DIY IndieSlider...

proheiser said:
Would your setup also be sufficient for a 5DMKII?
Click to expand...

It is sufficient since it pulled my Nikon D700 + 60mm lens + small ball head without a problem.

Update: Now I really wanted to know and packed 6 kg (3 lbs) on the sledge. It moves!!! Horizontally that is. I couldn't put more weight on without unmounting the ball head but I think 6 kg will suffice.
I was too cautious and I updated my first post.
 
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Martin Koch said:
It is sufficient since it pulled my Nikon D700 + 60mm lens + small ball head without a problem.

Update: Now I really wanted to know and packed 6 kg (3 lbs) on the sledge. It moves!!! Horizontally that is. I couldn't put more weight on without unmounting the ball head but I think 6 kg will suffice.
I was too cautious and I updated my first post.
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Great!
I already ordered some parts this morning, I'm going to try this with a ballbearing slider (DIY Pegasus Heavy Lifter), could be a little bit easier for the motor.
 
proheiser said:
Great!
I already ordered some parts this morning, I'm going to try this with a ballbearing slider (DIY Pegasus Heavy Lifter), could be a little bit easier for the motor.
Click to expand...

This is cool...but you might want to start a thread for this as you're not using the igus parts for the slider. I'm sure you understand I'd like to keep this thread focused on the igus linear motion parts. Thanks!
 
OK I finally finished my slider and here are some pics. I use 2 tripods on either end for very good stability with the heavier JVC cam. The camera is mounted on a cheap Slik head and attached to the carriage with a conduit pipe connecting joint bought at Home depot. The screw in stoppers were from Mcmaster-Carr. They were $11 each, but look nice and work great. I may wrap tape around the conduit pipe, but it doesn't look bad the way it is. It just looks like a knirled handle and not like a conduit pipe. I love this slider! It works great.

This slider is travelling with me to Russia next week! I will have to give ZaZa a credit on the show.

k9yu1l.jpg
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11lihhx.jpg
 
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Looking good Tommy K!

I love mine so far, just one question... the carriage has 8 holes for the bolts but came with 4, I have been using it with just the 4 allen bolts not tight. Do you guys fit the other bolts on there so its more stable or does it tend to get bound up if you do? I am seeing some slight binding up as it is now if I move the head while sliding.
 
Kdawg said:
Looking good Tommy K!

I love mine so far, just one question... the carriage has 8 holes for the bolts but came with 4, I have been using it with just the 4 allen bolts not tight. Do you guys fit the other bolts on there so its more stable or does it tend to get bound up if you do? I am seeing some slight binding up as it is now if I move the head while sliding.
Click to expand...


I am using just the 4 bolts. But I have adjusted the bearings a few times to keep it running smooth. I carry a hex wrench with me for this. As you can see, I have my camera mounted just high enough that I can do straight ahead "dolly in" shots without seeing the slider track below. It is a bit top heavy and must be pushed from the carriage or low on the mounting post. Otherwise it is very smooth.
 
Tommy K said:
OK I finally finished my slider and here are some pics. I use 2 tripods on either end for very good stability with the heavier JVC cam. The camera is mounted on a cheap Slik head and attached to the carriage with a conduit pipe connecting joint bought at Home depot. The screw in stoppers were from Mcmaster-Carr. They were $11 each, but look nice and work great. I may wrap tape around the conduit pipe, but it doesn't look bad the way it is. It just looks like a knirled handle and not like a conduit pipe. I love this slider! It works great.

This slider is travelling with me to Russia next week! I will have to give ZaZa a credit on the show.

k9yu1l.jpg
Click to expand...

Excellent build! Really well done and I like those bumpers too. Have a good trip & safe sliding! Cheers.

Kdawg said:
Looking good Tommy K!

I love mine so far, just one question... the carriage has 8 holes for the bolts but came with 4, I have been using it with just the 4 allen bolts not tight. Do you guys fit the other bolts on there so its more stable or does it tend to get bound up if you do? I am seeing some slight binding up as it is now if I move the head while sliding.
Click to expand...

