How to Build a Camera Dolly the Right Way the First Time

[e30lowen]

Used this concept to build pretty much exactly this. I used steel instead of aluminum angle iron to put the weight lower. Results are great so far. Thanks for the idea

[monkey505boy]

The was really well written and photographed.  Very nice work.

[kolir2011]

... and little of black paint on a wood ;) Thanks for idea!

[Christofu1973]

Why do you have to stagger the wheels? Cheers.

[Drumdude74]

I just built mine today, it works great, thanks for the video. It did cost a little over $200 for mine but it works great and I have a good sturdy dolly! Cheers man!

[zoltan522]

@Drumdude74 Worth every penny I'm sure! Happy filming bud!

[UnknownWebUser]

I DONT SPEAK ENGLISH :(

[zoltan522]

@UnknownWebUser Hmmm... that could be problematic.

[ryansnider]

That spitfire logo and the shiny bearing took me straight back to 1995.

[zoltan522]

@ryansnider Sweet... those were the days... I feel so old now.

[didanhtennis]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[zoltan522]

@didanhtennis You are welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[moebiusstring]

Thanks for the video. I was wondering where you purchased your wheels zoltan522? Those wheels are around $30.00 for 4.

[zoltan522]

@moebiusstring If I remember right I bought them on ebay.

[MaddFeritt]

Awesome tutorial!

Just one question...doesn't the dolly hit a bump and shake when it goes from the larger pipe to the 1 inch pipe? Wouldn't that kind of mess up the shot?

[zoltan522]

@MaddFeritt The 1 inch pipe is only used as an end cap. The end cap is pushed all the way into the larger pipe. If your dolly goes all the way to the end cap, you're out of real estate and you need to use two more sections of the larger pipe. Use the 1 inch pipe as rail joiners, but push the larger pipe together so the rail joiners are not seen.

[1JCardiac]

Just finished mine. Needs some adjustments. The measurements for the wheels should be and 1 1/4 inch to the make the wheels closer to the PVC and to give clearance for the bolt attaching the aluminum to the wood. Mine came out a little bit more expensive because it was recommended that wood takes more abuse than MDF and would last longer.

[Matty231]

But it cost me $300 FUCKING DOLLARS THATS ALL :(

[zoltan522]

@Matty231 Yikes. You got ripped off!

[jaibus]

@zoltan522 How much does this cost my friend?

[Matty231]

@zoltan522 Yea sadly :( The wheels though, they were $60 bucks for 4, so times that by 2 + the bearings + aluminium. Stuff in New Zealands a rip off lol.

[Matty231]

I built this one, see my vids :D It works great!

[wadsworld1]

Hi ... I can't seem to find 2" - 1/8th in aluminum angle , can I use 1 1/2" - 1/8th ?Thx

[RAINONDABEAT]

Wow! I have to say I've watched at least 20 diy dolly videos. That dolly looks by far the most professional. I'm definitely using this video to make mine. Damn I hope I get it right the first time because I realize those measurements have to be perfect. Thanks man!

[zoltan522]

@RAINONDABEAT Thank you and good luck on your build!

[jackboi88]

Thank you for this tutorial! I have just made a replica of this. My only problem was that the holes for the wheels needed to be closer to the corner of the aluminum, because the bolt for the screw attaching the aluminum to the wood came out too far and touched the piping. Also the size of screws for the wheels wasn't right. However it was pretty spot on and works a treat, thanks!

[zoltan522]

@jackboi88 Your wheels must have been a different size. I recommend measuring your clearances before drilling. Remember, this is how I built my rig and serves as a guide. I'm glad it works great for you!

[jackboi88]

@zoltan522 Yeah, I think my wheels must have been a different size because I measured everything at least twice lol anyway thanks again! :)

[1JCardiac]

Thank you so much for the details. This one motivated me to build my own.

[OOATProductions]

You are very thorough in your explanation which is much appreciated. If I want to make a larger dolly to hold both the tripod and the operator...any suggestions?

[zoltan522]

@OOATProductions It depends on what kind of tripod and the footprint you think you'll need. The platform in this video can hold me and the tripod with no problem at all. This rig is plenty strong to hold a 200+ pound person and a heavy duty tripod. You could even mount a stool on it if needed. The 1 1/14 inch PVC is also plenty strong for that application.

[projecttopman29]

thank you for filling in the gaps.......u made it easier to make. ;)

[zubumbu]

Love your final shot with the two sleepy rascals!

[incben]

Thank you so much. My brother used this as a guide to build me a Dolly for Christmas. It's really smooth. I can't wait to start using it in my next film.

[craiginzana]

Best DIY dolly video I've seen yet. I'm using this video to make mine, thank you so much.

[zoltan522]

@craiginzana My pleasure.  I'm glad you liked it!

[zoltan522]

@heralkin I just posted the list.

[BrianMc63]

Nice design,

I thought all skateboard wheel bearings were the same. I had to use 5/16"x2" bolts for the axles,not 1/4"x2 1/2". Otherwise it all worked well. I also used a 4" sewer grade pvc pipe with caps to carry the track in. 4- 1/1/4" shedule 40 pipes will fit inside the large tube,and the 1" slide inside the 1 1/4". Leave a little extra room for the 1" elbows inside the tube,and push the other cap on.

