North Star II Field Tripod Construction - Fabrication of the Faceplates 5

 

A pair of opposing faceplates taped together about to be drilled with successively larger bits... (Click for enlarged view)

 

With both faceplates taped securely to hold them together for drilling on my drill press, the first is about to be drilled. Since my drill press does not have ample power (or it could be that my bits a cheap! :( ), I will drill the holes progressively from 1/8" to 5/16" using two bits. This process will be done to 6 sets of large faceplates requiring four holes per set. The three small faceplates (not seen here) will only need two holes in each single faceplate to be mounted on the outside of the "outer main leg supports" peg leg, which aids in supporting the hinges for the North Star's accessory tray.