Hello again. I appreciate very much the responses to my recent question regarding a 3/8-16 brass insert (for 3/8 tripod screw receptacle - larger size). However, all the websites suggested seem to provide only brass threaded inserts WITHOUT a flange at the top meant to mount flush to the wood. The flange, around an inch in diameter and mounted flush to the wood, provides protection to the wood in cases where the initial thrust of the screw does not find the hole. (!?)

I had emailed Allan Brubaker. He told me that yes, that was what he used (with a flange). Further, he puts three long screws through the flange which in turn sink deeply/securely into the wood. This gives added insurance/safety for heavy cameras. AB said he got them through Ace Hardware. I checked the main web site for Ace and no luck.

Question: any ideas where might I locate this as a stock item short of an expensive trip to a machine shop?

Many, many thanks to all!