[zoltan522]

@BrianMc63 Nice! Happy filming!

[Lockerbeef]

Any chance you could post everything you need in your description? I know its in the video, but it would just be more awesomer. This vid rocked.

[zoltan522]

@Lockerbeef Just Posted! 

[parabolicplacenta]

Great job! and great info! thank you so much!

[blkhatRaven]

Don't know if anybody asked this already, but could this rig work with rubber hose instead of PVC? If so, what kind of hose would you recommend?

[zoltan522]

@blkhatRaven You sure can, but the hose needs to be pretty robust, as this rig is pretty heavy. Was there a specific material you had in mind?

[blkhatRaven]

@zoltan522 Well, I was thinking a really heavy duty rubber hose so that I could have a long track with optional curves, but which I could still roll up for easier storage.

[masterstudiostv]

Muito bacana, Gostei mtu msmo, o cara que criou isso e um genio!!!!!!!!!!

[thatswassupone]

nice

[XxBNycThASk8RxX]

Spitfires lol

[bruvvamoff]

I just got my aly angle and pvc yesterday, I'm gonna start with a scaled down version of yours designed to have the camera placed directly on the carraige as opposed to tripod. With a smaller carraige (A4 paper sized) would you still use 8 wheels? I'm not sure if I should lose 4 wheels and just have a pair of staggered wheels each side.

[zoltan522]

@bruvvamoff With a rig that small I'm sure that four wheels would work just fine. Depending on the span of your rails, you could run into problems though. In the center of the rail span, your wheels could push or pull the rails-but it depends on the overall weight of your dolly. Hopefully that makes sense. If you build it and it works, please let me know. Happy building!

[Reels2010]

great tutorial, clear and detailed.

[zoltan522]

@Reels2010 Thank you!

[Misterphotobooth]

awesome vid. just made my dolly based on your model.. here's my test footage

//youtu.be/vCPzxKBeRz8?hd=1

[zoltan522]

@Misterphotobooth Thank you! I couldn't get the link to work, but I went to your channel and found it. Nice work man--very creative. Please post the video as a response to mine if you'd like.

[ThePsychwardFilms]

I have lots of good quality 1 inch fibreboard in my garage. Think that'll be ok?

My camera equipment doesn't weight more than 3 kilos.

[zoltan522]

@ThePsychwardFilms Fiberboard is low density, but it is still pretty strong. If you doubled up for a 2 inch base I'm sure it would be plenty strong. Let me know how it turns out and happy building!

[bruvvamoff]

Why do some people recommend soft wheels and others recommend hard? So far it's like 50 50. I think friction is a good thing, wouldn't a hard wheel risk slipping?

[zoltan522]

@bruvvamoff Friction on a PVC rail system is not a good thing. You want the wheel to slip along the PVC--that is how everything will run smooth. On a soft rubber wheel you run the risk of the friction riding up the PVC until gravity takes over and it skips back down to the low point. I have tested this theory and that's why I made the video. Everyone who has built this rig from my demo has written me feedback on how well it worked. Hopefully that answers your question.

[bruvvamoff]

@zoltan522 Well I already ordered 78A wheels so I'll try it and let you know. I can always change them.

Also, if you was to motorise one of the wheels which do you think would be best?

I was thinking that one or 2 of the rear wheels would be best.

[zoltan522]

@bruvvamoff I'm sorry but I'm not sure what you mean by mortise.

[bruvvamoff]

@zoltan522 Motorise as in attatch an electric motor to a wheel so it can move at a steady pace.

[zoltan522]

@bruvvamoff If it's gear driven I think you'd be OK either way-front or the back. Let me know how that works--it's a great idea!

[bruvvamoff]

@zoltan522 I'm now having second thoughts. Not sure if I should run a belt to one of the wheels or use a hi-torque motor as one of the wheels axle and replace the bearing with something solid.

[allenhurt]

I just wanted to say thank you for the "How To" on DIY dollie. I am building mine now, using your plan. A few inches bigger but the same. Thank you for the help.

We are getting ready to shoot a music video soon and we can't wait to use the

dollie along with our jib crane system. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

[HTVproductions5]

Great Video and very nicely done!! 

[zoltan522]

@HTVproductions5 Thank you very much! I've been checking out your channel. Your post production work is outstanding! Nice to see another you tuber that puts so much effort into their videos. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

[VexedFilms]

You should do more tuts man, very concise and easy to follow.

Haven't made one yet but I will be following your tut over others fo'sho'

[zoltan522]

@VexedFilms Thanks bud that's really nice of you to say. I love my camera dolly. I need to get filming so I can post some cool stuff on my channel. The weather has just been bad in my area lately. Good luck on your build and if you have any questions let me know.

