Make a PVC Light Stand for Under $5

[@RyanKetcheson]

You're missing a parts list, so I made it for those who like to cut and paste their shopping list. Feel free to throw it in your notes if you wish. 1x ¾” PVC pipe 10’ in length to cut to: 3x ¾" PVC pipe 2’ in length 6x ¾" PVC pipe 6" in length 1x ¾" PVC pipe 1 1/2" in length 1x ¾" PVC pipe remainder" in length 4x ¾” PVC end caps 3x ¾” PVC T-joints 4x ¾” PVC couplers

[@warrenshairdressing]

thank you so much for list as measurements .,...made it easier for me to convert to metrics ....

[@carrayleepier8169]

Extra tip: glue the base & fill with sand, pebbles etc to keep from wobbling and stabilize

[@krisinsaigon]

I went out today and bought the pieces I needed for 3 of these, cost me 9$! Thanks Frugal Filmmaker!!!

[@krisinsaigon]

I'll be making more too for diffusion, reflectors etc!

[@MikePhoneJunkie]

Definitely one of the best DIY guys in business. Very creative. Keep up the good work.

[@WilliamParmley]

I love inexpensive DIY projects! Well done video. I don't enjoy videos where the presenter spends too much time just talking and not showing, or taking up valuable time in the beginning with a fancy introduction. This was well paced and right to the point, plus clear and easy to understand.

[@QueenWendolyn]

Me being the budding studio photographer altered the light stand to also have a T on the top to hold two 2.5 pieces to hang background from....YOU are AWESOME!

[@kaushikeramanathan5688]

I'm a wannabe tech reviewer and this is just amazing. The creativity is on an another level

[@exxors]

Thanks a lot! After see your video, I rushed to the Home Depot store and bought a few pvc pipes, T's and end caps and now I have 3 light stands and a background frame! I'm a beginner in photography, and I don't have enough money to pay an expensive studio equipment, but your idea put me on the road again! God bless you, sir. Greetings from Mexico!

[@michupichu007]

Wow, amazing.... I'm the kind of guy who usually find cheap solution for equipement like you. I built a smartphone holder from a canon camera holder to film myself when I began posting on youtube... but using PVC to do so many things ??? color me impressed... BRAVO

[@dabigguy83]

OH MY GOD!!! I have been trying to figure out how I could make light stands for video shooting and your video is just what I needed! The way you gave the instructions for building this was VERY clear and easy to understand!!! I am going to my hardware store to buy what I need and get started. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much!!!

[@xMonicaxMartinezx]

I want to thank you for making this video! I am in school for photography, and I have been struggling with the cost of scrims, stands, and their clamps - this video solved ALL those problems! Cannot wait to get building!

[@CassandraJSantori]

OMG! You are the only person who has explained this so I can understand it! Thank you so much.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

+Cassandra J. Santori Thanks Cassandra!

[@DebErney]

very creative solutions for "frugal film makers". Thanks for posting.

[@negrescudaniel3418]

Thanks alot, these PVC pieces can be used in a wide area of DIY, you just opened a new universe. Have a nice life!

[@luv2bfit15]

You're the man. I was going to by some clamp lights today until I realized I didn't have a stand. I came home and a few minutes later I stumbled onto your channel. This is a great idea! And the best part - it's cheap!!!

[@JustPlainFun]

I love using PVC for all sorts of projects but the crib sheet screen just blew me away! Love the stand as well.

[@SaiSaysonMontes]

You're a life saver! I really want to make one because it's way cheaper than those in stores.

[@w8fg]

Those pvc cutters are priceless! Must have tool!

[@JackArmijo]

Extremely helpful and very frugal. I built 2 basic stands for $13. I already had the cutting tool. Creating the right lighting on my projects is now much easier. So I just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to put this tutorial together.

[@hpept]

Man, you´re a genious! I' going to buy some cheap halogen lamps with barn doors for about 20 bucks each, and I was worried about the stands, but now I have the answers on how to do them on a budget.

[@fhtommy]

I've been watching your videos for the last few days. Thanks for doing these. I made my first light stand last night. I used Velcro straps to hold the lights on and I am very happy. Thanks so much!

[@TheJACKCOLORADO]

Just like a Guinness commercial. BRILLIANT!

[@halfcupcinema2611]

We made some of these light stands to film videos for our channel. PVC is awesome. Thanks for all the tutorials and keep it up.

[@luoyisishimisi470]

You are DIY sensation,sir, when it comes to PVC projects. Thanks so much. I love all these ideas.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

+Luoyisi Shimisi Hey thanks!

[@TheGoodvibrationsmus]

your video tutorials are creative, inspiring and most of all saving many of us money. you are a genious. keep up the good work.

