ok, the time has come. i need a dolly. they seem like they'd be rather expensive so i would prefer to make one myself. im pretty sure i can, i made this steadycam and it works great! of course a dolly is a lot more complicated... so .... any one have any suggestions or websites on how to make them? features i should build in? or is it pointless to try, and i should just buy one.

thanks

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

I straped a PD-150 onto an adjustable rolling office chair. It worked well, I was even able to place the tripod on it an strap it down using a belt to the back of the chair. Somewhat unstable so be carefull!

Use a wheelchair. They have big rubber wheels that make very little noice when filming. You can rent them from some pharmacies or hospital clinics (if they have extras).

I made a dolly and tracks. It works great! I used a 1" plywood platform and skateboard wheels. The tracks were pvc with my own custom couplers. I have in depth pictures if you'd like. The largest cost was the skate board wheels. If you can get a couple skate boards, the cost is around 30 bucks.

joren

Can I see those pictures?

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TacoWagonProductions
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joren! that sounds awesome! email to perry@stirlingmovie.com or you can post links here or whatever! thanks so much!!!

wheelchairs and office chairs would work for a short term solution but i hope to make one by the time i need it.

EDIT

Just found joren's fantastic dolly plans: here

thanks again!

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

here is a pic of my home-made dolly. it cost about 500 dollars to make but works well. I like it.

"Pain is temporary, Film is forever"-Peter Jackson

http://www.ErwinBrothers.com

why not just rent a doorway dolly? like 25 bucks a whole weekend, I believe thats worth it

Then I wouldn't be able to post pics of my self with my homemade dolly!

Just kidding, I wanted to see if I could make a semi -professional dolly and then patten it to sell.
It may not look like it from the pic, but that is a very durable dolly. It perfectly sized for doorway use also.

"Pain is temporary, Film is forever"-Peter Jackson

http://www.ErwinBrothers.com

so, are you the one in the baseball cap or the grey suit?



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

no doubt our mr. miagi look-alike is dead sexy, im gonna have to tell the truth, im the guy in the hat

"Pain is temporary, Film is forever"-Peter Jackson

http://www.ErwinBrothers.com

Joren, your plans look really awesome. I think I might consider using those.

Kris, your dolly looks really awesome, too. Definitely something I would want, but too pricey.

"Don't breathe or I'll kill you!"

I will try to get the plans up next week, so you can pull Ideas from what I did

"Pain is temporary, Film is forever"-Peter Jackson

http://www.ErwinBrothers.com

$500 for a DIY, it sounds amazing, just the wallet dosn't understand. i'd still love to see the plans

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