derrickgibson
Member
I thought I would share my new tabletop rig with everyone. I was trying to build something similar to he Humble Monkey on a tight budget. For the main frame I used a planter dolly $8 found at Home Depot or Lowes in the caster section. I drilled through the caster pins and removed the supplied casters. I then extended the span by adding a U shaped steel(I tried flat stock but tended to bend under heavier lenses) piece $15 found at HD in the Hardware department. It comes in 36" length. I cut three 4" pieces for the spreaders(I plan on making 8" spreaders as well with the remaining stock). I drilled 1/4" holes on both ends. I attached it to the body with 1/4" bolts and lock washers(keeps it from rotating) $3. Then I used 2" angle brackets 3$ to them for attaching the wheels to. I attached the brackets to the spreaders with 1/4" bolts, Lock washers, and wing nuts $5(easier to adjust rotation).I used some cheap skateboard wheels $15vand high quality bearings $15(rollerblade wheels work as well). I attached those with 5/16" bolts and lock nuts $3(had to drill l braket out to 5/16" hole) that has a collar $2 on it to stand the wheel off the bracket. I found the collars at Tocoma Screw(fastener shop) didn't see anything like them at HD but they may have them as well. I used an old ball head for the mount and attached it with a 3/8" machine screw(unfortunately due to the fact the the main piece is recessed quite far you can't attach a video head). All this cost me less than a $100 plus the head. I went through many revisions and this one seems to work well all in all. The pictures show the parts and assembly well. Email me for hi-res versions.