[@kl6902]

This is exactly what I was looking for! Need 3-4 lantern stands for camping and didn’t want to spend $150+ on Coleman stands. This is cheap and easy 👍 Thanks!!

[@airheadrica1956]

Best info I've seen. Will be using this at the photo booth I'm making for my daughters wedding. So many options. So simple. Thanks for the information. Just thought of an idea for the bottom tubes to make them sturdy instead of putting something on them. (Fill them with cement/rocks/nuts and bolts etc.)

[@inkubusboi]

Thanks for the video... I am not a very DIY person and all of my friends tell me I'll lose a finger if I try, so that being said, this project was very easy and straight forward and I did it all myself. Kudos to you for posting this video tut and making it so easy to understand.

[@sarahcarson3976]

I'm starting my own channel and have been worried how I would handle lighting equipment in the 400 sq. ft cottage I'm moving into. Not to mention how I would manage to finagle affordable yet effective equipment. This solves more than one problem for me. It's cheap AND it's collapsible and space saving! I can just put it in a bag or box in my closet when I'm done filming. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[@WallaceAyers]

So what type of videos are you going to make?

[@ManeScoopTVEb]

Bought and done! Thanks. It was about triple the price in Canada but it was fun having my 11 year old daughter put it together with me. Now I must find a way to add the pox lighting I created to attach to it. I figured an end cap but I am worried about the weight. It feels a bit unsturdy at 5 feet. I will have to do your additions to sturdy it up. Thanks my man!!!

[@justcallmesando]

This is absolutely functional. Specially loved the pvc diffuser with baby sheets. Thanks 4 posting.

[@RestingScotFace]

You sir, are EXACTLY the channel I've been looking for this past HOUR. My friends at school and I are wanting to make a full length film on a college kid budget and this is AMAZING. I salute you and your frugal-ness!

[@lorischwartzkopf609]

BadaBING! Just whipped up a light stand and two PVC diffuser panels thanks to you. Appreciate it!

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Hope it works well for you.

[@Thriell]

You, sir, are a genius! I don't do many videos these days, but this idea should work for photography as well.

[@davidmcclelland8090]

This is better than the more complex and more expensive Film Riot stand. You really hit it with this one! Definitely gonna make these! thanks so much!!!

[@lizzybeth1012]

Omg thank you!! I've been racking my brain as to how I can build a stop sign prop for our school play without making it too heavy,.. you've just solved my problem!! 😎

[@ayandipdatta]

SIR u r the hope of light to the fraternity of budding filmmakers like us

[@bere88dv]

You sir are the answer to my prayers lol. I'm actually going to be using this stand as a backdrop for my wedding :)

[@mrphotographyperson]

this is actually that brilliant that i figured a way where i tur to have 2 work lights hanging and then i can make it higher and then a T-bean at the top and clamp a blue or green screen to it and you get even lighting with adjustments! this is sooo good!

[@greghiltz6935]

Just spent the money, now to spend the time. My PVC cutter is probably dull so I broke several cuts. Managed to buy threaded parts, so a little more gas spent. Don't think I'll get under $5 each, but I AM going to have a flexible system for my high-tech clamp light setup. Thanks for this, Frugal Filmmaker!

[@greghiltz6935]

They're done, and they're awesome!

[@AskEklavyacom]

Thank you very much. This would definitely help me to put my first green screen video live. Lots of love.

[@KenHagler]

Love your videos and approach to teaching film making. This was an amazing plan and love the pvc idea. I've recorded my first two videos off your set-up and they came out great. I actually have a degree in broadcasting but have been out the field for almost 20 years. KZbin has changed everything in that regard and you've really helped get me back up to speed. Thanks!

[@TheCoryGold]

I can't tell you how much I appreciate this.

[@vinvin1715]

just watched your video, I saw another guys idea for a diffuser using same pvc pipes but he screwed his fabric on, but your crib sheet idea is absolutely fantastic. I love the idea of dismantling everything and keeping in a bag. Your light stand are great for added extras easy to make and assemble. Not sure how stable everything will be with out gluing the joints but will try out before I glue as i really like the portability. Thanks so much for sharing. hope you make more useful vids soon

[@Bengir99]

Thank you so much for this video. I just finished createing 4 sets of light stands, a couple of difusers and 1 table that can hold white paper for table top photography. Your video really inspired me. Thanks again for all the great ideas.

[@mungodarkmatter]

Great design and materials. PVC is really easy to work with with the cutting tool you suggest. I use PVC and plastic electrical conduit for various projects sometimes & they both come in 10 foot lengths and are very inexpensive. The big problem is moving the 10 foot lengths in a compact car. What I do is figure out my measurements and bring my PVC pipe cutter and a tape measurerer with me. Then I cut part of the pipe off to one or more of the sizes needed until I can fit it in my car easily.

