Homemade Dolly - Video & Photos

Kirk Gillock

Kirk Gillock

Rebel with a cause
Just finished building a basic dolly. Unfortunately it's not a track system (can't find skate wheels) but it will have to do.

Dolly Test Video (2.4mb):
http://www.laundryday.com/dvx/videos/dolly-test.mov

The video was recorded on a "tile" suface. Tile is possibly the worse floor type to work on because of the gaps and hardness. So there are a few jiggles. Keep that in mind when watching the video.

Dolly Photos:
http://www.laundryday.com/dvx/photos/dolly1.jpg

http://www.laundryday.com/dvx/photos/dolly2.jpg

http://www.laundryday.com/dvx/photos/dolly3.jpg

Instructions on how to build it are under the "Hardware" section of this website.

Do it, do it!  :D
 
Re: Homemade Dolly - Video & Photos

P K G.

That looks nice... but isnt' there a risk of the tripod falling? There's hardly any space in the dolly.
 
Re: Homemade Dolly - Video & Photos

Thanks. Actually I installed 3 rubber cups on the platform (see photo #2) that the tripod legs slip into. They keep the tripod/camera on the platform, nice and snug. It feels secure. Wish I could say the same for myself. ;)
 
Re: Homemade Dolly - Video & Photos

Sorry about that. I saw images 1 and 3.. and ignored 2. You're right.. that should hold the tripod. And i saw the footage. I'll be more than happy if i could establish such a shot cuz it looks smooth and perfect.
 
Re: Homemade Dolly - Video & Photos

You need wayyyy bigger beefier wheels man..the inflatable kind...so it is more smooth on rougher terrain .
 
Re: Homemade Dolly - Video & Photos

[quote author=P.K. Gillock link=board=Clips;num=1105538341;start=0#0 date=01/12/05 at 05:59:01]Just finished building a basic dolly. Unfortunately it's not a track system (can't find skate wheels)[/quote]
P.K. - You must have some place there that sells cheap knockoff roller blades. By a pair and use the wheels. They will work so much better.

Also, to help your dolly on rough surfaces get yourself some thin wood strips. Or cut them from a 4x8 sheet of 1/4" plywood.

On smooth surfaces, when you lay the strips down, use gaffer tape on either end to keep them from slipping.
 
Re: Homemade Dolly - Video & Photos

Thanks Cold. Big cushioned wheels I might be able to find, but I don't want to put anymore money into the dolly until I'm sure I can't find skate wheels.

Hans, yesterday and today I walked around town with a photo of skateboards and rollerblades asking everyone where I can buy or find them. Most said, "Maybe in the next town." Which is an hour bus ride. A long trek for a maybe. So I just bought some cheap coasters ($5) and slapped them on (temporarily). The wood strips is a good idea (thought of something similar, but your idea is better). If I can't find skates that's what I'll do when I have a REAL shoot.


Unfortunately, whenever I buy or build something I ALWAYS have to think, "Is this something I can throw away or donate, because there's NO WAY it's fitting in my luggage when I go back home. ...And shipping would be more expensive than building a new one."  So I normally only put enough effort into these homemade contraptions to get me the shot I need. You should see my lighting kit. They're made from $10 microphone stands, but they work great!  But sadly, they'll never see American soil.

:'(  I will miss all my comtraptions so much.
 
Re: Homemade Dolly - Video & Photos

Nice work P.K. Cheap and effective. I expect to see that used in your next contest piece.
 
Re: Homemade Dolly - Video & Photos

Its Dolly madness around here lately! Looks great.

Have you considered ordering some wheels and bearings online PK?
 
Re: Homemade Dolly - Video & Photos

Thanks everyone. :)

John, my budget (and timeline) is real tight. Ordering anything online is at least a $25 investment for 1 item (s/h). That's 2 weeks living expenses here. The dolly above was built for about $12. Tomorrow I am going into the next town (more resources there). I'll try and find some skates or bigger (softer) wheels.

Slimothy, no plans to come back yet. It's now been 2 years and I really miss my friends and family. But all of you sure help ease the pain. ;D
 
Re: Homemade Dolly - Video & Photos

Just needed a change. Burned out I guess. I originally came here to teach and help Thai people but, I've come to realize, it is them teaching me and helping me. I hope they don't expect me to pay them! ;D Also, only teaching 10 hrs/week allows me plenty of time to develope my other skills (filmmaking, writing, sleeping, dvxuser, etc.)

Fortunately I'm able to combine my two hobbies, teaching and filmmaking. I just got a shotgun mic last week (from EVS) so now I can begin production on a 1 hour VCD to help educate the poor. Once that's completed (in about 3-4 months) I will go around every province promoting it and giving it to all the schools. After that I might head back to the states (Seattle). I expect to stay in each of your homes (that means you disjecta) until I find a job.

I might post some footage of the educational video, but I think all of you (bluespider) will laugh at my Thai.

Nice banner John. Good luck with your project. It's a great idea!
 
Re: Homemade Dolly - Video & Photos

Well if you wont come back maybe we will just go there!

Post some pictures of your neighborhood so I can work them into a working script and storyboard. Two months development and I'm on the way! ;D
 
Re: Homemade Dolly - Video & Photos

P.K., I couldn't discern anymore shakiness than the other formidable dolly offerings around here, I think you made yourself a fine dolly!
 
Re: Homemade Dolly - Video & Photos

Everyone is welcome. Come on over!

Dakota, just tell me what you need (rice fields, farmers, bamboo homes, statues, old people, young people, etc.)

Thanks Bradbro. I appreciate it.
 
Re: Homemade Dolly - Video & Photos

[quote author=P.K. Gillock link=board=Clips;num=1105538341;start=15#17 date=01/13/05 at 01:28:46] just tell me what you need (rice fields, farmers, bamboo homes, statues, old people, young people, etc.)[/quote]

All of the above.

I have you as a 12th century monk, vampire killer, ex CIA, hiding in Thailand from the Russian mafia. You come out of hiding to avenge the death of your family by your ex-boss at "the company" who also happens to be Dracula.


Working title:

gillock5jd.jpg



Think it will fly? :-/

That or a romantic comedy with Salma Hayek - Not sure yet.
 
Re: Homemade Dolly - Video & Photos

LOL That's great Dakota. Very clever. Although the story is so cliche ;) Maybe something with Selma Hayek would be better. ;D

Ok, 3:30am time to sleep. (Oh boy sleep! That's where I'm a viking! - Ralph, The Simpsons)

Thanks Dakota!
 
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