$30 dolly with pics and footage!

stinkpot

stinkpot

Well-known member
$30 or there about.

The real cost was in the skateboard wheels and bearings. Other than that, some screws, brackets, wood and 1-1/2 pvc pipe.

It's not the most stable thing in the world but it works for me. :beer:

realdolly01.jpg


realdolly02.jpg


realdolly03.jpg


realdolly04.jpg


It's my first dolly and the footage is the very first test so keep that in mind.

See the footage (slapped on some MB-filters to artsy it up real quick like)... The Footage

Enjoy.
 
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timegates said:
Very nice smooth footage for a $30.00 dolly! I'll probably make a similar one too! Keep it up :)
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jdajda said:
Nice! I may have to finally build a dolly!
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Thanks! Once I had obtained all of the parts it only took about 30 to 40 minutes to build.

Now I just gotta figure out a $30 crane. :)
 
nice job i love it ill have to make one also. i do have a stupid question though. do you stand on the board while someone pushes you while you man the cam or do you push and man the cam at same time?
 
bilgami said:
nice job i love it ill have to make one also. i do have a stupid question though. do you stand on the board while someone pushes you while you man the cam or do you push and man the cam at same time?
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Thanks.

This one is just for pushing/manning yourself. The platform is around 24"x24" which is good for small spaces (and makes it easy to push and man) but precarious to try to stand.

Also, this design isn't strong enough to hold a person but by doubling the number of wheels, double layering the plywood and making the platform a bit larger you probably could stand on it... though it may end up costing you more like $50 (still a good price in my opinion).
 
either way you did a great job on the dolly and 50 bucks is not bad at all i was just wondering if it was difficult to man alone cuz i have a dolly for tripod and sometimes it gets difficult to man cuz while im watching the lcd my big feet tend to kick the dolly while im walking.
 
What is that piece called that holds the wheels? Right angle bracket? and are your wheels loose any? I heard if you use bigger pvc pipe it'll be much smoother.
 
bilgami said:
either way you did a great job on the dolly and 50 bucks is not bad at all i was just wondering if it was difficult to man alone cuz i have a dolly for tripod and sometimes it gets difficult to man cuz while im watching the lcd my big feet tend to kick the dolly while im walking.
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Yup, I kicked it once or twice and ran it off the end of the track... but I think I'll get used to it.
 
Car3o said:
What is that piece called that holds the wheels? Right angle bracket? and are your wheels loose any? I heard if you use bigger pvc pipe it'll be much smoother.
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I don't recalled what the part name was but you can find it at Home Depot in the isle with the door hardware (hinges, knobs, etc.).

You are probably correct, 2" pvc looks like it will fit the spread between wheels better.
 
I bet you could cut a bit from the board so you don't kick the board. But then again with practice it probably wouldn't be an issue anyways. Nice set up BTW.
 
MattinSTL said:
Here's one I did last fall. We took a similar approach.
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I like it. I have some bearings on order so I can add a few more wheels to mine.

What size pvc is in those pics?
 
zumez said:
I bet you could cut a bit from the board so you don't kick the board. But then again with practice it probably wouldn't be an issue anyways. Nice set up BTW.
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Been practicing and it's not too bad. :beer:
 
stinkpot said:
I like it. I have some bearings on order so I can add a few more wheels to mine.

What size pvc is in those pics?
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Thanks. The deck is 15 ply baltic birch... and can hold at least 300+ pounds... probably close to 400. Note the hand holes for carrying... and the center hole for strapping your pod down...

This part is cut 'n paste from another dolly thread... since we have 3 or 4 going in the DIY front page right now. :)

MattinSTL said:
1.5" shd 40 rails.

1.25" sch 40 for inserts.

Cut a .5" slot out of the 1.25" pipe.

Cut into 12" long sections.

File sharp edges.

Sharpy a line around the halfway point of each insert.

Insert to that line...

Zero bump union of 1.5" track.

Clean your rails and inserts with lemon pledge to keep it all running smooth and easy to assemble or disassemble.

Remember that no dolly will be perfect without some surface prep. A Fisher on rails still runs on a similar system, but we use wood shims on top of plywood squares to prep the industry standard track for a level ride. If you're somewhat careful in the location you choose to get a dolly shot you'll get the best results. On uncertain pavement you can use a roll of cheap carpet that's wide enough to span your track... and lay that down first... that way sand and gravel bits won't crunch and alter your shot.
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MattinSTL said:
Here's one I did last fall. We took a similar approach.

1550880830_l.jpg
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WOW, what kind of wheels are those?

di you drill your own holes in the angle iron?
 
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