Introduction: PVC Pipe Table Dolly
This was a super easy project I made to get a dolly shot because the store was closed and I couldn't buy an actual one.
I don't believe there's anything unique about this design - there's probably others on this website, but I wanted to make an Instructable and since I made and used this contraption I thought it was a good place to start.
The video link is the shot I used this getup to get. Full video at the end of the instructable.
I don't believe there's anything unique about this design - there's probably others on this website, but I wanted to make an Instructable and since I made and used this contraption I thought it was a good place to start.
The video link is the shot I used this getup to get. Full video at the end of the instructable.
Attachments
Step 1: Parts You'll Need
This shows all the bits I bought:
- 4x wheels. I used an goofy-boot and stole it's wheels. (I could return them to the skate but I prefer the one legged workout)
- 5x PVC pipe end-caps.
- 5 times nuts and bolts with washers. (more on those in a sec.)
- 3x PVC T joint
- 2x PVC elbows
- 1x PVC pipe of some length. That's up to you. I bought a fresh one from Rona and have plenty left over.
As for trhe size of the pipe – It's some standard size.
So between the last photo and this you've got enough info to build this. Here are the details…
- 4x wheels. I used an goofy-boot and stole it's wheels. (I could return them to the skate but I prefer the one legged workout)
- 5x PVC pipe end-caps.
- 5 times nuts and bolts with washers. (more on those in a sec.)
- 3x PVC T joint
- 2x PVC elbows
- 1x PVC pipe of some length. That's up to you. I bought a fresh one from Rona and have plenty left over.
As for trhe size of the pipe – It's some standard size.
So between the last photo and this you've got enough info to build this. Here are the details…
Step 2: Spinning Bits
The bolt I bought had a hex wrench top. I added a spacer, a locking washer and a nut with grippy teeth on it. I figured out what length I needed while in the hardware store after finding the PVC pipe caps, the width matches the bolt that held it to the skate.
I drilled a hole in each of the caps and bolted the wheel with the hex on the outside and the locking nuts next to the plastic of the PVC pipe so that it's tight but the wheel spins freely - obviously that's important.
I drilled a hole in each of the caps and bolted the wheel with the hex on the outside and the locking nuts next to the plastic of the PVC pipe so that it's tight but the wheel spins freely - obviously that's important.
Step 3: Camera Mount
I had this quick release camera mount from someplace for ages, you can find them online or often in camera shops - they still exist.
I used the extra nut/bolt combo to attach it to the extra end cap, like the wheels.
I used the extra nut/bolt combo to attach it to the extra end cap, like the wheels.
Step 4: Body Parts
From the PVC pipe, cut four 4 inch sections. (These are for the axles.) and 3 more for the cross-bar and the neck. These last 3 can be any size, but I recommend starting with 4 inches.
So 7 x 4inch PVC pipes in total.
So 7 x 4inch PVC pipes in total.
Step 5: Assemble
Once done that, all you need do is assemble the contraption as seen here.
No glue needed.
This setup allows you to twist the pipes to set the angle of the wheels. As well, the neck and be adjested up and down, sort of, by rotating it along the axis of the body.
This set-up is good for light duty dollying on a flat surface with a smaller camera. A full sized SLR would work for a while but you'd want to glue some bits together for added stability.
Anyway, This design got me out of a jam, maybe you will find it useful.
Here's a link to the final video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64tSh_Wcm8Q&feature=share&list=PLA7C8BB8B479DC052
No glue needed.
This setup allows you to twist the pipes to set the angle of the wheels. As well, the neck and be adjested up and down, sort of, by rotating it along the axis of the body.
This set-up is good for light duty dollying on a flat surface with a smaller camera. A full sized SLR would work for a while but you'd want to glue some bits together for added stability.
Anyway, This design got me out of a jam, maybe you will find it useful.
Here's a link to the final video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64tSh_Wcm8Q&feature=share&list=PLA7C8BB8B479DC052