There are a few online tutorials and instructions on how, but they say the same thing so far, and that is is that the slider tends to jerk while sliding so you have to keep doing things to keep it slick. Is there any method of building it, so it is slick naturally, and don't have to worry about that? Thanks.
Question about building a DIY slider.
- Thread starter ironpony
- Start date
Justin Kuhn
Veteran
heard tell they're called "wheels" and then you just run them on pipe. I use PVC screwed to 2x4s; bolted and countersunk with washers would be better. Aluminum pipe would be better than that. Anyway I lay the track across sawhorses from Home Depot that have adjustable legs, which is great for an outdoor environment.
Rollerblade wheels are great to use. I bought some cheap children's skates and have 8 wheels + seal bearings. (no need for maintenance, runs smooth all the time every time)
Yes... the problem is resistance with a lot of these builds.
If you want a nice consistent glide, you may need to look into teflon pads or some kinda center rail that can control your level of resistance.
The high end tracks, usually incorporate an adjustable screw on both sides. You then would tighten up it's connection to the rail which, in turn adds resistance... so your glide track glides...rather then flies across.
A large rubberband also helps to smooth out your glide across the track.
Another idea, is to build a "skater" type glider. You loose the convenience of always having a smooth track, but you gain the versatility of having something very small, portable, and you can adjust the angles of the glide. Creating a circle or semi oval type of glide.
I built a skater type glider, carry folding grooved track which i can run the skater across for situations i need a track.
Mostly, I always find a countertop, desk, table, or smooth floor. I can just throw my skater on, and have an almost endless track... and the rubberband helps make those longer glides smoother.
Yes... the problem is resistance with a lot of these builds.
If you want a nice consistent glide, you may need to look into teflon pads or some kinda center rail that can control your level of resistance.
The high end tracks, usually incorporate an adjustable screw on both sides. You then would tighten up it's connection to the rail which, in turn adds resistance... so your glide track glides...rather then flies across.
A large rubberband also helps to smooth out your glide across the track.
Another idea, is to build a "skater" type glider. You loose the convenience of always having a smooth track, but you gain the versatility of having something very small, portable, and you can adjust the angles of the glide. Creating a circle or semi oval type of glide.
I built a skater type glider, carry folding grooved track which i can run the skater across for situations i need a track.
Mostly, I always find a countertop, desk, table, or smooth floor. I can just throw my skater on, and have an almost endless track... and the rubberband helps make those longer glides smoother.
Last edited:
drapeama
Well-known member
A slider is supposed to be smaller, so it shouldn't use roller wheels!
Here's mine, with straight bearings:
Here's some pictures of the built:
Here's mine, with straight bearings:
Here's some pictures of the built:
maranfilms
Veteran
sweet job draps!!! Would love to have that on a four foot run. Looks smooth as heck.
drapeama
Well-known member
Thanks! It's actually 6foot long and it's very smooth!!
gonzo_entertainment
Veteran
Wheels, cheese plate, and speed rail (or PVC) is the time tested (used by a ton of professional grips) way to make one. Pretty easy to make them to mount on baby stands. We use a 4', a 6' and an 8' version.