Acrylic plywood skater

[Texanite]

"Acrylic plywood skater"? Is it made of acrylic plywood? No, it's not made of plywood at all, but it was inspired by the now-ubiquitous "plywood skater" from 2005 and is, therefore I consider this my acrylic version of the plywood skater. It is made of acrylic, and that was based on inspiration from another project here which was the "Acrylic skater dolly (http://dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=67039)" of 2006

I started work on this in mid 2008 and finally got a good working version by the end of 2008. Through the prototyping / build process, I ended up with 2 complete skater dollys along with some leftover parts. Here is what the results were:

http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt217/Tex_015/skaterdolly.jpghttp://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt217/Tex_015/dollywithouthead.jpg

Since that point, I've sold both of the dollys to recoup the costs involved and now that I have a little unallocated money to use, I'm hoping to come up with a new revision in the nearish future. As it stands, the dolly is time, money and labor intensive. I'm working on laying out a slightly smaller version for cameras that don't require extra heavy-duty support, and I'm hoping to reduce the production costs a bit in that fashion. I have an HV20 and making a dolly that can hold a 20+lb camera seems like overkill.

I don't spend as much time online these days, but when I get my slightly smaller version made, I'll post some pics.

[Ted Ramasola]

very nice texanite! I'm getting some requests for version 2 design which is smaller. still havent gotten down to making the vector file for it since i personally still use the first version.

[Texanite]

very nice texanite!

Thanks. You are the man (or 'the bear') seeing as it was your original design that inspired me to make my first wooden skater. If it wasn't for the fact that I'm so terrible at woodworking, I might have stopped there :)


I'm getting some requests for version 2 design which is smaller. still havent gotten down to making the vector file for it since i personally still use the first version.

My acrylic version is slightly different than yours and I think is just a smidge smaller, although maybe fatter. I've been through so many changes that I can't remember now, but I know I compared it at some point and it's smaller in at least one direction. I've done a little messing around with a design for a smaller version, but one of the tricks has been making it smaller without losing too much of the camera-deck and also without making it too small for the wheels. I'm hoping to get a good compromise.

I swear I say this every week, but I'm hoping to have some time in the next couple weeks to finish up the smaller design and contact my local laser cutter to get some parts made. Like any hobby or DIY project, it's never as quick as I'd hope. I guess we'll see what I can get done.

[Texanite]

Not the smaller version I'm working on, but she's pretty none the less. I call her: Big Blue

http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt217/Tex_015/newskater.jpg

[Texanite]

I keep forgetting to post this link here. A little test footage showing what the dolly can do:

http://www.vimeo.com/3026439

[nantnee]

gimme

[bimdas]

that looks unbelievably awesome! Do you have any instructions on how to make such a thing?

[Luis_]

I'm almost inspired to make one of these things

[thekreative]

itching to get my hands on it.

[Texanite]

Thanks for the props everybody. As far as instructions go, the best threads to read would be teddybear's original thread and then the acrylic skater thread that I linked in the first post. I'm having my acrylic cut for me, but the user who posted the original acrylic skater thread did it all by hand and even has a list of itemized supplies/costs proving that you can do this fully DIY.

I've edited a couple posts to make sure I wasn't confusing anybody about my first version versus a new smaller version. I'm in the process of trying to make a smaller version, but the blue one pictured is not a smaller one. It's the same large scale version which is about 19" x 16". I had parts for a smaller version cut, but it's a trial and error process to a certain extent and I'm going to have to get some other parts made and things cut before it's ready for primetime. But I'll post pictures of the smaller one when it's done as well.


itching to get my hands on it.

She's getting closer every day! :beer:

[thekreative]

got mine today!

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?p=1614366#post1614366

[Texanite]

A bit smaller than the previous versions but completely suitable for most prosumer cameras. Here it is sitting inside a carrying case:

http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt217/Tex_015/blackskaterjrincase.jpg

[Texanite]

To get a better idea of the size of junior here:

http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt217/Tex_015/juniordollywithhv20.jpg

[Marc Villafan]

To get a better idea of the size of junior here:

http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt217/Tex_015/juniordollywithhv20.jpg
Wow, that looks immaculate. Classy, I dont have a small camera but it looks pretty sick. The other models look very well made as well, ie. the red one you made.

Good work. :beer:

[LeeLove]

Texanite, these are beautiful. I think you could do very well with these even if you offered them as a kit. This might be a great way to lower your cost and yet still offer a great service and product.

Lee

[Tommy K]

What wheels are recommended? Doing A search brings up prices from a $8.95 for a set of 4 wheels to $200 for one wheel! I am starting to put together the parts to build one soon. Do the cheaper wheel sets work out ok? Also what size are best the 70 mm, 80 mm, 110 mm?. I would assume good bearings are the key for smoothness, although the bearings won't have near the weight of a person skating.

