DIY IndieSlider...

SamIam said:
I hope this hasn't been covered, please forgive me if I missed it. . .


I came up with a couple of improvements for the rail I wanted to share.

The first has to do with mounting the rubber boat bumpers to the rail. The original poster drilled from the top and used JB weld. I mounted a t-nut on the bottom of the block, using only the rubber to hold it in place, and it works wonderfully.

Here's what you need:
- Power Drill
- 1" drill bit (size based on outside T-Nut diameter)
- 3/8" drill bit
- 1 - 3/8" t-nut for each block you want to mount (My rail is 1450mm with a 20lb camera so I have 3)
- 1 - 3/8" x 3" hex bolt for each block

Procedure:

1. Find center of rubber block on bottom and mark it.
2. Using the 1" drill bit drill a hole about 3/4" deep. (you can use tape to mark depth on the drill bit)
3. Using the 3/8" drill bit put it in the center of the 1" hole and drill the rest of the way through. Be careful to stay straight on both of these holes. If you widen them out, the T-nut won't be held snug by the rubber and may fall out!
4. Turn the block over, using the 3/8" drill bit widen out the hole at the top, being careful not to widen it too deep. You want the bolt to slide in and out easily, but you want the t-nut to be held firmly in place.
5. Install the T-nut by by driving it straight into the hole on the bottom. I used a deep well socket that was about 1" outer diameter to apply even pressure downward. This is important to keep the t-nut from falling out years down the road when it's not attached.
6. Push your bolt in, and screw it down. A little oil will help it catch the threads the first time. Take the bolt back out.
7. Optional: I drilled out one of the existing holes with the 3/8" drill bit, but you can do it however you like. Drill a new hole or whatever. A threaded bolt will require a hex nut that has thread all the way tot he top though!
8. Install your rail without tools by simply holding the hex nut with your fingers while turning the rubber block. Mounting the rail this way will let you pull it as tight as you want because it's grabbing from the bottom. You can see the rail marks in the picture where it really pulls the rail into the rubber and makes a nice secure connection that can be added/removed in the field without tools.

Enjoy your slider. Thanks to the community here that made this such a great project. I hope this was helpful.



The second idea has to do with mounting. I ordered 2 carriages. I think it was an extra 50 bucks. One I mounted a fluid head directly on the carriage (bogen 3063), and the other I'm mounting a Euro/Elemac mount. I have a dolly with an elemac post, and this will let me quickly switch between the dolly and the slider without having 2 separate 100mm high hat standoffs to lug around. There's a guy on ebay who sold them for ~50 bucks. He's on DVX here, but I haven't seen him lately.

Okay, that's it for me, here are some pics to help with the instructions:
Click to expand...

...and if you're looking for more flexibility, there's always the ZazaSlider Feet! :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)
picture.php


(although I used a couple of blocks of wood for the first year I had the slider...)
 
iwfd said:
Does anyone know how to make a thread bolt foto camera compatible?
Click to expand...

What does this mean? Are you talking about the mounting hole on a still camera?
If so, most are 1/4"-20. I've drilled and tapped both a 3/8" and a 1/4" hole in my ZazaMini carriage for just that reason.
 
Rail size

Rail size

would the 40mm rail work? Just wondering why everyone is going with the 60mm rail if the rails are built to handle more weight than a camera. Is it b/c the shuttle would be too small to fit a tripod head?

i'm just trying to save money and cut weight.
 
bkurien said:
would the 40mm rail work? Just wondering why everyone is going with the 60mm rail if the rails are built to handle more weight than a camera. Is it b/c the shuttle would be too small to fit a tripod head?

i'm just trying to save money and cut weight.
Click to expand...

Will it work?...yes...but for a few extra bucks you get a rail that is about 3/4" wider, which handles the load better on any camera. If you're just using a small video camera or a DSLR without a hugh lens on it, the 10-40mm rail is fine, just be sure to center the load over the center of the carriage as best as possible. The 16-60mm rail has hollow rail that can be tapped for a great end-stop solution or the ZazaSlider Feet (they are pre-drilled for both 10-40mm & 16-60mm rail). :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG) The 10-40mm rail is solid and will have to be both drilled (directly down the center) and tapped... that can be a little tricky.

I find it strange that people keep commenting on the weight? a fully decked-out 1000mm ZazaSlider complete is just 10 lbs. Considering the variety of shots you can get with it I don't think that's much at all. My dolly and PVC pipe weights more than that and is a pain to carry around and set-up & level.

The 10-40mm is best suited for someone hiking out in the woods where weight really counts.

The above are all my humble opinions....:2vrolijk_08:

Here's a picture of a 700mm long 10-40mm ZazaMini Slider with the feet on it...great protable rig.
ZSShort1_sm.jpg


ZSShoulder2_sm.jpg


...and here's a 700mm 16-60mm ZazaSlider w/feet for comparison:
picture.php
 
Last edited:
that's the reason i'm asking...I'm looking to use this in my travels so I want something to fit in my backpack. thanks for the response!
 
