Soldant, This is what I made for my 7 x 50's. Holds 'em really firmly. Bit of 1/8th thick foam packing around the centre shaft to protect the paint etc. & 1/8th screw to adjust tension.
The base is tapped 1/4 " aycs, & contrary to what it looks like, there's no rust on it. T'is 16 g gal. iron strap.
L.
ps. Sorry you cut your pinky.