DIY: Stealth (Skater) Dolly v.2

qemart

qemart

Member
Here is the latest version of the "stealth" dolly. This thing is so much lower to the ground than the last one and despite how it may look, it is rock solid and smooth as glass (clips coming soon).

Be request, I am going to make this available as a kit so if you are interrested, send me a personal message. I have not yet sorted out the price but will do so very soon (have to figure out exactly what the parts cost and how quickly I can make them :) ) At this point, I am considering including a small head (eg: manfrotto 482 micro ball head) for those that need one.

Needless to say, I am of course also going to publish the plans, pics, clips and whatever else you may need to build one yourself for the low low price of FREE!

WOOD

stealthdolly.jpg


ALUMINUM

stealthdolly2.jpg


Thought? Comments? Questions?
 
JasonFox said:
Behold, I drool.
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So that's where that puddle came from.

Great design. Now I just have to wait for the plans. I built the last one you drew up and it works great! (I posted some footage in the Footage forum.) Can't wait to give this one a try....
let us know when you've got the plans. Damn I hate waiting ....
 
nice - you could put some really stiff dampning springs between the top plate and the wheels and you could use the butterfly screws you've got to control the amount of bounce/float.
 
you might also want to be able to adjust the hight of the bottom plate too so you can accomodate undulating surfaces...
 
Some thoughts...

1. I have tried placing the wheels in different places (including the corners) but where they are seems to work the best because it gives you lots of room to move the camera without getting a wheel in your shot.

2. The spring idea and adjustable bottom plate are interesting, my only concern is that the thing might not be as solid as it is now. Also, you want to stay away from undulating surfaces. I run mine on a big sheet of plexiglass and it works great. I find it difficult to get a smooth run even on "relatively" even floor so building it to accomodate uneven surfaces might defeat the whole purpose of it.

...I could be wrong :)

Lastly, the plans are coming soon (I promise). I have been SUPER busy this week (put up new site, new demo reel, new company, etc.) but this weekend or early next week I will get them up I p... p... p... promise.

There I did it.
 
qemart said:
Lastly, the plans are coming soon (I promise). I have been SUPER busy this week (put up new site, new demo reel, new company, etc.) but this weekend or early next week I will get them up I p... p... p... promise.
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No problem, and no rush either. I just hate waiting ....

Thanks for all of your effort - you've done an amazing job!
 
how about using acrylic or lexan instead of aluminum, can use wood working tools and would look really cool clear or solid or transparent colors.
 
How about making those wheels disappear in to the plate, more like in the original dolly. Cutting three holes out of the main triangle than make a slit and so the wheel can be stuck in there, if you are making this out of a thin strong material like plexy or aluminum, that should not be that hard. And i agree about doing it out of something you can cut with wood tools, i actually think you can saw the aluminum easily, well anyways. Just a thought.
 
Jon Oskar said:
How about making those wheels disappear in to the plate, more like in the original dolly. Cutting three holes out of the main triangle than make a slit and so the wheel can be stuck in there, if you are making this out of a thin strong material like plexy or aluminum, that should not be that hard. And i agree about doing it out of something you can cut with wood tools, i actually think you can saw the aluminum easily, well anyways. Just a thought.
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Great ideas, but this is starting to sound rather familiar ... like the one made by PStechnic ... I'm sure that it costs a lot to go that route, and that they didn't just price it that way for no reason. It would be cool if someone found a cheaper alternative.
 
you want it cheap... use plywood, but you could still buy a small piece of 3/8" lexan for a lot less than the pstechnic original.
 
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