[Texanite]

Thanks for the props GBTJ and Lee! I'm hoping to have another revision of the mini version in the next couple weeks. I'll post some pics when I do.


TommyK: The wheels I'm using for the bigger version are 70mm or 72mm (I think). I don't think you'd need something as large as 80mm. I can't see what the benefit would be, so I'd go ahead with the cheaper wheel set. The amount of wear and tear that a dolly is going to put on the wheels is nothing like what they were actually designed to take from an inline skater.

You're right that good bearings are key. I've tried 3 or 4 different kinds and it partially depends on what I can find, but there were some that I dumped on ebay after buying them because they were rough.

I think some ABEC5 bearings I got from VXB were the best but it's difficult to pin point exactly what the determining factor is. They might just have been better constructed overall. The funny things about bearings is that they're tough to test. The natural inclination is to spin the wheel and see how fast it goes but from everything I've read testing them that way with no load (IOW, no weight on them) is pointless. In my own experience, I think that's true. You want to make sure that they roll smoothly and aren't all clunky, but as far as 'speed' goes or the ABEC rating, I don't know how much it matters.

[Texanite]

For reference, a picture of the full sized and the jr, side by side.

http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt217/Tex_015/jrandfullsidebyside.jpg

[tbanucci]

Wow- the jr one looks awesome for an SLR video setup. Hey Tex, I know you got the original plans from TeddyBear, but yours looks sooooo different. Would you be willing to share your plans (I'm assuming you have some AI files or something)? A good business idea for you (since you said you wouldn't be selling them) would be making a DVD for distribution on all the steps you take for making this, or a wood version. Of course, none of us would be mad at you if you share the video for free! :-)

[Texanite]

idea for you (since you said you wouldn't be selling them)

On occasion I have an extra for sale as I move and shake through slight tweaks. It's a matter of months and months between changes but you can send me a PM if you think you might be interested.

Cheers!

[2wheelfilms]

Texanite - I'm not so happy being a killjoy but......there is a German patent covering this skater design. After going through your same basic prototyping process ayear or so ago, I discovered the patent and then, even more sickeningly, discovered that the patent you are violating with this very nicely designed and built knockoff is VALID and ENFORCEABLE in the USA.

Be very careful in this space. You are setting yourself up for some legal battles that you will lose should the German individual who patented this choose to enforce the patent.

Unless......something has happened in between the time I did this and now.......

sorry
Jeff

[Rizzice]

Hey there!

I just finished gawking at these... they are simply.. astounding.

I know this thread is a bit old, but if you're still selling any of these I'd be interested (budget-allowing, that is). Tried to PM you, but it seems your inbox is full!

Have you ever made a skater dolly with a tripod mount like here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tekisui/320075322/in/set-72157594413840709/

I'll probably try and recreate something like that photo (if I can't get my hands on yours or someone else's), I think the tripod compatibility adds another level of utility, but I wonder how well it would actually work?

I am hardly a great craftsman or anything like that, pretty inexperienced to be honest, but my friend happens to be a carpenter and owns a lot of tools, are the dollies easier to make than they look?

[Texanite]

Thanks for the post, Rizzice.

I haven't actually changed anything and gotten another dolly made since that last photo of the two dollies side by side so I have no extras lying around. I have a to-do list of little things I wanted to try or to change, including a rocker camera mount that I'd been working on as well as laser-pointer-holders to site the wheels, but I don't know when I'll have the time. Real life has kept me busy and the one skater I have left works fine and I haven't even really used it since I put it together.

My guess would be early summer before I get back to it. There are a couple non-filmmaking things I want to have made from acrylic as well, so when I get the time I'll break out my notes and see what I might get made.

Sorry about the PM box being full. Until very recently, I haven't been on dvxuser for months and months.

Thanks again for the praise.

[Texanite]

Have you ever made a skater dolly with a tripod mount like here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tekisui/320075322/in/set-72157594413840709/

Sorry, I just realized I didn't answer this part.

I've seen dollies like that, but I haven't tried one. You know, back in the day people would get those tripod-dollies that could be used in studio settings with smooth cement floors. The thing is, they are much larger and I think I'd want that. Your center of gravity on something like in that photo is really high. All the weight is at the top and your tripod legs aren't spread apart very much.

The biggest problem I had with my first full-sized skater was that I put a ball-mount tripod head on it. Just the 3/4" metal post that's between the ball and the bottom of the tripod plate was enough to make the rig too top heavy and wobbly. I think I mentioned this in some other thread about my skater, but that's why I switched to the lower head which has more surface area contact. I don't know if that makes sense, and this wouldn't be exactly the same situation, but I'd be concerned about it's stability and top heaviness.

