Help! I'm on the set right now!

Collink

Collink

Well-known member
The wheels on the dolly are making a squeaking noise. (skateboard wheels, aluminum angle-track) Any suggestions to make it hush? We tried baby powder, and then WD-40. No luck.
 
we initially thought it was the track/wheel thing but we unloaded the dolly turned it up and found a wheel that squeaks. Currently dissasembling now. Thanks for the tip. I was hoping NOT to have to strike the setup - but you gotta do what you gotta do.
 
yeah I hate those skateboard wheels dolly. they NEVER work. why don't you guys rent some heavy duty pipe dollys with better rail wheels ?
 
common mistake about wd40. wd40 is made to clean things like bearings and it leaves them with no lube or grease.
 
Wesley_Wong said:
yeah I hate those skateboard wheels dolly. they NEVER work. why don't you guys rent some heavy duty pipe dollys with better rail wheels ?
Click to expand...

i've had alot of success with skateboard dolly's, but i'm not "in love" with them if I had a budget that allowed me to rent some "real" equipment I would.
 
Already fixed - just a loose bearing/washer issue. Smooth as a babys bum now
And dont knock the dolly, this thing is a killer indie tool. See this link for the wheel assemblies we are using:

http://www.glideshot.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=55&products_id=470

The dolly and track were all custom made for me. I dont use the glideshot deck or track.

I would highly recommend a system like this to anyone. When we are done with this shoot, I'll post some pictures.
 
If you go to a skateboard shop you can usually find proper bearing lubricant. WD40 inside a skateboard bearing will destroy it.
 
If you can get it in between: Try to scratch the squeaking area/parts with a graphite pencil... Don't forget: carbon is a super lubricant.
If you have access to it (maybe some of the neighbours from wherever your set is) you can use charcoal as well...

Anyway, good luck.
 
thanks everyone for the tips, The shoot went great, my actors really came through, and we got some remarkable images. This is going to be the best looking film I've ever made. I promise to share as production gets further along. - CK
 
On the lubrication thing, graphite is great if you don't mind black fingers! all locks should be lubed with it, you can buy a handy puffer bottle from hardware stores for a couple of dollars & will last most people for years.
 
Please let me know if I'm out of line, this is not an ad, simply a reply to Wesley's comment.

Wesley, with all due respect, our GS5000 Dolly would not only hold your 300 pound ex-director and gear, but an additional 300-400 pounds as well. All of this on a "Skateboard Dolly".

Collin, I'm glad everything is in good working order for you, and don't forget if you ever have any issues in the future, please do not hesitate to call or email me.

To all: DO NOT use WD40 on any bearings of any kind. A standard 3 in 1 or lightweight oil works great. Do not over-oil, we use 1 drop per bearing.

Hope this helps...
 
Michael, I can say that the Glideshot wheel assemblies are a great solution for many filmmakers, and videographers. The build quality is immediately evident. And although I have yet to use them on a curved track, the straight track delivers amazingly good performance. I have the 4-wheel per assembly set (16 wheels total) and I can ride the dolly with a tripod and the DVX strapped to it with no complaints or problems.
I should let you know that the issue we had with the squeaky wheel was that a washer was installed on the back of the wheel instead of between the wheel and the nut. FYI - It came to us that way. We fixed it easily though once we figured out what the deal was. To calm everyones fears - we were wd-40'ing the track - not the bearings, thinking that new wheels+ fresh aluminum were causing the squeak. If you are doing indie film, music videos, or anything else that needs to look professional - get or build a dolly, you won't regret it.
 
In general, you should be very careful about greasing or lubing your rails/track or the surface area of your wheels in any way. Talcum powder/baby powder/corn starch generally work best to reduce rubber on metal squeek, while WD40, lemon pledge, polish or any other spray solution usually increases the squeek.

If you keep a track well powdered, it should stay silent.
 
Well you're damned if you do, and your damned if you don't. There's always a better / different way to do whatever it is you are doing.
 
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