Large Radial Dolly

[sinapps]

Just finished building this dolly. Got the basic idea from Bob Hill's Cameraman's Multitool (http://www.silverbackequipment.com/), but ended up using slightly different components - specifically the wheel assemblies with built-in laser mounts.


http://fileshare.sinappsdev.net/dolly1.jpg

http://fileshare.sinappsdev.net/dolly2.jpg

http://fileshare.sinappsdev.net/dolly3.jpg

http://fileshare.sinappsdev.net/dolly4.jpg

http://fileshare.sinappsdev.net/dolly5.jpg

http://fileshare.sinappsdev.net/dolly6.jpg

http://fileshare.sinappsdev.net/dolly7.jpg

http://fileshare.sinappsdev.net/dolly8.jpg

[bilgami]

wow that is some diy job. im sure you could make a bundle selling them.

[Huy Vu]

Holy crap...

[dory_breaux]

Holy crap...
qft ftw

[EDIT-XTREEM]

Looks great, nice work. I'd say, START SELLING THEM..

[Bob Hill]

Sinapps,

That looks great!

[Loren Simons]

how much did that cost you to make?! =o

[sinapps]

how much did that cost you to make?! =o

The laser mounts cost a bunch since I had to have them CNC machined. I'd guess that the total cost for the prototype is ~$700.

[hoarp001]

Is that a laser diode on the side?

[capt chuck]

Wow, what a great job!

Excuse the noob question... what exactly is the purpose of the lasers? My guess is that they could help track speed against some kind of calibration grid, but I'm curious to know the real answer.

[Postmaster]

Piece of art! I´m impressed.

Frank

[thekreative]

where do you get that X extruded aluminium? I've looked and never found...

[armisiano]

It's so cool to see DIY stuff that looks this pro. Great job. What was the cost?

[Jim Carswell]

On the first page he says it cost about $700 to build.
Jim

[egproductions]

It looks cool but can it fly? footage please!

[bilgami]

I thought it was 700 cuz of the laser things? how much with out them?

[sinapps]

I thought it was 700 cuz of the laser things? how much with out them?

The 3 laser mounts were $210.

[Erik Olson]

sinapps,

Someone asked about the purpose of the lasers. Basically, it is to set your radius by focusing two lasers on a fixed point (the subject), which should then remain centered once you begin your move?

e

[sinapps]

sinapps,

Someone asked about the purpose of the lasers. Basically, it is to set your radius by focusing two lasers on a fixed point (the subject), which should then remain centered once you begin your move?

e

The third laser arrived broken, so that's why you see only two. Yes, you point all three lasers at the same spot and the dolly will rotate around it. The lasers can tilt up and down so you can point them at the "chest" if orbiting around a person.

The benefit of 3 vs. 1 that moves from wheel to wheel is that setup takes almost no time and is more exact since you don' t have to remember the exact spot you pointed the last laser at.

I'll post a video as soon as the 3rd one arrives.

[PaPa]

damnit. you owe me 2 bucks now.

[Wild Imagination Films]

With the wheels being attached in the side mount position, is there any distortion when a full camera and tripod load? Do the wheels "splay" any?

[sinapps]

With the wheels being attached in the side mount position, is there any distortion when a full camera and tripod load? Do the wheels "splay" any?

No. I have to stand on the dolly to make the wheels "splay". I think even that can be corrected by excessively tightening the wheel to the bar.

[Wild Imagination Films]

Then you get a big "Nice Job." Just kidding. Really though, very nice work.

[egproductions]

I like your stills of it also, you left in some orange in one of them though. :)

[sinapps]

I like your stills of it also, you left in some orange in one of them though. :)

My studio is very monochromatic. The photos are a testament to the phenomenal auto white balance on the new Nikon D3.

[cliff6948]

This is a damn impressive DIY job...

[pmark23]

Holy crap is right.

[Ted Ramasola]

Very nice job indeed!

[sinapps]

Here's the parts list. Most parts are from 80/20 inc (http://8020.net/). You can also check their ebay store (http://stores.ebay.com/8020-Inc-Garage-Sale). The wheels are from Northern Tool (http://www.northerntool.com). I can't find the ones I got on their web site.

All 8020 parts are "15 Series". Part Series in ()

3x 6 Hole Slotted Inside Corner Bracket (4285)
2x 5 Hole Tee Joining Plate (4340)
4x 180 Degree Pivot Bracket (4424)
3x Gray L-Handle Linear Bearing Brake Kit (6800)
1x Corner Bracket (4303)
1515 Extrusion - whatever length you need for the project

I have a few laser mounts available that I can sell for $35 each or $75 for a set of 3. Sorry for the high price, but custom machining costs a bundle.

[Brandon Hunt]

Hey what did you do for the rubber stoppers for the tripod leggs???

[sinapps]

Hey what did you do for the rubber stoppers for the tripod leggs???

closet rod holders - they're actually wood, painted black.

[Brandon Hunt]

Hey bro this is some permo work I am working on setting up a studio of equipment to shoot films and do freelance work. This is something that i have been wanting but could not seem to afford but this is a creation that i can make my self and make how i need it that rocks... How would i go about getting those mounts from you or designs for the mounts so taht i could get them machined... and what lasers did you use. and what should i look for in weels.


sorry for all the questions but DIY is new to me and these things i am way new to.

[sinapps]

sample footage:

15476370

[RileyRobertson]

Nice dolly...though i seem to be two years late.aha that seems to get some great shots too!

[pbarnes8020]

Sinapps,

I'm Phil Barnes and I work at 80/20 Inc. We recently received a link to your post from a Google Alert and would like to talk with you about your radial dolly project using 80/20. Please feel free to e-mail me at pbarnes@8020inc.com so that we might communicate directly.
Thank you!