DIY Mini Track & Jib (2-in-1)

Heres a corporate project I finished last week using the DIY Mini Track & Jib.

Shot entirely with the Canon EOS 7D. Edit and Grading in EDIUS.

The crane shots were done with a DIY 13 foot jib. But otherwise, all the dolly/track shots were done with the DIY mini track & jib.

[size=+2]Simply Life's Essentials[/size]
 
Jordan_Sopinsky said:
I can't see or visualize what it touches. Isn't it situated between the two tracks (in the air)?
Click to expand...

Jordan,

this assemble/fixture, is originally intended to be used "upsidedown" for holding sliding doors or panels.
So originally the wheels were made to run INSIDE the track, (thats the 3rd set of wheels in my design).

Since were using it "upsidedown" meaning with the track opening facing up, I placed 2 sets of wheel assembly on each side to "press down" against the track and support your carriage which holds the camera head.

Refer to the 10th picure showing the wheels before its slid INTO the tracks.

1263585134.jpg
 
Now I see. It's got a set of wheels in front of and behind it and it sits lower than them, but it's not in the very middle of the carriage, as I thought. Its wheels are what keep the carriage locked into the tracks, right? The sets on either side are there for their rail guides, which you've stated will help keep the carriage on the track. Do I understand correctly?

BTW, I don't live in a third world country; however, here in Israel everything is very expensive. I'm planning on buying the parts and constructing this during a March trip to the States. This is (finally) a design I think I can follow. Thanks!
 
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yup. only the wheels move.I think youve got it, but to be clearer,
the carriage(the one that carries the camera head)
has a total of 6 wheel assemblies.
3 sets on each side for each track.

A single assembly has 2 pairs of wheels.

4 wheel assemblies(2 for each track) are bolted snuggly against the carriage. This carries the weight of the camera and head under most circumstances, unless you use the track upside down.

2 wheel assemblies(1 for each track) hangs lower as this goes inside the track, this is what you called "the third" wheel" i guess. -and this is what holds the carriage from being pulled away.
 
jambredz,

Haven't gotten to making and posting the plans for it as it is based on what other DIYer's have made, theres a lot of those here and over at HBSboard.com.
 
First off- Teddy- All of your DIY's ROCK!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!!


I may have missed this somewhere- but is there a way to add tension to the wheels on the track as to add/subtract some friction?
EDIT** I see it- pic #11 sweet! Sorry about that!! YOU're the MAN!!!

thanks

Z
 
Jordan_Sopinsky said:
How is the track attached to the head? How is interference with the center wheels avoided?
Click to expand...

on how its attached to the head, do you mean the tripod head? if so look at pic #12 that shows the bottom view of the track base plate.
It shows a quick release plate.
I replaced the bolt that came with the plate with a bit longer bolts so I can place wing nuts to hold the track base plate.

On how interference with the center wheel is avoided, look at pic #2, notice that the track has a recessed bottom part.
This is where i drill a hole to place bolts to attach the center baseplate and the left & right rail base(wooden).
If the bolt you will use has a high profile head that scrapes against the center wheels, you may do either or both, sand or grind down the bolt heads or trim the central part of the wheel assembly block. You can eyeball just how much trimming you need to do.
 
alignment1 said:
First off- Teddy- All of your DIY's ROCK!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!!


I may have missed this somewhere- but is there a way to add tension to the wheels on the track as to add/subtract some friction?
EDIT** I see it- pic #11 sweet! Sorry about that!! YOU're the MAN!!!

thanks

Z
Click to expand...

Thanks Z!
 
^^ Thanx again. Would you believe these tracks and wheels which can always be found in Home Depot, et al, are not to be found in Israel? This is probably due to the fact that houses and apartments in Israel have no closets (!). People purchase closets requiring asembly. Will buy when in the States shortly.

I don't have two tripod heads. Seems like attaching the rails to the head rather than the 3/8" screw (on the top of the tripod) will be easier/stronger. It can then be used on top. Thoughts?
 
The only track I have found like this was at a Lowe's and it cost $60 for the track and $20 for 2 extra sets of wheels. Has anyone found any cheaper solutions to this?
 
Heres more detailed pics showing the dimensions of the parts so you can look for alternative brand.
I included the HAFELE product number for the wheels, for some weird reason, its not found in australian catalogs.

In my place, I found the items along with other brands from china. Looks exactly the same.

1269233677.jpg
 
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