure the angle of any recesses, just estimate. If you have a tenon saw you will be able to achieve a much finer finish, mine unfortunately is in storage. But this will work perfectly.
5. Cut the wood to shape.
6. Place the wood in the mounting to see if any fine adjustments need to be made with the file.
7. Drill a hole in the new mounting plate. In the bottom of the plate, enlarge the hole to allow the head of the bolt to lie flush with the bottom of the plate. I used a sharp screwdriver but a small chisel may be best.
8. Attach the nut and washer as required.
9. Place the Quick Release Plate in the mounting to check that it looks right, and seats properly.
10. Remove plate. Attach the camera to the plate and check for fit. Then mount it on the tripod.