Just built the slider - Am I doing something wrong?

Just built the slider - Am I doing something wrong?

Hey everyone! Thanks for all the great info on building this slider. I ordered everything from Igus (what a great company!!) and put it together about a week ago.

I think I may have done something wrong.

1. My slider is a bit on the loud side. I believe the noise is resonating along the rails.

2. Also when sliding the carriage is allowed to twist slightly which stops (or pauses) it from moving. The friction seems way too stiff.

3. Lastly when the slider is mounted to my tripod and I slide from one end to the other I get a rather loud popping as the weight shifts from one side to the other. My camera rig weighs only about 10 pounds so that shouldn't be an issue.

I followed instructions here for "seating the bearings". That didn't have much, if any effect.

Also my carriage has 4 bolts (one for each bearing) but has 8 holes (two for each bearing) Is everyone putting bolts/screws in the second set of threaded holes? I have not and maybe this would solve the sliding problem.

I understand the bearings are self lubricating, but has anyone put anything on the rails to make the carriage slide smoother?

Thanks in advance for any help!
 
Nytemare said:
Hey everyone! Thanks for all the great info on building this slider. I ordered everything from Igus (what a great company!!) and put it together about a week ago.

I think I may have done something wrong.

1. My slider is a bit on the loud side. I believe the noise is resonating along the rails.

2. Also when sliding the carriage is allowed to twist slightly which stops (or pauses) it from moving. The friction seems way too stiff.

3. Lastly when the slider is mounted to my tripod and I slide from one end to the other I get a rather loud popping as the weight shifts from one side to the other. My camera rig weighs only about 10 pounds so that shouldn't be an issue.

I followed instructions here for "seating the bearings". That didn't have much, if any effect.

Also my carriage has 4 bolts (one for each bearing) but has 8 holes (two for each bearing) Is everyone putting bolts/screws in the second set of threaded holes? I have not and maybe this would solve the sliding problem.

I understand the bearings are self lubricating, but has anyone put anything on the rails to make the carriage slide smoother?

Thanks in advance for any help!
Click to expand...

1. shouldn't be loud. I'd suggest working the bearing a bit...break them in. Take the slide off the tripod, set it on a flat surface and with the palm of your hand, apply weight while running the slider back & forth.

2. still sound like you don't have it aligned properly. Try again and remember to applu downward pressure as you tighten the bolts a little at a time, checking the slide as you adjust each. On my original slider (2 years old now), I've only adjusted the carriage once and it's still just as smooth and quiet as ever.

There's no reason why you can't add extra bolts... I've just never needed them.

3. Sounds to me like a tripod problem to me. What tripod are you using? Is the rail securely screwed directly on the tripod or are you using a QR system? I'd check that closely to see where the sound is coming from.

To clean the rail, remove the carriage & spray a little 'Pledge' (furniture polish) on a cloth. Wipe the rail down and then wide witha clean dry cloth. Replace the carriage.

Hope this helps...:)
 
Ok so after having built my rig, I'm experiencing a bit of nuisance for a couple of reasons:

I ordered the standard setup:
WS-16-60 Drylin 'W' rail 1000mm
WW-16-60-10 Drylin 'W' carriage

I have a Libec TH-M20 Tripod System that has only a 1/4" male on the QR plate of the head, so I purchased the Manfrotto 1/4" femaie to 3/8" male adapter in order to mount to the slide.

546536.jpg


I purchased a Manfrotto 701hdv head and Filmtools 4" riser to mount to the carriage and I'm shooting with a 7D.

The drilling, tapping, and mounting has all worked out great and I now have a 2 head system.
Unfortunately, I don't think the Libec can handle the slide, riser, head, and camera when it goes out deep to one end or the other. The thing starts dipping and any touch to the camera creates a bobble that gets me pretty bothered. This is FAR from stable when sliding from one end to the other. And it's not a matter of weighing down the legs: the movement is coming from the lower head mount to the slider itself. If I put a hand on either side of the rail, the whole thing leans about a half an inch, creating a very bumpy and crappy slide.

So what to do? What's best everyone? Should I keep that double head tripod in the center and just get 2 cheapo monopods for the ends? Should I invest in a better tripod that might give a more steady base to mount? Or should I just get a cheapo tripod and put each tripod on the ends with no center support?

What is everyone finding to be the most effective pod support for their sliders with riser, head, and dslr up top? I just can't stand the bobbling on the ends anymore! Any Brand/model suggestions for tripods on the cheap?

Thanks all! I love this thread and I'm proud to be a fellow owner of the Zazaslider! :)
 
ZazaCast said:
2. still sound like you don't have it aligned properly. Try again and remember to applu downward pressure as you tighten the bolts a little at a time, checking the slide as you adjust each. On my original slider (2 years old now), I've only adjusted the carriage once and it's still just as smooth and quiet as ever.
Click to expand...

