My homebuilt equipment

Nice looking Jib, has alot of resemblances to the EZFX Jib, which I consider one of the better built jibs out there. Wish I was as handy with metal as you are!
 
I am currently putting some clips together for each item to add to my web site. I will post them here as I finish them. We have used all of the items and they work great. Took some time to build, but saved a ton of money. Now it's time to put them to work.

I spent some time looking at the EZFX Jib before building mine. I liked the simple design compared to other jibs.

Thanks for taking a look.
 
Thanks

The weights are just large washers. I tried 2 1/2 pound weights on either end, but it was too heavy. The washers are nice because it is much easier to fine tune the balance by adding/removing one washer at a time. The inside hole of the washers are much larger than the bolt that the wing nut is on. This allows me to adjust the washers side to side and front to back for even more precise balance.

I bought the plans for the hand held stabilizer of ebay. I think they were only $20 or so. This was over a year ago though, so I'm not sure if the plans are still around.
 
On your dollie design web page you commented about a "top rail"

" The image to right shows the contraption designed by Joren Clark to attach lengths of PVC together. It works well, but as noted before, I have found that "top rail" works better and fits together without the need for any connectors. "

What is a top rail?
 
Ah, I see, you posted pics in another thread:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=43054&page=2

top_rail_open.jpg


top_rail_closed.jpg

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/attachment.php?attachmentid=75&d=1141177733
So, you're saying there's no bump at the joint? I find that hard to believe that it is completely smooth... but I hope I'm wrong. And the surface is smooth too, have you tried this with a zoom?
 
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Thanks for taking a look.

No, I haven't tried it while the camera is zoomed. I guess that would be the true test. I will do that.

I tested it for a couple of hours, and no bumps. The wheels on my dolly are good sized (don't know exactly), so that may be helping. I did have to push the top-rail together between takes a couple of times (so that the joint was tight again). It works. It's cheap. I'm happy.
 
If it works that's all that matters, I'm just looking for an easier method than the one I used. I over engineered mine and actually tapped the PVC ends and use threaded nipples, it's nice, but I also rushed a couple of the ends when tapping (by hand) and it's not as straight as it should be. But it is a quick twist for the one ones that do work and they are very tight and smooth. I also use shelf railing and 2x4s for stabilizing the track and ease of shimming for uneven surfaces:

dollie-insert3.JPG


dollie3sm.jpg


dollie2sm.jpg
 
That's funny because I actually have a big roll of that black circular hose already, I was going to try to rig into a circular track!

I don't think I'll need that extra step of covering the PVC, so far my shots have been very smooth as is (I keep a piece of fine sandpaper with me just in case the PVC picks up any nicks).

As far as the shelf brackets, I'm not sure I follow your question, each length of shelf bracket lays under each length of PVC:

dollie1sm.jpg


I actually screw the brackets down so it's all safe from getting accidentally kicked and it's easy to move entire 16' sections this way.
 
Thanks Pastaman. I built it some time ago, but I will do my best to answer and questions you come up with along the way.

Good luck.
 
yeah thanks, Mine will be pretty ghetto . gonna make it with fencing poles and a shopping cart wheel.

here's some pictures
PICT0059.JPG

the wheel asembly
PICT0061.JPG

still need bearings or some rubber bushings

Not complete, will put a smaller pole on top, a camera mount, counter weights, etc. after checking out your page got a couple of more ideas
 
Bearing bearing bearing

Bearing bearing bearing

Snog, I'm having the hardest time finding the bearing for the handlefor the stabelizer. where is the ideal place to find the bearing. No luck at the Lowe's, Home Depot etc.
Darnell:costumed-smiley-047
 
Hmmm. Let me see if I can remeber where I got mine. I don't think you will find it at Lowe's or Home Depot. I'm pretty sure that I ordered it online. I'll get back to you...
 
Ok, I found the $20 plans that I bought to build the hand held stabilizer. The website that I bought them from is no longer around, hocast.com. I wish I could just post the plans, but I don't want to get in trouble with the hocast people. I have emailed hocast asking if I could share the plans now that they no longer sell them. We will see what they say.

So, the bearing.

The description:
Ball bearing + Support flange
BLFL 7-23

Cost: (at the time when I bought it)
$24

Where to get:
AMI Bearings
800-882-8642 (ask for the BLFL 7-23)
http://www.amibearings.com/
I would just call to order, the website is pretty overwhelming.

I called and they do still cary this bearing.
 
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