Any suggestions on modifying these gadgets?

[IjabaFilms]

I have these two items I'd like to put to better use. The first item is a shoulder pod that is for VHS camcorders. There are holes on the bottom support so you can move that front handle around. I currently have it directly underneath. My DVX100b fits easily on this thing but my issue is the part that goes over your shoulder isn't very long. When I take a look at some of the newer pods like this (got this one in 2002), and some of the DIY ones, the over the shoulder part is definitely much longer. This one barely goes over the shoulder. It makes this pod feel like mere punishment.

Do you think I could drill a hole in the back of this thing and hang a weight off the back? Or would it be better to weld more metal to the over the shoulder part so it hugs over the shoulder better?

I've had this little gem forever but the wheels are uncontrollable. I would love to take these wheels off and add inline skate wheels that I can position at different angles.

Is there a way to remove caster wheels?

 

[IjabaFilms]

Thanks for the suggestions! The clown bit was funny. That's exactly what the footage looks like trying to use the thing with casters on.

Well I'll look into trying the suggestion for the shoulder pod. I'm on my way to home depot in a few minutes.

Also, I didn't know I could drill the coasters out. I did look under the pads that cover where the costers attach, it just looks like a flat metal button. I'm thinking they may be pressed in.

Also this thing is 12 inches. I can get my tripod on it easy. The legs are collapsed a bit but not enough to compromise stability. Also I can add and eye bolt to that hold in the middle and hook something there that will hook to the inside middle of my tripod to keep it even more secure. If I can get skate wheels on this thing, there will be so much I can do with it. ... I could even use it as an overhead dolly and rig something up to hold the camera, via that hole in the middle... oh the possibilities.

 

[mainstreetprod]

Just for the record, I have the exact same shoulder mount, tried hanging some weight on the rear for balance and was not impressed with the result - too heavy.
I was using the HVX.

 

[IjabaFilms]

I'm pretty sure the shaft from the casters is impinged once it gets set in place.
A big press slams down on the shaft when it's set in place.
It makes a 'head' on the end, which holds the thing in place.

You can take a drill bit to that head and remove the head, thereby releasing the shaft from the plate it's mounted to.
Might want to tap into the head with a punch to get your drill bit started- otherwise it'll run around and be impossible to drill it out.

Take a look at the 'skater' thread I mentioned.
That angle piece might be your ticket for adding the skate wheels to the plate.
Using the wing nuts would help you set the wheels- as well provide tension so you can move it around (freely) like a wheel dolly.

Of course, you know you must provide pix, footage, and description once it's done!

Anxiously awaiting your non-clown, semi-skater, former IV cart thing - once it's done.

Yes! That dolly thread is exactly what I was reading last night that made me dig in my utility closet and take this dolly out. It was actually listed as a furniture moving dolly when I bought it. I saw some miniature ones in home depot today that were for moving those tiny potted plants. I'm like... why do you need a dolly for those? hahaha anyway, I couldn't get enough of watching the cat video made with that cool dolly in the thread you mentioned. Even better is that I already have those dolly skater wheel contraptions built. They are on my full sized dolly and are currently double wheeled to run on tracks but designed so I can easily remove one wheel for other applications and the wheels come off the main platform to go on any other size platform. Made them from the killer rigs book.

I'm also building a fig rig today. Got some awesome curved PVC in the electrical section of home depot. I don't have to do anything to it, they fit right together to make a ring. I'll post about those when it's done.

I'll see what I can do about these casters and will def post footage.

Just for the record, I have the exact same shoulder mount, tried hanging some weight on the rear for balance and was not impressed with the result - too heavy.
I was using the HVX.

Thanks. This is good to know.

 

[IjabaFilms]

Yeah, Oscar the cat, he didn't look happy about daddy messing about near his food & water!

Here's my cats as subject piece:

http://web.me.com/paulschiemer/Scott_Forsythe_Memorial/Movie.html

Thanks for pointer to my home-away-from-home depot for the dolly thing in discussion.
Can always find cool stuff there.
Unfortunately, the terms of my psychotherapist agreement won't allow me to go there more than four times a week.
I'm suffering through withdrawal symptoms now....

Anxious to see your fig rig when it's done (as long as it's not made out of smurf).

Hahaha smurf. What the smurf do you mean? hahahaha

You are too funny. Yeah, home depot makes you buy things you don't need or have a use for... there must be crack flowing through the air ducts in there. Go on get happeeeeee!

Your cats are really pretty and what an awesome road to film on.

I'm about to post about my figrig in a new thread now. I found something else for it too.

 

[IjabaFilms]

Hey, I sense a conspiracy film in the works:
"How Home Depot Addicted Me!"
(never thought they'd stoop to salting the air we breathe!)

Thanks for the compliment about the cats.
They're from Thailand (Chang Mai region- Chin Hills to be exact).
They're way smarter than me- sleep all day, are hand feed by attendants, and don't do a lick of work, ever. I wish I had it so good.

That 'road' is my driveway.

"SMURF" is that bendable blue colored piping used as conduit in modern electrical applications.
It's what happens to Smurf Dolls when they die.
You're bound to see it in the 'electrical' department at HD.

Hahahaha

Very cool about the cats. Also interesting is that I'm planning to move to Chang Mai (or Singapore if I'm doomed to only teach English in Thailand).

Your driveway could be the backdrop to some great films. hahahaha Make a film called "driveway". hahahaha

That is interesting about the blue piping. I never noticed it.

 

[IjabaFilms]

I'd take Chang Mai over Singapore any day.
It's kind of a 'college town' feeling, in a pastoral setting. Very pretty too.

Nothing particularly wrong with Singapore, mind you- but it's getting pretty dern expensive now-a-days.
It's only 100+K's from the Equator, so it's pretty hot and muggy.
If you're living on the wrong side of the bridge it can get pretty expensive getting to town, while staying in town is expensive!
Food is awesome--- but so is Thai (in Chang Mai it's really good too).

Good luck with your endeavor. You'll have a great time. FUN!

Thanks for the info. I don't mind either place but I know people who live in Chang Mai and its much cheaper so I would rather live there.. but it just doesn't seem possible if the only job I'd be able to get is teaching English. In Singapore, I can work in IT, like I'm doing in the states or do other jobs. I could move to Thailand once I make more income generating films though. Not too worried about the heat. I grew up in Florida.

Cheers!