nickmicros
Well-known member
I am going to be shooting a fight/action sequence and need to build a circular track. I know how to build a PVC track but wanted something more. Anyone have experience with this?
Construction question
- Thread starter nickmicros
- Start date
Ryan Patrick O'Hara
Veteran
You need a circular track but not PVC?
Some dolly systems use very large and heavy rubber hose. It's usually around 3-4 inches in diameter and is solid. In my experience this track came with a losmandy spider dolly I rented from Wooden Nickel.
It has more vibration absorption then PVC but is just as difficult to lay. Also, the rubber track does not have connections so it can only run circles within its cut length and only one full circle per take.
Unless you are a very good welder, you would simply want to rent metal curved dolly track. It is VERY hard to make proper metal track yourself.
Non dolly alternatives exist... such as Steadicam. It can offer great circular action but is obviously off of track. If the floor is smooth enough (which yours won't be from what it sounds) using a fisher/chapman/panther/doorway dolly on studio wheels can work. This is usually best on dance floors, clean gymnasium floors and other clean smooth areas.
Maybe I missed what you were asking... but the curved track sector of dolly track is not an easy one to find cheap DIY solutions outside of PVC.
Some dolly systems use very large and heavy rubber hose. It's usually around 3-4 inches in diameter and is solid. In my experience this track came with a losmandy spider dolly I rented from Wooden Nickel.
It has more vibration absorption then PVC but is just as difficult to lay. Also, the rubber track does not have connections so it can only run circles within its cut length and only one full circle per take.
Unless you are a very good welder, you would simply want to rent metal curved dolly track. It is VERY hard to make proper metal track yourself.
Non dolly alternatives exist... such as Steadicam. It can offer great circular action but is obviously off of track. If the floor is smooth enough (which yours won't be from what it sounds) using a fisher/chapman/panther/doorway dolly on studio wheels can work. This is usually best on dance floors, clean gymnasium floors and other clean smooth areas.
Maybe I missed what you were asking... but the curved track sector of dolly track is not an easy one to find cheap DIY solutions outside of PVC.