I put up some pics and advice I have on building a cheap-ass dolly. I'm away from my main computer, so I didn't have photoshop or a web authoring app (I haven't hand coded in years). Because the pics were large, I put them on my webserver instead of embedding them in this thread. I did this kinda quick (I should have at least spell checked), so if nothing's clear, ask. You'll want a larger screen size to view as these are strait from the camera. Enough excuses, enjoy.
joren

Dolly Pics and Plans

dude that is pretty kick ass. That is perfect for small and perfect for movie groups that arent like independent yet, yea you know what i mean very small groups. But anyways sweet idea i might have to use that one of these days

great! thanks! i will definitly use some of these cunning things for mine!

"...where wings take dream..."
- G. W. Bush

Great success in building that I have a suggetion for curved dollying shots:

1. do everything this guy says, just on the wheel aparatus shoot a bolt through the plywood on all 4 section of 4 wheels allowing each to pivot slightly to adjust to the curve of the pvc track!

If this is confusing, say so. I will find some pictures and post them.

- C. Davis
YELLOW HAMMER PRODUCTIONS

I started busting up at the pic of the dolly. It reminded me of a Simpson's episode where Homer become's an artist from sticking an Umbrella and chainsaw into an object like a cement BBQ or something.

But that seriosuly looks pretty well made (epecially for the low price) I'm gonna have to make one now. How steady do the shots look?

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TacoWagonProductions
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Tyler Wilson built a similar dolly for use on his Abomination short. Do you have a way to secure the tripod to the dolly? On the bottom of the dollly Tyler used metal with holes so we could use bunji (sp?) cords to hook from the bottom to the tripod. It was tricky to find places to hook on the tripod, but I got it to work pretty nice- i gave the tripod a couple good pushes and, yep it stayed put...

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Clyde
www.partypooperfilms.com

I remeber that simpsons episode. Homer got his 'art' put in a show and sold for a lot of money. I'm honored you'd compare, Kyle, really. I've actually used it on a professional gig. I was doing a promo video and 30 spot for a golf, tennis and spa resort. We got some cool dinning shots with it. I've put everything from DV25 to D-9 on it and it worked good. when i get back home where I have my clip library, I'll post a dolly clip. It is very smooth if done well. There is a skill and technique to working the dolly.

I've sandbaged the tripod before to weigh it down, but normally I'll just use spikes (instead of rubber feet) and put downward presure from one of my hands. I've never found a need to strap the tripod to the platform.

Damn...Clyde I forgotto give you the hook up connector pieces for the PVC pipes...did you even use the dolly on "Love Story"?

The silence of awe shall soon be heard.

AFC President
Please elaborate on the curved dolly tracks. Making wheels turn and making track curve.

Thanks

What doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger.