In an effort to avoid re-inventing the wheel I'm looking for a
"lightweight... (see above) ...boom stand" design to supplement my current
40+ lbs. boom anchor. I want something unobtrusive, small enough to
travel/ship light, and that will take up little room on the camera truck
when we have to share.

In answer to the seemingly inevitable question...

My current stand was fabricated by a grip brother after I gave him all the
specs but one: construction materials. Its made out of 1/4 inch steel piping
with a diamond plate base :^) By all accounts he did a great job and
produced what is a virtually indestructible boom stand. "The anchor" has
served me well and has saved the day more than once when last minute setup
changes meant it had to stand-in as an expedient 4-step substitute - because
of it's sturdy grip-like nature (did I mention its 40+ lbs.). Something a
bit lighter is now in order, however. So, any suggestions would be
appreciated before I put pencil to paper and head off to Ace Hardware.

Thanks,

Mick