I adjust it to slide smooth and then tighten them in rotation like you would lug nuts on a tire, but not too tight. I think you have to keep them tight or they will bind when sliding/panning. I don't have any trouble or binding. Try it, you can always loosen them again if it doesn't work.

mrmoe said:
Also, did you use a tap to thread before installing stoppers?

Thanks again, Good find. ;)
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I'm going to say yes... he did tap them. They accept the 3/8 tap easily.
 
Thanks ZaZa.

Yes the stoppers are tapped with the same 3/8" tap as for the track holes.

BTW- The tripods are Dolica/Dynex bought as is off ebay for $20 each plus shipping. They both had loose center posts, which Gorilla glue took care of, and a few missing parts, handles and a quick release plate. Dolica gave me the missing parts for free. I called customer service and they were really good people. I have to give a shout out to Dolica corp. I have a great slider for a great price;)

ZaZa, we all owe you and the other original posters who made this happen for us guys. A BIG THANKS!
 
O.K., finished my end stop mod (thanks again CineGang for the great solution)...here are some close-ups. I also saw another option by tapping the last hole in the rail (see photo). Experiment, have fun and slide away!:laugh:

picture.php
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Option to use it in an end hole of the rail
picture.php
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picture.php

(sorry about all the crap in the background...I just don't have anywhere left to
store all this gear...it's a sickness...)

Album of various slider pictures here: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/album.php?albumid=214
 
I have a slight issue with the size of the bolt. I have tapped the main hole in the carriage and have a 3/8" bolt threading into it nicely - but my old Manfrotto head seems to have a thread just slightly smaller than 3/8". Is this possible? I can get the head on, but only about 2 turns then it stops - leaving the bolt protruding under the carriage.

I've compared the bolt to the other legs and monopod I have and the thread on all of them is slightly smaller.

Have bought other 3/8" bolts to be sure - but same problem.

The tapped rail fits onto the legs no problem...

Any ideas?!
 
For anyone that wants to upgrade there design to a Kessler Pocket Dolly type slider here are the essential parts. Don't know if those are the correct size but you can look around on the rs-online website and find exactly what you need. Gona call them after the weekend and check.

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=getProduct&R=2865714

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=getProduct&R=3384834

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=getProduct&R=0237552
 
jshaw300 said:
I have a slight issue with the size of the bolt. I have tapped the main hole in the carriage and have a 3/8" bolt threading into it nicely - but my old Manfrotto head seems to have a thread just slightly smaller than 3/8". Is this possible? I can get the head on, but only about 2 turns then it stops - leaving the bolt protruding under the carriage.

I've compared the bolt to the other legs and monopod I have and the thread on all of them is slightly smaller.

Have bought other 3/8" bolts to be sure - but same problem.

The tapped rail fits onto the legs no problem...

Any ideas?!
Click to expand...

I'm confused... you tapped a 3/8"-16 thread hole in the carriage, but the head you're trying to put on it is a different size/thread? The head only needs to screw on a few turns (checkout the nub of a bolt that's on a tripod). Make sure a 3/8"-16 bolt screws into the head and make note of how many turns it will go in. It should be the right size as that ie the standard. Then, think about getting a shorter bolt that goes through the bottom of the carriage. You do have space under the carriage, mine sticks out a bit too (I think you can see it in the pictures in the first post).
 
I think my problem is that the 'nub of a bolt' that is on both my tripods and my monopod is fractionally smaller than the bolt I'm trying to use. It is definitely a 3/8" bolt - but perhaps not a 3/8" - 16 bolt. Could that make the difference?
 
jshaw300 said:
I think my problem is that the 'nub of a bolt' that is on both my tripods and my monopod is fractionally smaller than the bolt I'm trying to use. It is definitely a 3/8" bolt - but perhaps not a 3/8" - 16 bolt. Could that make the difference?
Click to expand...

3/8" is the bolt size.... 16 is the number of threads in an inch (it's the thread size). I think you just need a shorter bolt and you'll be set.
 
Great info zaza, thanks for the thread. i have a stupid question though. How the hell do you order from those guys? I submitted something I thought was an order request and I got cad files. I see know where to order and when i search the part # nothing comes up. I was able to find the parts and make the 1000mm length but like I said just got an email with cad files. Any help would be great and Im sure Im just an idiot missing something very simple. Thanks in advance.
 
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