Anyone Build a DIY Creeper Butt Dolly?

cowpunk52

cowpunk52

Veteran
I've got a project coming up at the end of January where I could really use one of these... but the $800 price tag makes me whinge just a bit. Has anyone had any experience building something similar?

http://www.filmtools.com/creeper-butt-dolly.html

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Quiet is obviously the most important feature here, but I guess that just comes down to the type of castor used. Any insight on making a DIY version is much appreciated!
 
It looks really cheap. Replace castor wheels for inline skate wheels, bolt them to a piece of plywood and stick on a high hat. You might have to add some spacers to the wheels. Or just replace the computer chair wheels with inline skate wheels.
 
good suggestions. I also found this mechanic's roller stool for $30 at Amazon:

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I figure I can replace the wheels and casters on it pretty easily. Now it's just a matter of finding the quietest casters.
 
I also have a shoot at the end of January that I want to build a but dolly for.

I found these "silent grade casters" I love McMaster-Carr
http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-casters/=flycv9
I'm looking at part number 23005T61
They seem a bit large though. I guess that could make it smoother.
I don't know about the wheels that come with them.
low profile inline wheels are probably smoother and quieter.

What inline wheels are you guys thinking of?

I'm thinking of just mounting a Mitchel high hat to the wheel base and renting a few different sized risers so I can put a head on it if desired.
Then If I need a seat I can mount it to a Mitchel plate and attach my ass to it for hand held scooting.

I like the adjustable column on the seat but want to have the Mitchel option to mount a head.
I guess I need two rigs anyway.
 
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Something like this has been on my DIY list for a while. I picked up one of these for a starter. Plan to unbury the welder to add a counterbalanced articulating arm to hold the camera. Hoping the tires will work, may have to go to those squishy low pressure guys as it seriously lacks any type of shocks. Harbor freight's Harley style seat looks nice but not real stable without outriggers. Keep those ideas coming....

dolly.jpg
 
I don't understand why it's so pricey?
Can anyone explain?
It just looks like a chair with roller blade wheels to me...
 
The wheels on the unit from modern studio equipment are not nearly as smooth as the Creeper Butt-Dolly, it also does not have variable height adjustment (it uses standard mitchell dolly risers fixed on to a heavy cheese plate mitchell base)
 

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It is not that pricey when you break down the components and hours of labor that are put into each individual unit. They are built by hand in Los Angeles, CA out of premium materials and last forever. They are silky-smooth and have no direction change "bump". Also- they commonly rent for 150$ a week on many features, commercials, and tv shows.
 
You can shoot shoulder mount for that handheld look but also
-be low
-not have big bumping footsteps in the footage

personally I still think riding on track is the thing

the wheels can be as smooth as anything but they only roll as smooth as the floor..

S
 
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