[@Ryan-Red]

Feels like I am watching Bob Ross for A/V stuff. Great video, thanks.

[@shawn2403]

Your videos were very helpful for me as a beginner filmmaker. The lighting kit works great. Thank you.

[@jonsikes1]

Great video. Used your plan and was able to get 5 stands for $30. Can't believe I never thought to do this earlier.

[@roninfilmer132]

These videos are awesome and extremely useful. Frugal film maker is the best on youtube!

[@gmakepiece]

Quite frankly, this is an AWESOMELY simple concept! Outstanding. Thank YOU!

[@DuanDao]

This is brilliant, I want to make one so I can have light in the backyard when I'm grilling in the dark normally

[@VanPoupoule]

That's awesome, I built it in less than 10 minutes. I live in France so it wasn't anywhere as cheap but still a really good deal compared to pre-built light stands. Thank you !

[@QueenWendolyn]

I've made one, for under $8 from Lowes prices in 2013, so very happppy! More will be made in the near future....so much less expensive than metal stands and with sand bags, possibly more stable too

[@thelainarose]

I have now made the mic shockmount, camera stabilizer rig, and a version of this light stand, and each visit to the hardware store I make sure to have extra PVC pipe on hand for the next project :) Thanks for making "no-budget" filmmaking" as close to technically accurate of a term as possible; you've been such an inspiration and have motivated me to start making films instead of just writing them, without letting my lack of funds stop me. Always looking forward to your next video!

[@unionvillevfd2824]

I have just started this interest in doing someLive Streaming, and I am being very carefol as to not spend alot of money until I learn more as I go. I am very familiar with PVC pipe and fitting, and have thought about using it in some way. NOW you have my mind spinning with ideas! I am thinking not only stands, but a truss, as well as a boom arm for lights and audio! Thanks for the ideas and giving me something to think on!

[@roroarro]

This is great. Here in Argentina the cheapest reflector stand/holder (that in USA you would pay 20/30 USD) will cost no less then 100 USD. Translated in local currency is a LOT. But PVC pipes should be cheap and prefect for the job.

[@Salty_Knuckles]

This reminds me of Tinker Toys or Lego blocks for adult projects.

[@innercynic2784]

I'm always amazed at the creativity produced by people when they're on a tight budget. Maybe the channel should be renamed the PVCfilmmaker

[@Nellz25]

Im soooo excited to start building on a tight budget and this is the best idea so far!

[@zeek02666]

you can fit 5-6 light stands in one duffel bag and it probably weighs only a couple pounds total. Awesome!

[@lilgoatfarm]

I needed some stands for grow lights and heat lamps for my houseplants. I have over 80 of them, and the enclosed back porch can get below freezing. I got some really great ideas thanks to this video! Plus I have a lot of scrap pieces of PVC that have been sitting around for years. Now I can get rid of some of the PVC and turn it into something I need! :) I'm going to sort thru that scrap and make me some stands, thanks again!

[@LaredoVine]

dang man, definitely one, if not THE best DIY channel i've stumbled upon yet!

[@antoniolazarski9361]

Thanks for your concept, I really appreciate it!!

[@pmalbec]

Just a GREAT idea. Cheap, usefull, great. I was looking, here in Chile, for a cheap tripod for lights i always see in catalogs in USA, but with this you bring happiness to my life ;)

[@naydanjay]

Wow! What a lot of info in a short video. So many ideas and options. Thank you!

[@frugalfilmmaker]

+Willow You're very welcome!

[@TitusJ]

I used your crib sheet idea on a video that I made, and that diffused the lighting perfectly! Great Video!

[@azyfloof]

Mindblowingly easy and AFFORDABLE! I'd totally doing this!

[@mrdarryl2row]

wow that was awesome... was wondering how to get around purchasing a light stand! thank you!! I will definitely get more creative with PVC!!

[@birdie399]

You are a clever man. You explain really well too. Thanks.

[@creatoviz6488]

That's great stuff. I really enjoyed the simplicity you have shown while making these cool stands. Thank you

[@monself]

You were right in the point. I spent $10 in 2 of them :)

[@extremeillumination7467]

good stuff, a few ideas I would have not thought of. crib sheets.

[@MindPower009]

Hi Scott, thanks for this awesome light stand and diffuser idea! I loved it right away and decided to do another project based on it. I combined the two ideas and made a self-standing green screen :) I'll be showing it in this week's MindPower episode!

[@rajeshghosh6581]

Excelent idea Boss, As an Indian definitely I have to admire your concept, gr8 going

[@KWASHIC]

you have just won another subscriber with just one video. will watch the others too. Thanks!

