RE: homemade stands
I build my own metal hang on stands. There solid and much more sturdy then any store bought stand. In saying that though they are a pain to put up and also a tad noisy when putting up. In the future I'll possibly be buying one of these store bought stands and see what I think of them.
If your going to build your own hang on stands, you better damn well know what the heck your doing!! It's not only your life on that stand, It might be a friend or a family member also that's trusting there life to your building. Bottom line Is, know your stuff or don't even think twice about building one!!!!