Hey! This thing is still a Work in Progress.
Files, instructions, and other stuff might change!
Low Cost Portable Tracking Dolly
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Published on March 26, 2012
Description
This is a highly portable and expandable system used to create tracking shots with a video camera. My aim was to create a dolly system that was simple to build with basic tools.
I have designed it around t slot extrusion which allows easy modification to the parts and I hope that other people will design new components for the system.
I will be adding new parts (end stops, adjustable legs, camera brake, etc) very soon. The design of the carriage will also change as I improve the design. Please leave feedback in the comments section below
I have designed it around t slot extrusion which allows easy modification to the parts and I hope that other people will design new components for the system.
I will be adding new parts (end stops, adjustable legs, camera brake, etc) very soon. The design of the carriage will also change as I improve the design. Please leave feedback in the comments section below
Instructions
To build the dolly you will need:
lasercut the dolly v4 files from 5mm acrylic using either your own lasercutter of a service such as Ponoko
x8 M3x16mm hex socket screws
x8 M3 Nuts
x4 M6x20mm hex socket screws
x4 M6x25mm hex socket screws
x6 M6x30mm hex socket screws
x28 M6 Nuts
x6 M6 Half Nuts
x4 M6 Bearings
x10 606 bearings
length of 60x30mm 8mm T slot extrusion, I used Bosch Rexroth Extrusion (part R987160851), I got mine from RS uk.rs-online.com/web/p/products/493-8268/
x1 Screw to attach your camera (1/4" Whitworth thread) or tripod (mine is a 3/8" Whitworth thread)
To attach a camera to the carriage use a screw similar to this one:
speedgraphic.co.uk/screw_adaptors/hama_case_screw_standard_5134/4344_p.html
I have added photos showing how I assembled the carriage, I think it's quite self explanatory but some tips are:
- Use the M6x20mm screws for the bearings that sit on the top of the extrusion with the M6 washers sitting between the laser cut plastic and the bearing
- Use the M6x30mm screws for the bearings that sit on the side of the extrusion
- Use the M6x25mm screws to attach the mounting plate to the rest of the carriage
- Make sure the half nuts are at the very ends of the M6x30mm screws
I will soon be making a full how to on Instructables.com which should make things clearer
lasercut the dolly v4 files from 5mm acrylic using either your own lasercutter of a service such as Ponoko
x8 M3x16mm hex socket screws
x8 M3 Nuts
x4 M6x20mm hex socket screws
x4 M6x25mm hex socket screws
x6 M6x30mm hex socket screws
x28 M6 Nuts
x6 M6 Half Nuts
x4 M6 Bearings
x10 606 bearings
length of 60x30mm 8mm T slot extrusion, I used Bosch Rexroth Extrusion (part R987160851), I got mine from RS uk.rs-online.com/web/p/products/493-8268/
x1 Screw to attach your camera (1/4" Whitworth thread) or tripod (mine is a 3/8" Whitworth thread)
To attach a camera to the carriage use a screw similar to this one:
speedgraphic.co.uk/screw_adaptors/hama_case_screw_standard_5134/4344_p.html
I have added photos showing how I assembled the carriage, I think it's quite self explanatory but some tips are:
- Use the M6x20mm screws for the bearings that sit on the top of the extrusion with the M6 washers sitting between the laser cut plastic and the bearing
- Use the M6x30mm screws for the bearings that sit on the side of the extrusion
- Use the M6x25mm screws to attach the mounting plate to the rest of the carriage
- Make sure the half nuts are at the very ends of the M6x30mm screws
I will soon be making a full how to on Instructables.com which should make things clearer
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License
Low Cost Portable Tracking Dolly by edwinmakesstuff is licensed under the Attribution - Non-Commercial - Share Alike license.
More from edwinmakesstuff
How much noise does it make when sliding?
It's definitely not silent but the noise level is quite low especially once it has some weight loaded on to the carriage.
As far as I can tell the only thing making a noise is the outer bearing surface on the extrusion. Maybe this could be reduced by wrapping the bearings in a padded tape?
I might try and get some heatshrink that fits over them or some cloth tape and see if it helps