Making a PVC dolly this weekend...
- Thread starter DoubleIt
- Start date
J.R. Hudson
Spirit Animal
Re: Making a PVC dolly this weekend...
1. Make sure DOLLY PLATFORM is sized to not only fit through a doorway but can handle an operator and tripod.
2. Use ONE SHEET Birch Plywood; use quality wood NOT crap. Quailty will bring you durability, stability and strength in less weight. IF you decide to use (2) sheets of wood; use Wood Glue between layers.
3. I prefer Skateboard Wheels; 16 of them. (Personal Preference)
4. Make sure you HANDLE is removable; mine is cheap PIPE that unscrews from BASE. Don't commit your self to ALWAYS having a handle on it.
Have fun! You'll love it!
1. Make sure DOLLY PLATFORM is sized to not only fit through a doorway but can handle an operator and tripod.
2. Use ONE SHEET Birch Plywood; use quality wood NOT crap. Quailty will bring you durability, stability and strength in less weight. IF you decide to use (2) sheets of wood; use Wood Glue between layers.
3. I prefer Skateboard Wheels; 16 of them. (Personal Preference)
4. Make sure you HANDLE is removable; mine is cheap PIPE that unscrews from BASE. Don't commit your self to ALWAYS having a handle on it.
Have fun! You'll love it!
Re: Making a PVC dolly this weekend...
i used right angle iron pieces with rollerblade wheels at first and then i made a mini one, its 12"x12" and from what i learned about that one i'm going to make one 30" wide and about 48" long.
the average doorway is 30"
if i had it to do again, or when i make the bigger one...i'd get the wheel setup from
http://www.willyswidgets.com/pr_wheels.html
i only got his wooden connectors to connect the pvc but in the end it would have been better/CHEAPER to get the set of his with wheels too.
here is my mini one, both the plans and the finished piece with the removeable handle. the idea is to make the handle extra nice because it will be interchangeable with the full sized dolly!
http://www.cluelessandlark.org/images/mini-dolly1.jpg
http://www.cluelessandlark.org/images/mini-dolly2.jpg
http://www.cluelessandlark.org/images/mini-dolly3.jpg
i used right angle iron pieces with rollerblade wheels at first and then i made a mini one, its 12"x12" and from what i learned about that one i'm going to make one 30" wide and about 48" long.
the average doorway is 30"
if i had it to do again, or when i make the bigger one...i'd get the wheel setup from
http://www.willyswidgets.com/pr_wheels.html
i only got his wooden connectors to connect the pvc but in the end it would have been better/CHEAPER to get the set of his with wheels too.
here is my mini one, both the plans and the finished piece with the removeable handle. the idea is to make the handle extra nice because it will be interchangeable with the full sized dolly!
http://www.cluelessandlark.org/images/mini-dolly1.jpg
http://www.cluelessandlark.org/images/mini-dolly2.jpg
http://www.cluelessandlark.org/images/mini-dolly3.jpg
Re: Making a PVC dolly this weekend...
Those willy wheels are pretty expensive. I was hoping to make this dolly for about $200.00 ... Is the standard dolly unable to go on curved track? That is one thing i didnt think of. Also how many wheels should be used? Another question is what happens when you go over the little bump in between the two pieces of PVC. It seems like that would cause a little movement in the camera? And thanks for the doorway info, we'll probably make it 28in wide to be safe. Removable handle is another good idea.
Those willy wheels are pretty expensive. I was hoping to make this dolly for about $200.00 ... Is the standard dolly unable to go on curved track? That is one thing i didnt think of. Also how many wheels should be used? Another question is what happens when you go over the little bump in between the two pieces of PVC. It seems like that would cause a little movement in the camera? And thanks for the doorway info, we'll probably make it 28in wide to be safe. Removable handle is another good idea.
