DIY Crane

virtualcircus said:
Hi,

what is the distance from counter weight to jib neck and from jib neck to camera basket neck?

Is it optional or it has to be to the nicety?

Thanks
Click to expand...

to be honest... it was all pretty much guess work... i do the 60/40 method
60-65% length in the front and 35-40% length in the back.
 
My Version

My Version

Ok,

So I'm almost done with my crane. I just have to:
  • Attach a camera mount on the end of the crane
  • Make the secondary support arm so as to keep the camera level
  • And add the rod for the weights on the back of the crane
As you can see, my design allows the crane to be a variable length. Also the mount of the crane arm to the base is also flexible. so I can move the connection forward or backwards.

I have to thank my new friend Paul, for letting me use his tools, and materials. [without which I would still be busy making most of the parts. :) ]

I'll post final pictures when I'm done.

Let me know what you think guys.

Thanks,

Luis
 

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nice work. I just built my jib and I gotta take a few pics once i get a sturdier tripod. i may have to build my next one using your design siniarch ;). looking solid and steady. can't wait to see your footage
 
Nomis,
That is that tripod that people were talking about on this forum that sells on ebay from amvona. Its like this one, but the 9903 head. and Amvona sells them for much less in auctions than what they ask for as retail.
http://cgi.ebay.com/PROFESSIONAL-VI...ryZ30094QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

So don't let the $1999 price tag fool you. they will sell this 9905 for $600 at an auction, when they have them available.

Kdawg,
Thanks. I actually had gone to this guys shop with some materials, and I was going to buy some aluminum from him. when I told him what I was doing and what tools I had home, he just offered to let me use his and cut it at his shop. So although I knew what I wanted, it was mostly improvised on the spot. Found what he had on the scrap pile, and started working away (i didn't want him to change his mind). So not too shabby. The main piece that extends is actually a plank that extends between two ladders. I just removed some pieces. (similar to the 16' version here http://www.laddermart.com/pc-8/telescoping-work-planks.html but cheaper at home depot)
 
>As you can see, my design allows the crane to be a variable length

Now that's clever! Haven't seen a design like that one before.
 
thanks J.
the beauty and benefits of the the design are that:
  • it allows a variety of sizes. So if you are restricted because of space and you cannot fit a 8' crane, but you want to have the most travel allowed by the space, you can make your crane 7' and that might do it.
  • It also is very simple to change length. So going from a 5' - 8' crane takes a minute or two.
  • allows you to change the mounting location of the base to the crane. Let say you need an extra foot of length on your crane for a certain shot and you are fully extended already. Just move the base 1 foot back and add more weight to the other side of the crane and presto.
the draw backs are:
  • its not optimal weight. adding two members on the outside in order to be able to slide the middle one adds weight. so when its a 5' crane, you are still carrying the weight of the 14' crane. But its aluminum, and its 35lb and I don't expect it to go over 42lb.
  • the other draw back, is that when fully extended, structurally it is at its weakest. I might have to add a post in the middle and a cable system to help with my 20lb camera setup.
  • Also I used the above mentioned extending plank as a starting point. It is not made of the standard thickness of aluminum. (the sizes are standard 1.5"x2" but the thickness is about 1/16 to 1/8") so the aluminum is not as sturdy as it can be. with the added cable this should not be an issue. it also helps keep the weight down.
 
Siniarch, I hope we are not hijacking this thread. I have most of my crane built as well, but cannot think of a great way to have control of the head. So I saw this from Kessler. Thought I might wait and see where the price point would be. Anyone heard anything about when this will be available?
 
Kdawg said:
Siniarch, I hope we are not hijacking this thread. I have most of my crane built as well, but cannot think of a great way to have control of the head. So I saw this from Kessler. Thought I might wait and see where the price point would be. Anyone heard anything about when this will be available?
Click to expand...

That looks b@dass... and expensive.
 
Knowing Kessler, it might not be as expensive as everyone's thinking. Hope they release a price soon!
 
Thanks Mindzeye, I'm flattered. (not sure if I could call myself design killer though. hahahah)

Nomis, About that tripod, I tried it with the camera mounted on one side and the weights on the other, and the legs were not holding up well. Luckily, I had done a search a while back on this site and found that a "Quick Set" tripod would be ideal, and I bought one a while back on ebay. so now I just have to mount it to that one and we'll see how it works. :)
 
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