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Clipboard Field Table for Smartphone Microscope - Part 1


I was a little disheartened when I discovered some portable tables under $30 that were far nicer than what is shown here, but after constructing this one I can confidently say this one has some advantages. Number one, setup is a cinch. Slam the post in the ground and sit the clipboard atop. Construction is a cinch, too, and that counts for something in these projects. Lastly, none of the components is single function. The clipboard retains it's original function, and the pipe can be used to hold a camera, as well as be a post for an emergency tarp shelter. Additionally, slender emergency objects may be stored in the tube, and it can be used as an emergency channel for collected water. Ok, really starting to stretch it, but tubes are really useful!

The Build

Charlotte schedule 40 PVC tubing used, 1/2 in. Cut about a 1/2 in piece of tube to secure to the clipboard with crazy glue (sanded the flattest PVC end before gluing; applied glue to PVC and clipboard, had acerone on hand--literally). Use a 1/2 in connector to connect the cut post (angle cut on one side for ground penetration) to the clipboard. I didn't have an angle saw so I got a 3/8 in x 2 in bolt, 2 washers and a nut. Tightened a 4 in metal cutoff disk with an internal washer (made from an aluminum soda can puncture opener; may not have been necessary but I wanted to minimize movement of the disk while cutting) to the bolt, washers, and nut. Then put the remaining bolt into the drill and tightened. Worked for cutting PVC! Need to still consider how to secure PVC while cutting. Table clamp was not enough for accurate cutting.

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