Re: Making a PVC dolly this weekend...
in the mini one i use 4 wheels at each corner.
in the big one i'm planning on using 4 wheels at each corner AND four wheels in the exact middle.
this should help smooth the transitions.
i want to try and make my second one so it breaks down into two sections.
its made of square steel tubing so it shouldn't be too hard to cut it in half and insert a piece of the same tubing that is smaller, weld it in place and then drill a hole on the female side and put a pin.
this way it will fit in half the space for transport.
i like the squared steel tubing because it gives it weight which helps keep it steady.
i can cover it with really nice playwood or even some sort of medium/heavy wire mesh.
the sucker is super rigid. top notch welding and all that.
matthew
in the mini one i use 4 wheels at each corner.
in the big one i'm planning on using 4 wheels at each corner AND four wheels in the exact middle.
this should help smooth the transitions.
i want to try and make my second one so it breaks down into two sections.
its made of square steel tubing so it shouldn't be too hard to cut it in half and insert a piece of the same tubing that is smaller, weld it in place and then drill a hole on the female side and put a pin.
this way it will fit in half the space for transport.
i like the squared steel tubing because it gives it weight which helps keep it steady.
i can cover it with really nice playwood or even some sort of medium/heavy wire mesh.
the sucker is super rigid. top notch welding and all that.
matthew
235 Studios
Veteran
Re: Making a PVC dolly this weekend...
I've got a supply list and a how to on my web site under the resource section http://www.waltersindustries.com
Total cost of my dolly was under $200.
I would get your wheel from Walmart - if you buy the small skateboard ($5 each) you get 4 wheels for a good price. (you'll need 16 total or 4 skateboards) and I'll echo what has been said, double up on the layers, use metal pipe, and have the hardware store cut the board for you - many places will do this for free. Most importantly have fun!
I've got a supply list and a how to on my web site under the resource section http://www.waltersindustries.com
Total cost of my dolly was under $200.
I would get your wheel from Walmart - if you buy the small skateboard ($5 each) you get 4 wheels for a good price. (you'll need 16 total or 4 skateboards) and I'll echo what has been said, double up on the layers, use metal pipe, and have the hardware store cut the board for you - many places will do this for free. Most importantly have fun!
mr._guiyotinne
Well-known member
Re: Making a PVC dolly this weekend...
I´m looking forward to make my own DIY dolly but i thought if it would be possible to put in the bolly´s centrum some king of support stand as to allow a seat and a tripod head or change the head and the seat and stuck a DIY Jib (to have a little dolly jib...). Is it possible? Does exist son centre structure like this?
I´m looking forward to make my own DIY dolly but i thought if it would be possible to put in the bolly´s centrum some king of support stand as to allow a seat and a tripod head or change the head and the seat and stuck a DIY Jib (to have a little dolly jib...). Is it possible? Does exist son centre structure like this?
J.R. Hudson
Spirit Animal
Re: Making a PVC dolly this weekend...
Double IT
Mine was about $170.00 and I have some top of the line skate wheels which are what he cost really was.
Double IT
Mine was about $170.00 and I have some top of the line skate wheels which are what he cost really was.
Re: Making a PVC dolly this weekend...
[quote author=mr._guiyotinne link=board=news;num=1109189341;start=0#7 date=02/24/05 at 18:14:40]I´m looking forward to make my own DIY dolly but i thought if it would be possible to put in the bolly´s centrum some king of support stand as to allow a seat and a tripod head or change the head and the seat and stuck a DIY Jib (to have a little dolly jib...). Is it possible? Does exist son centre structure like this?[/quote]
If i understand your post correctly you want to be able to put a seat and a tripod on your dolly??? Thats the whole point of this dolly! Im under the impression that these DYI dollys will hold a person and the tripod (and crane if you want).
[quote author=mr._guiyotinne link=board=news;num=1109189341;start=0#7 date=02/24/05 at 18:14:40]I´m looking forward to make my own DIY dolly but i thought if it would be possible to put in the bolly´s centrum some king of support stand as to allow a seat and a tripod head or change the head and the seat and stuck a DIY Jib (to have a little dolly jib...). Is it possible? Does exist son centre structure like this?[/quote]
If i understand your post correctly you want to be able to put a seat and a tripod on your dolly??? Thats the whole point of this dolly! Im under the impression that these DYI dollys will hold a person and the tripod (and crane if you want).
