I remember I spent NZD 200 on all new materials including all new tools (didn't have any, not even a screwdriver) I needed for a wooden BDT almost like your favorite in your link there. It worked, sort of. Wasn't precise enough to give me more than 12 secs with a 200mm lens. Was my first ever DIY product. So I was proud nevertheless.
Not being gifted with imagination in mechanics, I then proceeded to build another out of colourful ~8mm plastic cutting boards, thinking it'd be more lightweight than the rather heavy wooden version and fit better on my plastic $50 tripod. It did look real cool. But it was too floppy for the heavy camera