[@RobertWedderburn]

Hi Frugal, I enjoyed this design and i'll try make a few tonight. My only criticism would be the sound when the amount on the bottom left goes up. A ching ching sound would be less distracting in my opinion. Nevertheless a very helpful DIY video!

[@salemfaycalameziane5512]

Wow This is great Tips Please shot more Episodes like this because this help us

[@NRMStudios]

Yeah, I see what your saying. I just built my own version. The joints are glued and screwed. The base is 26" square and it has a second support that comes up from and angle. I still plan to toss a couple of sand bags on the base when in use. You can pull two screws and the whole thing folds up flat. Ill have to post a pic or something. But FFs video was my inspiration. :)

[@krismariemj]

This would be perfect to make a photo backdrop for a party!

[@TaliaFoster]

This is awesome! I made several of these to hold my uv bar lights. Thanks for the video!

[@BadlyBentPub]

Brilliant! (no pun intended :) Picked up the PVC today, building it tomorrow. Of course, being in Canada, the PVC costs twice as much….but still a lot cheaper than 'pro' stands! Built two of em - they work GREAT! Thanks for the info!

[@JonathanSmithMusic]

Best DIY video on this subject I have viewed so far!!! Very great :)

[@frugalfilmmaker]

+JonathanSmith Thanks man!

[@RPalo71]

I used three of the for a video background stand. All for around $15-$20! Thanks FF.

[@ChandrasekarThodla]

Truly a frugal film maker! Thanks for putting these videos!

[@MyScrapMenagerie]

You just made my day! I was needing an inexpensive light stand for my clamp lights. Thank you so much!

[@ArkansasMediaGroup]

if you extended the pole attachment, you could add some of those round weights and put the main pole on top to add weight easier.

[@billmerritt7199]

Innovation at its finest. If you would not mind sharing the finished dimensions for the frame to hold the baby crib sheet, it would be most appreciated.

[@simonshenry]

Before you put the end caps on the feet/base I suppose you could fill the tubes with sand. Great stuff.

[@GadgetAddict]

I just made these today. Cost me $20 for all the parts and cutter to make 3 stands. Such an easy stand to make, I love it. Thank you!

[@GadgetAddict]

Hmm I defiantly need to work on making them more sturdy. Once I put my softbox light on the stand, its very unstable .Even with the third leg. I guess it's just too much weight for these stands.

[@groovymoviesmusic]

Gadget Addict I had a similar problem. I just have a clamp on light which doesn't weigh much at all and it's very unstable. In fact, when I first put it up, the whole thing fell over and broke the light bulb. :( Everyone else seems really happy with it. Wonder what I did wrong?

[@GadgetAddict]

3ninjasstrike I've been using mine for around a year now and they live permanently in my lounge area where I shoot my KZbin videos. Inside the soft boxes are 4 bulbs. I've only broken 1 bulb so far from knocking the lights over. I'm thinking about just buying some proper stands so they're more sturdy and generally look better.

[@groovymoviesmusic]

Gadget Addict I play in a band, so I'm just using a couple mic stands. Works like a charm.

[@redhandstudios]

Awesome! The quick crib sheet diffuser is going to be mine soon, thanks!

[@Melw44]

Thanks for this knocked out two for under $20.00 last night.

[@ChrisTheSheriff]

Well, I made em' and they work like a champ! So glad about this tutorials existence!

[@richcrankshaw5388]

great tips , amazing how simple things can be when we get our thoughts away from having everything brand new , professional level stuff . Thanks

[@MissEnglishChocolate]

Ohhh, i do like the low kicker light bit, that really does make sense and i really think i'm going to try building something like this, because me, i ain't got much money. And if this works just as good as the pro stuff then i got options and as much oppotunity to be as creative as i desire. Very good video.

[@MelissaBrauen]

Just finished making these - perfect of my needs. Thanks!

[@bongo1911a]

Great video, and great tips. Excited to watch more of your videos.

[@zoffinger]

Just bought some clamp on lights and built my own stands. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@jayceoncohen6339]

pro tip : you can watch movies at Flixzone. Been using it for watching all kinds of movies recently.

[@emersonchaim5704]

@Jayceon Cohen definitely, have been using flixzone for months myself :)

[@PPCFindingStudio]

Wow! Your explanation is wonderful. And I get much knowledge. Thanks for this tutorial.

[@WISHALL52]

thank you so much.....there is so much to learn from KZbin

[@ShawnHHVP]

You can get bright white halogen bulbs in the 250 watt and the longer 500 watt variety. Might have to get them online. I DIY'd my movie lights using the same halogen work lights. I went so far as to get ETCHING solution from Michaels/Hobby Lobby. That helps with the frosting the glass easily. Bottles of the solution are less than $15. And I forsted 6 pieces of glass. Both sides. That diffusion helps with those lights. I even added an extension box and a rotary dimmer switch.