MattC
Veteran
Re: Making a PVC dolly this weekend...
Yes, you can put a tripod and operator (with seat if so desired) on these dollies.
You can see mine here along with a short clip:
http://www.birthofthecool.com/dolly.html
What I think the poster was referring to is a pedestal rig like you see on pro dollies where the seat is attached to the pedestal and the camera is always on a build in jib.
Like this:
Matt
Yes, you can put a tripod and operator (with seat if so desired) on these dollies.
You can see mine here along with a short clip:
http://www.birthofthecool.com/dolly.html
What I think the poster was referring to is a pedestal rig like you see on pro dollies where the seat is attached to the pedestal and the camera is always on a build in jib.
Like this:
Matt
HorseFilms
Look ma no hands
Re: Making a PVC dolly this weekend...
I guess it's going around. I'm on the way to the hardware store right now to pick up dolly-making supplies. Wish me well.
I guess it's going around. I'm on the way to the hardware store right now to pick up dolly-making supplies. Wish me well.
mroczkowski83
Member
Re: Making a PVC dolly this weekend...
hey guys i made a dolly a few years ago back when i didnt know anything about tools. well my wheels are angles on a right angle iron and i used wooden roundish blocks to put in between the pipes so that everything is steady.
I was drilling the top pointy part of the angle iron while holding it with my other hand. The drill bit i used was worn out and so i kept on pussing harder with the drill until the drill bit snapped, busted in half and i drilled a hole in my hand. then i starten to bleed really bad and i felt like fainting until my mom fixed me up. she is a nurse. ;D
hey guys i made a dolly a few years ago back when i didnt know anything about tools. well my wheels are angles on a right angle iron and i used wooden roundish blocks to put in between the pipes so that everything is steady.
I was drilling the top pointy part of the angle iron while holding it with my other hand. The drill bit i used was worn out and so i kept on pussing harder with the drill until the drill bit snapped, busted in half and i drilled a hole in my hand. then i starten to bleed really bad and i felt like fainting until my mom fixed me up. she is a nurse. ;D
mr._guiyotinne
Well-known member
Re: Making a PVC dolly this weekend...
Yes MattC it was something like yours with (my imagine) one of those little office seats (or just the base) attached. Then from the base column of the seat an extender where you can lock the Tripod... It´s difficult to explain, but i will try learn how to post a draw...
Yes MattC it was something like yours with (my imagine) one of those little office seats (or just the base) attached. Then from the base column of the seat an extender where you can lock the Tripod... It´s difficult to explain, but i will try learn how to post a draw...
Re: Making a PVC dolly this weekend...
mattc, VERY nice.
that is just about how i pictured my bigger dolly.
i NEVER thought of using the pipe thingies for the tripod legs!
i knew about those, i have a friend who has the remenants of a drummers stool and i was going to use a pipe and the matching base thing to put the stool top on, but now i'm going to borrow your idea and get 3 more of them to hold the tripod still!
the new bogen hi-hat should be out soon and i'm dying to play with different ways to incorporate that into the dolly.
i was thinking of using maybe an apple box.
it looks like you screwed together two pieces of high quality plywood, what kind was it?
and the edges look like you did a super job of rounding them.
was that by hand or a fancy router bit?
matthew
mattc, VERY nice.
that is just about how i pictured my bigger dolly.
i NEVER thought of using the pipe thingies for the tripod legs!
i knew about those, i have a friend who has the remenants of a drummers stool and i was going to use a pipe and the matching base thing to put the stool top on, but now i'm going to borrow your idea and get 3 more of them to hold the tripod still!
the new bogen hi-hat should be out soon and i'm dying to play with different ways to incorporate that into the dolly.
i was thinking of using maybe an apple box.
it looks like you screwed together two pieces of high quality plywood, what kind was it?
and the edges look like you did a super job of rounding them.
was that by hand or a fancy router bit?
matthew
Re: Making a PVC dolly this weekend...
