Anyone know where I can buy the components to make my own umbrella rigs, cheap? Also has anyone know how to connect the actual rig together in the middle? Can you use lead? I figure that while nothing else is going on I can make up a dozen or so, maybe even sell a couple. Thanks for any help;)

Get thrown away outboard control cables. Cut off one end and pull the stainless steel single wire out from inside. Get super size strength wire cutters. Cut pieces of cable to length you want and wrap wire around a spike driven into a 2X4 in your bench vise. For the middle you need to make a mold of plaster of paris or cement or such to lay the two wire pieces across and then pour the lead into the mold which will hold the wires where you want then. For the swivel use a big snap swivel with the snap around the wire and the swivel sticking up above the lead.
Or you could just make single spreader bars of same material and put a loop in the middle and two or three loops eaqual distance on both sides of middle so it will balance when rigged.
A single bar is easier and safer to handle than the crossed arms with hooks gangling all over.

Good Luck

i got a few umbrella rigs right down the street from you, Vectorfisher about 3 months ago for a buck a peice :) at a yard sale...

Thanks for the tips on the rigs!! Missing Link NICE!! I must have missed that one!;)