View Full Version : Skate wheels types
carlmart
09-04-2007, 08:42 AM
What skate wheel should I look for using on a dolly project?
Are they different for dolly, with wood base and all, and tripod dolly?
Do they come complete or should I get the roller bearings in separate?
What diameter and width should I look for?
Carlos
sletts02
09-04-2007, 11:27 PM
(Hi-jacking this thread, sorry, but seems silly to create another)
What would be most effective, Skateboard wheels or Rollerblade wheels?
Thanks :D
carlmart
09-05-2007, 04:53 AM
(Hi-jacking this thread, sorry, but seems silly to create another)
What would be most effective, Skateboard wheels or Rollerblade wheels?
That's certainly part of my question.
What I could find out until now is that there are different toughness types for the wheels and quality types for the roller bearings.
Toughness can be soft or hard, and it's identified by a number and letter. A small number, like 60A (35D), identifies a soft wheel; a high number, like 100A (75D), a hard wheel.
Tough wheels slide more easily but maybe noisy. Soft wheels grip more and are less noisy, but may deform more with weight.
Diameter can go from 52mm or less, up to 60mm or more. Larger sizes are more used in rollerblades. Smaller sizes in skates.
Thickness is still a question I could not answer, or at least contact width.
Roller bearings, which you need two of for each wheel, can be identified by an Abec number. They should have external rings to protect the bearings from dust and dirt. The higher the number, the better the quality, and they go from 1 to 11, at least on the ones I saw. An Abec 5 should be fine.
I am still not sure what wheel size, thickness and hardness is better for our application.
carlmart
09-05-2007, 05:37 AM
Perhaps I might risk that a dolly is very much like a longboard skate, which I think is the larger type.
If so, here are the wheels they seem to use:
Material: poliuretane
Toughness: 85A
Size: 70mm x 43mm
Roller bearings: Abec 5
It looks like a start. Can someone comment on for or cons?
fenigirl
09-05-2007, 04:15 PM
I used rollerblade wheels I got off a pair of rollerblades from target for 40 bucks. Abec 7 bearings 72mm 82a. Check out www. dvcamerarigs.com. I built my dolly based on the design in the book. Very easy to build. There's also footage on the sight to see the rigs in action. Good luck.
I bought two sets of 4 white wheels with ABEC 1 bearing at target for $10. My dolly rides on the rails like its gliding on smooth ice. I am very happy with the deal at target. When I bought them I spent a lot of time researching and was worried that I was going to have to buy higher set of ABEC bearings and good skateboard wheels. Now I my advice is just look for kinda soft wheel at a good price. I don't think with the little weight from the camera, tripod head, and ball mount on the bearing you will see much of a difference. Thats my experience. Now if you are building a ride on unit that may be a different story all together. Good luck!
carlmart
09-09-2007, 05:45 AM
Thanks for the tips!
Any other suggestion for these wheels?