PK Gillock
01-12-2005, 06:47 AM
Sense I failed at trying to make a steadycam, I thought I'd try a dolly setup. This is NOT a track based system. A track system is the ultimate goal but, until I find skate wheels, a standard dolly will have to do.
Dolly Test Video (2.4mb):
http://www.laundryday.com/dvx/videos/dolly-test.mov
The video was recorded on a "tile" suface. Tile is possibly the worse floor type to work on because of the gaps and hardness. So there are a few jiggles. Keep that in mind when watching the video.
http://www.laundryday.com/dvx/photos/dolly1.jpg
Instructions:
1) Find a small (old) table top (about 80cmx80cm). Search around, there's usually one laying in an empty lot or junkyard. Or you can buy a piece of thick plywood and have it cut down.
2) Buy four 3-4" wheels. Make sure they are not the kind that swivel (I had mine welded/locked by a metal shop).
Photo: http://www.laundryday.com/dvx/photos/dolly2.jpg
3) Buy thick rubber padding (sheet) the same dimensions as your table top. Most home depots have them. (This is not necessary, but you might want to cover that ugly wood with something.)
4) Buy PVC pipe and connectors. Have two pipes cut to 80cm and another cut to about 30cm. Find 2 connectors so you can you create a "u" with the pipes. They should fit nice and tight.
Photo: http://www.laundryday.com/dvx/photos/dolly3.jpg
5) Buy 2 little brackets that willl fasten the PVC pipe to the platform (see photo). Also, buy 3 rubber cups (table leg caps) that the tripod legs can slip into to keep the tripod firmly on the platform.
Now we put it all together:
1) Lay the rubber sheet on the floor and place the table top/plywood over it. Cut the rubber sheet around the table (like a cookie cutter). Now flip both over and (with small nails) tack the rubber sheet to the platform.
2) Screw the 4 wheels onto the bottom of the platform. Make sure they are angled the same direction and equally spaced under the platform.
3) Connect the PVC pipes and connectors to form a "u". Next screw the 2 brackets onto the back edge of the platform (using the pvc handle as a guide). Hammer a nail, about 5cm from the end, into each of the 2 pvc pipes. This way the pvc rods don't slide to the floor.
4) Place your tripod onto the platform and measure where the 3 rubber cups need to go. Screw the cups into place. That's it!
Now place your tripod on the dolly (test it with NO camera first) and take her around the block. If it feels good and secure then put the camera on and have fun.
WARNING: The pvc handle is not a strong handle but, as long as you don't have a person sitting on the dolly, you should be ok. I suggest fastening a medal or wood handle.
Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.
Dolly Test Video (2.4mb):
http://www.laundryday.com/dvx/videos/dolly-test.mov
The video was recorded on a "tile" suface. Tile is possibly the worse floor type to work on because of the gaps and hardness. So there are a few jiggles. Keep that in mind when watching the video.
http://www.laundryday.com/dvx/photos/dolly1.jpg
Instructions:
1) Find a small (old) table top (about 80cmx80cm). Search around, there's usually one laying in an empty lot or junkyard. Or you can buy a piece of thick plywood and have it cut down.
2) Buy four 3-4" wheels. Make sure they are not the kind that swivel (I had mine welded/locked by a metal shop).
Photo: http://www.laundryday.com/dvx/photos/dolly2.jpg
3) Buy thick rubber padding (sheet) the same dimensions as your table top. Most home depots have them. (This is not necessary, but you might want to cover that ugly wood with something.)
4) Buy PVC pipe and connectors. Have two pipes cut to 80cm and another cut to about 30cm. Find 2 connectors so you can you create a "u" with the pipes. They should fit nice and tight.
Photo: http://www.laundryday.com/dvx/photos/dolly3.jpg
5) Buy 2 little brackets that willl fasten the PVC pipe to the platform (see photo). Also, buy 3 rubber cups (table leg caps) that the tripod legs can slip into to keep the tripod firmly on the platform.
Now we put it all together:
1) Lay the rubber sheet on the floor and place the table top/plywood over it. Cut the rubber sheet around the table (like a cookie cutter). Now flip both over and (with small nails) tack the rubber sheet to the platform.
2) Screw the 4 wheels onto the bottom of the platform. Make sure they are angled the same direction and equally spaced under the platform.
3) Connect the PVC pipes and connectors to form a "u". Next screw the 2 brackets onto the back edge of the platform (using the pvc handle as a guide). Hammer a nail, about 5cm from the end, into each of the 2 pvc pipes. This way the pvc rods don't slide to the floor.
4) Place your tripod onto the platform and measure where the 3 rubber cups need to go. Screw the cups into place. That's it!
Now place your tripod on the dolly (test it with NO camera first) and take her around the block. If it feels good and secure then put the camera on and have fun.
WARNING: The pvc handle is not a strong handle but, as long as you don't have a person sitting on the dolly, you should be ok. I suggest fastening a medal or wood handle.
Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.