My 48" DIY Slider - $84 Bucks

Without something to dampen the movement, rollers can feel too loose and difficult to control. A plain bearing can give a better feel, much like the damping adjustment on a tripod head. It's a matter of choice. Ideally, a roller with an adjustable damper would provide and adjustable feel, but were talking about $84 here.
 
There are many Delrin formulations for various applications that may be black or white. Food grade, UV resistant, with lubricants, higher viscosity, lower viscosity, ....
 
Does anyone know how this slider compares to the Igus slider of the same value (smallest one)?

I was all set to buy the Igus slider then came across this thead. They essentially look like the same thing just running off a square channel instead of rounded. Am I missing something?

I've also been looking at the Opteka slider which looks like the Igus one but with feet and finished taped holes. Considering the price difference I might just pay the extra to not have to drill and tap my own holes. The feet are just a bonus.
 
The Optika has a built-in level and a drag/lock lever. That, plus it is already assembled may make the price difference worth it.

For the Igus, just a guess, but I would think the round bearing might give a better feel over the square bearing because no matter what angle you are pushing from, there is a bearing surface perpendicular to that force.

Igus lists some advantages over rollers that Suijaypao was asking about:

1. Perfectly balanced friction. Get that feel you are looking for

2. Quiet OperationPlastic liners are quieter and better at vibration dampening than metal rollers or thin PTFE-lined parts

3. No metal-on-metal contact if scratched. Unlike PTFE-lined parts, DryLin® will not peel

4. No oil neededAlthough OK to use 3-IN-ONE if you want to try it out

 
I did a LOT of research when I wanted to build my slider. I found that the 80/20 stuff (although inexpensive) has side to side 'play' in the carriage and makes wobbly footage if you're not careful.
This is the same thing offered by Indisystems: http://www.indisystem.com/indislidermini/

The Opteka slider is NOT igus stuff. You will notice the glideblocks & carriage are one piece and won't allow you to adjust it it goes out of alignment. I can't attest to the quality of the components.

I ended-up with the igus stuff. It's high quality & adjustable. I still use my original slider built almost 4 years ago now!
(they actually slider better with time) Build your own, you won't be sorry.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?145701-DIY-IndieSlider
 
thanks for the feedback. I assumed the Opteka was the same as it looks the same. I own a shoulder mount of theirs and the quality is good for the price.

I see that IGUS has packages available on Amazon which makes the ordering process much easier. Since I don't shoot with a ton of heavy lenses I am tempted to go with the small IGUS slider and keep things light. I just hope it won't flex too much on a solid tripod centre mount.
 
RatLabProductions said:
I see that IGUS has packages available on Amazon which makes the ordering process much easier. Since I don't shoot with a ton of heavy lenses I am tempted to go with the small IGUS slider and keep things light. I just hope it won't flex too much on a solid tripod centre mount.
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The 1040 is tough stuff too....as long as you don't go too long with the rail, you should be good to go!
(I have a 700mm 1040 slider for the DSLR and have never had a problem)
 
ZazaCast said:
The 1040 is tough stuff too....as long as you don't go too long with the rail, you should be good to go!
(I have a 700mm 1040 slider for the DSLR and have never had a problem)
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thanks for the feedback again. I was thinking of going for the 1000mm one as I imagine the last few inches on each side would be unusable (stoppers etc) giving a good centre stretch for the slide.
 
RatLabProductions said:
thanks for the feedback again. I was thinking of going for the 1000mm one as I imagine the last few inches on each side would be unusable (stoppers etc) giving a good centre stretch for the slide.
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700mm is about 27 1/2" long... gives you a good 2' of slide (which is actually a lot)...and is VERY portable. I carry a 700mm and 1000mm rail to shoots and just put the carriage on the one I need.:beer:
 
media408 said:
Hey everyone, I added photos to the original post that include where we drilled and tapped holes. If you need any more photos let me know.
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how about the holes where you mount the tripod? can you show me how you drill the hole and how you mount it.... thank you so much !!!
 
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