I think you are partly right on this one. This seemed to correct some of the problem. Someone suggested tapping the center of the carriage with a rubber mallet. This seemed to seat the bearings a bit.


ZazaCast said:
3. Sounds to me like a tripod problem to me. What tripod are you using? Is the rail securely screwed directly on the tripod or are you using a QR system? I'd check that closely to see where the sound is coming from.
Click to expand...

I still don't know where the popping is coming from. You may be right on this one as well. I have it on 2021 Manfrotto legs right now. It may not be sturdy enough to handle the weight when everything is close to the end.


ZazaCast said:
To clean the rail, remove the carriage & spray a little 'Pledge' (furniture polish) on a cloth. Wipe the rail down and then wide witha clean dry cloth. Replace the carriage.

Hope this helps...:)
Click to expand...

This made the most difference! I remember using this trick a while back on a set while using a squeaky dolly.

Thanks for your suggestions! Things are quite a bit better now!
 
I had that series libec head and would not feel comfortable mounting a slider to it. Mounting a camera is no problem and it's a great tripod for light run and gun stuff but I feel that it is too light duty for this type of application, I am using the 503 head / 501 head combination on 028b legs and it works out fine.
 
N635DC said:
I had that series libec head and would not feel comfortable mounting a slider to it. Mounting a camera is no problem and it's a great tripod for light run and gun stuff but I feel that it is too light duty for this type of application, I am using the 503 head / 501 head combination on 028b legs and it works out fine.
Click to expand...

Thanks N635DC! Yeah I started noticing that after a few more minutes of tinkering. The head won't tighten down enough when the camera is out on an end so the thing just starts tilting slowly. Bummer. Now I have to fork out more on some sticks. :violin:

Any Suggestions on something under $200?
 
JustinKane said:
Thanks N635DC! Yeah I started noticing that after a few more minutes of tinkering. The head won't tighten down enough when the camera is out on an end so the thing just starts tilting slowly. Bummer. Now I have to fork out more on some sticks. :violin:

Any Suggestions on something under $200?
Click to expand...

I have always recommended the Bogen/Manfrotto 3046. It's an older tripod and I picked one up on eBay for $125.00! Look for one there.
http://cgi.ebay.com/BOGEN-MANFROTTO...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa1189945

picture.php

It's really solid and has spreaders for a few sandbags!

:thumbsup:
 
Zaza slider built, easy to do & saved lots of $$$

Zaza slider built, easy to do & saved lots of $$$

Built my zazaslider over the weekend, still want to add the zaza feet for it but need a new Sennheiser lav so those will have to wait.

If you haven't built one or are on the fence about it get off the fence and do it. I was a bit unsure about the rail just from looking at everyones pictures when researching this but I'm telling you as soon as that box arrived quickly from Igus and I took that rail out I knew exactly what zazacast and the others meant.

Followed the directions and I'm good to go.

Bought the round pine wood feet at Lowe's for $7 each and it came with a screw built into it, just needed to buy a couple of nuts which fit great into the pre drilled holes.

I spray painted them flat black and bought two small red rubber mats and cut to size gluing them with gorilla glue and it doesn't slide at all on hard wood floors etc.

Tomorrow I'll take more detailed pics but just wanted to get this up and say a big thanks to Zaza for paving the way with this and all the others who have built and added their two cents.

Eric

1273715121.jpg
 
Howard Sheldon said:
Here is my slider rig.
View attachment 17511
View attachment 17512
View attachment 17513
I think a second tripod is called for.

Howard Sheldon
Click to expand...

That is an awesome setup! I was actually talking with PBC about getting that carriage. They're now making an entirely new rail and carriage that is smoother, quieter, and MUCH more precise. I'm supposed to get one of the prototypes.

And another thing, I order PBC products 2 or 3 times a month, and I asked last time I ordered..... ALL of Pacific Bearing's aluminum extrusions are made in the USA, and he said most of them actually come from Wisconsin! :cheesy:

So I'm tired of Zaza and Igus saying they're made in China, that's just BS! I get supporting a company that supplies you parts, cause they'll give you breaks when you buy in bulk. Zaza obviously backs igus, I on the other hand will always choose PBC, and I'm glad you do too.

Personally, I try not to use plastic bearings, teflon is sooo much better! I'll keep you posted on my new slider with their new rail.
 
What's up with the pissing match going on here about PBC or Igus?? I don't give a f**k about it.

I think 95% of us that found this forum on sliders and visit it often, care about making a good slider that are cheap versus spending mega $$$ on one.

Honestly, use whatever you want as a slider, just stick to posting your slider pictures, advice, videos etc and put your di*ks or egos away about the other stuff. Stick to the point of sharing so we can all get better and do better video!!

Zaza started this forum on sliders so I went with his build and the advice from others that built one as well. The PBC slider is really nice as well but it was late to the slider party here and all the smack talk going on isn't helping sell it.

Eric
 
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