Ug. That took a lot longer than i thought... about 5 hours. But its finally done. Are you guys just laying the PVC pipe down and thats that or do you have the pipe glued to wood? I am worried about using it outside in wet areas, i dont want to gunk up the wheels...
Ug. That took a lot longer than i thought... about 5 hours. But its finally done. Are you guys just laying the PVC pipe down and thats that or do you have the pipe glued to wood? I am worried about using it outside in wet areas, i dont want to gunk up the wheels...
235 Studios
Veteran
Re: Making a PVC dolly this weekend...
I was just using pvc pipe and laying it down, the wheels would keep it in place most of the time. But now I have switched to metal pipes, and I made some sand bags to hold the ends, and it is working great - the pipes do not move at all. 8)
I was just using pvc pipe and laying it down, the wheels would keep it in place most of the time. But now I have switched to metal pipes, and I made some sand bags to hold the ends, and it is working great - the pipes do not move at all. 8)
Re: Making a PVC dolly this weekend...
i am drooling over those hydraulic columns every time i see one.
the worst time was when i went to the walter graff lighting seminar in nyc because it was at abel cinetec and they had two beautiful dollies right there in their showroom where you could touch them. they had the column which is the "chrosziel mattebox" of the doorway dolly world.
it really looks JUST like a beefed up version of the part that lets your office chair go up and down.
it is ironic that it is beefed up because no matter what camera you put on their its lighter than even the lightest person sitting in a chair.
the only reason i can think of is that even my aeron chair that costs $800 pales in comparison to these damn columns because they cost around $4,600
i am also pretty sure they are just something you could find off the shelf if you look in the right hydraulic parts catalog.
i have a friend with a machine shop and i'm going to talk to the guy who does all the purchasing, they have catalogs for everything and see if i can find any sort of hydraulic collapsing column. mounting it to the board and to the camera can't be that hard when you have a machine shop full of creative machinist happy to help.
matthew
i am drooling over those hydraulic columns every time i see one.
the worst time was when i went to the walter graff lighting seminar in nyc because it was at abel cinetec and they had two beautiful dollies right there in their showroom where you could touch them. they had the column which is the "chrosziel mattebox" of the doorway dolly world.
it really looks JUST like a beefed up version of the part that lets your office chair go up and down.
it is ironic that it is beefed up because no matter what camera you put on their its lighter than even the lightest person sitting in a chair.
the only reason i can think of is that even my aeron chair that costs $800 pales in comparison to these damn columns because they cost around $4,600
i am also pretty sure they are just something you could find off the shelf if you look in the right hydraulic parts catalog.
i have a friend with a machine shop and i'm going to talk to the guy who does all the purchasing, they have catalogs for everything and see if i can find any sort of hydraulic collapsing column. mounting it to the board and to the camera can't be that hard when you have a machine shop full of creative machinist happy to help.
matthew
HansK
Veteran
Re: Making a PVC dolly this weekend...
[quote author=Double_IT link=board=news;num=1109189341;start=15#16 date=02/27/05 at 13:30:53]Are you guys just laying the PVC pipe down and thats that or do you have the pipe glued to wood?[/quote]
Screw the pvc pipe down to the wood. Drill a hole, larger than screw head, through top side of pvc. Lower screw into hole so you can screw it through the bottom of the PVC and into the wood. Vertically:
| Top Side of PVC with drilled hole/opening
| Screw
V Bottom Side of PVC
Wood
You should work fine as long as you aren't running your wheels along the top edge of the PVC.
[quote author=Double_IT link=board=news;num=1109189341;start=15#16 date=02/27/05 at 13:30:53]Are you guys just laying the PVC pipe down and thats that or do you have the pipe glued to wood?[/quote]
Screw the pvc pipe down to the wood. Drill a hole, larger than screw head, through top side of pvc. Lower screw into hole so you can screw it through the bottom of the PVC and into the wood. Vertically:
| Top Side of PVC with drilled hole/opening
| Screw
V Bottom Side of PVC
Wood
You should work fine as long as you aren't running your wheels along the top edge of the PVC.