Dolly platform dimensions

Neal Buconjic

Neal Buconjic

Well-known member
Hey fellow DIY'ers,

I've read many posts regarding DIY dolly construction. My question is about the ideal size for the dolly platform.
I'd like to build one to accomodate a rider, so ideally it should be 48" long. That being said, what about the width? Some say it should be somewhere around 28", so it can pass through doorways. Makes sense, but what about the spread of the tripod base at maximum extension?
When the legs of my SLIK tripod are fully extended, the spread of the footprint is approx. 40". Wouldn't I need a platform 40" wide to fully stabilize the tripod?
 
nmbuconj said:
Hey fellow DIY'ers,

I've read many posts regarding DIY dolly construction. My question is about the ideal size for the dolly platform.
I'd like to build one to accomodate a rider, so ideally it should be 48" long. That being said, what about the width? Some say it should be somewhere around 28", so it can pass through doorways. Makes sense, but what about the spread of the tripod base at maximum extension?
When the legs of my SLIK tripod are fully extended, the spread of the footprint is approx. 40". Wouldn't I need a platform 40" wide to fully stabilize the tripod?
Click to expand...

Not if you put the legs out as wide as you can (which say, with a fixed width of 28", on a diagonal, maybe 15" radius from the center? put brackets on the OUTSIDES of the feet, where they hit the dolly.. and then spring cord (bungee) the center bottom post of the tripod to a cleat on the center of the platform, directly under the tripod.

Spring tension keeping it down, and pushing OUT against the fixed tripod feet-catchers (technical term.. :-)

J
 
Not funny, John. Now I'm pacing around the computer trying to think about how I can fix my mistake, though there is no remedy- I'm screwed.
 
No... I mean if I have a shot that goes through one big room, but part of that room is seperated by a door, now I cant go through the door.

I could tear down the wall.
 
mine is 24" x 48". Rowe Cine Dolly. Tripod is stabalized just fine. Dont need to be fully extended
 
the width is chosen by YOU! i decided on 24" wide. The length of the trucks was a stock 4 feet. I decided to place them 24" apart. its as stable as it gets! :) I got some sand bags and can tie down to prevent tipping, but there isnt a sign of even needing to do that. i wish i had my camera , im gunna take pics when i find it.
 
Thanks for the feedback guys. Nice to hear from others who can speak from experience.

I'll be sure that mine can make it through doorways. No need to invite future headaches.
 
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