steel dolly on wheels

I

infurno

Active member
Hey everyone. I don't post often here or own a DVX but im a big DIY supporter and a fan of this board.

I have had a wooden pvc pipe dolly for a while but im looking for something more versatile, sturdy, professional, and upgradeable.

I decided to go with steel because of its strength and availability. So far this dolly has cost about ~$100 with wheels included. All of the materials were purchased at Home Depot, and other hardware stores. I don't have steering parts available to me so thats something im leaving for later.

Here is the 3d design I came up with before I started buying materials. (pseudo scale accurate)

dolly3d1.jpg


dolly3d2.jpg


Here is what it looks like once built:
dolly1.jpg
dolly2.jpg
dolly3.jpg
dolly4.jpg
dolly5.jpg



What I should have done different / will improve:
  • "axle" is too long. ~170 pounds on a corner will stress it and flex the axle 1-2mm. I want this dolly to support at least two people. And if I can cut an inch or so off to improve the build, im all for it.
  • Can't steer it. I found a steering kit for ~$70... I'll get it once I complete stage 2 of the build.
  • The wheels are fine but I was hoping for something more flat when inflated. Its curved. Ride is smooth but not as smooth as I would hope. I found some wheels for $150 but im not ready to spend that just yet.
On to Stage 2 of the build. Here is what I have in mind:
dolly3d1s2.jpg

dolly3d2s2.jpg


(1) The two tubes at the bottom will enhance the structure and also provide mounts for accessories.
  • Extending the surface area with additional platforms.
  • Camera mounts
  • Equipment Mounts
I will probably add similar mounts to the front and back of the dolly.

(2) The tube supports seen from above placed at the intersections of the beams will support seats, accessories, ect...

(3) Side bars will be doubled up to help keep the dolly shape solid and add extra reinforcement.

I estimate the completion of stage 2 to cost ~$45 more in materials.

I have been thinking about buying 4 more smaller wheels and cutting the tires off. Im going to try and ride the "rims" on PVC and see how well that works. If it works, then I may:
  • A) Keep them on the side. When I need rails just switch the wheels.
  • B) Mount both the wheels and rails together so all I have to do is place the dolly on track.
Obviously this thing is not perfect but im a computer programmer, not an engineer.

A side note. The reason I decided to use nuts/bolts in the construction instead of welding is because this way I can break this thing apart into 7 steel tubes and 4 wheels that will easily fit into any car. Its lightweight, simple, and incredibly easy to transport.

Oh the surface... Im reluctantly considering wood... I don't like the idea of wood because

* its heavy
* big
* difficult to transport
* does not like moisture

But on the other hand, its

* cheap
* easy to work with
* can be cut to smaller sections
* can be drilled into to expand / mount accessories

I have not ruled out a metal surface... Im going to think about it....

If anybody had any ideas on enhancing this design I would be happy to hear your thoughts.

Other then that...
Thanks for looking and happy building
 
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Oh I left out the dimensions. I tried to model it as close to professional doorway dollys as possible. Right now Its 48" long and ~30 inches wide.

Its wider then I had hoped, I was aiming for ~28... I chose to mount the wheels further apart for some dumb reason during the build process.

Weight: 23lb with wheels
Stage 2 hopefully ~30lb
 
Great stuff infurno and thanks for posting all the info. I'm anxious to see the next versions.

:thumbsup:
 
Why not make it steerable? Then I would see very little difference from a professional doorway dolly. Looks sweet as is though.
 
j said:
With track wheels, will this fit on to standard track?
Click to expand...

Im hoping it will. I have not done all the math yet but it should as long as I keep to the standard. I should have even more leniency as soon as I cut the axle shorter.

I think the standard is 24.5" center to center?

I just need to find out the standard track diameter, I think I remember reading somewhere it was 1-1/2"

dlang said:
Why not make it steerable? Then I would see very little difference from a professional doorway dolly. Looks sweet as is though.
Click to expand...

Defiantly want to make it steerable.

Here is the steering package I found the other day for $80. I don't know anything about steering but im hoping this will have all the parts I need to make this work.
http://www.gokartgalaxy.com/parts_packages_combos.htm

Scroll down and take a look at the wheels
Don't they look surprisingly similar to the ones on the Matthews dolly?
http://www.msegrip.com/mse.php?show=product&cat=422&products_ID=26698

Thats the doorway dolly I used as a reference for dimensions by the way.
 
webdog said:
if you dont want a steering wheel you can just get this http://www.gokartgalaxy.com/spindle_sets_&_components.htm You need one for each side but it is cheaper.

Then you just get a threaded rod and connect the two together.

You could even make a pull handle that steers it.
Click to expand...

Your right, I don't need a steering wheel and that is cheaper... Ill think about it, It would definatly save some money. In that case I may even make all 4 wheels turn like the Matthews one.



Well, here is an update.

version 1.5
dolly1.5-1.jpg
dolly1.5-2.jpg



I decided that instead of doubleing up the side supports I should just use three. Overkill? Possibly. The weakest link in the entire build is the wheels. The chassis will be able to take a lot of weight but the wheels / axle will be the first to fail.

Once I complete the second stage, im going to start planning a human mounted camera crane. Jibs are great but if I could have an operator up there with the camera, now that would be something. - Don't know if ill be able to do it but lets see how it looks on paper.

Anyway, in the interest of adding stability im going to look into a source for bigger and stronger metal poles for the axle to support the wheels.

Meanwhile I have been thinking about adding removable screw-down legs. This is only a concept render, not something im seriously considering yet...

The beginnings of stage 3?
dollyv3Concept2.jpg


I want to reinforce the middle even more. If I do attempt a crane I want a solid platform. Adding three more bars will considerably increase the weight limit and make it more stable. The legs will have to be removable... Just screw them out and store somewhere till needed. - maybe even horizontally store them in bays on the chassis.

But for now that image is hypothetical. Need to get done with stage 2 first.

Im actually pretty impressed with how its turned out so far.

version 1.5 and 40lb :(
 
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Wow, that is really nice. I know most dolly's require a track or a piece of wood under them to avoid shaky footage, but because the wheels are so big on this one, would that make a track unnecessary?
 
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