The other thing about these skaters is that they don't use track. That's a good thing if you have a flat surface, but not so good if you don't and there's a reason that people use track for dolly moves. Tables are usually smoother than the floor and, also with the skater, you can raise a small wooden platform to have your camera at whatever height you'd like.

I think the way to do this is the way that the $2500 axis-dolly does it. First off, it's made of metal but it also has arms that swing out so you can spread your tripod legs wider for stability. I've never used one, but they seem to cover at least a couple of the potential downsides. It also looks like it might use double-wheels which means using track might be possible as well.

[Rizzice]

Thanks for the replies!

I really do think with some adaptation your skater dolly can be significantly useful in any situation. I realize it requires a flat surface, but is it so hard to bring a slab of something solid with you to use the dolly on wherever you plan on shooting?

It really does seem like a great solution to smooth camera movements in almost any situation, even with the tripod. The higher center of gravity can be combatted by maybe tying the tripod tightly to the skater dolly?

[DavidChia]

Here is Texanite Full Size skater with my Rig, yes it can be a little wobbly but with care and practice it works very well,


http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/23787/1264254091.jpg

[MattinSTL]

Those black/blue, black/red skaters are pure sex... I haven't seen a more appealing use of plastic since Pam Anderson.

[Texanite]

Those black/blue, black/red skaters are pure sex... I haven't seen a more appealing use of plastic since Pam Anderson.

LOL :Drogar-Happy(DBG):


Thanks for posting that pic, David. There's a lot of stuff going on up there! :)

[Texanite]

It's been a long time, but I'm back! :)

It's been about a year since I have had any time to think about these skaters, as I've become very busy. Well, now is the time to briefly jump back into this with a little time off. It's likely I won't get back to this project for another year, or more, so I'm taking advantage of some brief vacation time to put together a couple more of these. It looks like I'll have one large and one small one for sale in the near future, both in the blue/black combination.

Do not PM me at this point, as my PM box is completely 100% full. A number of people have shown interest over the last year or so but so much time has passed that I'm not sure if they still are or not but if anybody's interested, feel free to post a comment here. The cost on these is not insignificant and is more than just a couple hundred bucks, although not as high as the 'retail' versions like this one (at $880) (http://www.humblemonkeystore.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=50) or the $1,000+ versions made by Omni-tracker.

I'll post again later as I get these together but I just wanted to stop in and say hi :)

[Texanite]

Now I remember why I stopped working on these :) I have a blister on my finger, a mess in the kitchen and realized I need to make a trip to the hardware store for a couple things but they're finally coming together. I got all the parts sorted out today and prepped for assembly. Another day of gluing and stuff and they should be close. Here's one still with the masking paper on but basically ready to be put together. 38481

[thekreative]

sent you an email.........I'd love another.

[Texanite]

sent you an email.........I'd love another.

Excellent. I got the email and will get back to you shortly. Thanks!

[Texanite]

Spent another full day on these and I'm just about done so I wanted to give another update.

The good news is, these dollies are the best ones yet. The bad news is, this will definitely be the last time I'm making these for a long while, and maybe forever. It's just too time consuming and too much of a pain the rear. I went ahead and made four of them, since I'm not sure if/when I'll be doing it again. I made two 'jrs' and two full sized ones. The cost, for those who are wondering, will be $500 shipped to the lower 48 for the full-sized and $400 shipped to the lower 48 for the slightly smaller ones.

I'll post other relevant info later, but I wanted to upload a couple more pictures and give an update. I've finally cleared a few hundred messages from my PM box here, in case anybody wants to send me a PM. Okay, here are some pictures.

...........38558..............38557

Forgive the mess and the brown protective paper that's still on the deck, I'll take some glamour shots later or tomorrow. Okay off to get some dinner!

[Texanite]

Here they are, they basically look like the ones seen previously in the thread, but I wanted to post a picture of them all in one place. The blue 'jr' one is available, the others are not. I'll post something in the buy/sell forum tomorrow but feel free to PM me if anybody's interested. The basic ground rules are:

- US only
- PayPal only
- MUST be your confirmed/verified address on PayPal
- NO shipments to 'your girlfriend's house' or anything like that.
- the tripod heads are not included, although I have one of them I'll sell.
Thanks for looking!


....38581....38582....

[Texanite]

No time to take any glamour shots of the new dollies, but I've made a post in the "marketplace" forum
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?259130-Acrylic-Skater-Dollies-(tabletop-rotational)-2-sizes-blue-and-black

[gorfus]

I understand that you might not be interested in making any more, but would you be averse to sharing the plans/parts list so that we might try making one ourselves?