[VexedFilms]

@zoltan522 I'm building up a channel too. Built a shoulder rig so far, which has been good for documentary style stuff. Like our film, Ben Muscle - or our next one, a Bear Grylls parody

For future projects though, I really want a more pro, filmy look. So I'll DIY a dolly, jib arm

I cant afford to pay more than my camera (Canon 60D) for some bits of metal thrown together. Even though systems like Kessler lite look good, they're still out of my budget. I'm sure you know what i mean

Good luck!

[zoltan522]

@VexedFilms I know what you mean and I will definitely return the favor and like your videos! 

[polymexdf69]

Why didn't you put the wheels side by side or same distance thanks

[zoltan522]

@polymexdf69 If the wheels are side by side, and there is a blemish, bump, imperfection on your PVC track, or a joined section of your track, the camera could possibly shake when the wheel hits the uneven surface. By staggering the wheels, the rear wheel that is staggered keeps the dolly level and true while the front wheel deals with the bump.

[kdkhaidea]

well done tutorial man.

very to the point and you covered all bases.

wish i could find more out there that are done that well

thanks

[zoltan522]

@kdkhaidea Thanks for the feedback. I have received an overwhelming positive response. I have learned so much from the youtube community, this is just my way to give something back. Cheers and I hope your camera dolly rocks like mine!

[hacksaw35]

Also had to trim about 3/16" off the large bolts to keep from rubbing on the PVC. Those spacers were hard to find since nobody inline skates anymore...but they had some at the local roller rink. All finished, and seems to be working great! Cheers!

[hacksaw35]

Thanks for the tutorial! I'm building it right now. I think you may have said the incorrect length of the bolts for the wheels. I followed your instructions and they are 1/2" too long.

[steelmarco]

BRILLIANT!

[SunnyDayPictures]

Great video, great advice. At least my socond dolly was good after a watch this video. Thanks a lot.

[zoltan522]

@SunnyDayPictures Thank you that's very kind. I'm glad your build went well and you achieved good results.

[themediazeus]

i noticed you used 58mm, will 54mm work as well?

[zoltan522]

@themediazeus Yes that's a good size wheel. You will just have to adjust the distance from the edge of your metal angle stock so that the wheel clears properly.

[themediazeus]

how well does this track work on uneven ground? would mounting the track help stabilize it? great video

[jargueta07]

Thanks. I use libecs and hvx-red cameras, is this rig good for these cameras while using 8 wheels?

[jargueta07]

Hey great video. I've seen other videos use 16 wheels and yours has 8. Can you explain the difference please?

[zoltan522]

@jargueta07 8 is all you need for a rig this size. I suppose 16 would give you even more stability when going over rail joints or any imperfections/bumps in the rail system, but it might be overkill.

[camonwheelz]

I was asking gissur37 about cutting the pvc at 45 angle. The wheels i have are parallel on the bracket. You can see both types of wheels on my channel.

[neacshuu]

I.was

[camonwheelz]

nice tutorial...i need one just like this for my wheels 

[Clenchedboot1]

That was a really professional tutorial! Thanks

[davnadj]

This looks amazingly reliable. Please upload the list... Thanks,d

[zoltan522]

@JCEBrown10 2x2 1/8 inch thick. 

[sennymadrid]

thank you for a grate turitorial

[zoltan522]

@sennymadrid You are welcome! 

[TheWWEB]

Could I possibly just get a list of the things I need?

[zoltan522]

@TheWWEB I have a list at home. I am traveling right now and my internet connection is too slow to watch a youtube video--otherwise I would just make a list of the video. Have you tried that yet? I am pretty clear throughout the video on the sizes and dimensions of everything you need. Let me know if you still need help.

[jokejoseph]

thats awesome

is it possible to stand on it while another person move the dolly?

[zoltan522]

@jokejoseph Absolutely. It's very strong.

[fotizome]

nice build, but what about securing the tripod to the floor?

[zoltan522]

@fotizome Every tripod is different, but you can use mechanical fasteners or grip tape. I do not need either, since I do not do any high speed dolly movements. This rig is big enough for the cinema photographer to actually ride on the base while holding the tripod.

[jrockaboy]

Good build but can it be used on curved track

[zoltan522]

@jrockaboy It can, but the radius would have to be pretty gradual.  I haven't tested it. You could always modify the rig by making brackets that swivel. Let me know if you test it out, I'm curious to know your success with it.

[TheMexicanNerd]

Why is it important that the wheels are staggered?

[zoltan522]

@TheMexicanNerd Having the wheels staggered ensures smooth operation should you be rolling over an uneven portion of the rails, or rolling over a joint in your rail system. While the front wheel is going over the bump, or imperfection, the staggered wheel behind it will keep the rig in places, giving you virtually no vibrations. Without stagger the wheels, both your wheels would hit the bump at the same time--causing vibration.

[Gissur37]

@zoltan522 Another thing I have seen done that will help smooth the transition from one section of PVC to another is to cut the pvc at 45 degrees. This, along with the staggered wheels, should eliminate any bumps in the track. Just my 2 cents.

[camonwheelz]

@Gissur37 so what advice do you have for my type of wheels? 10ft of PVC kind of hard to transport

[zoltan522]

@camonwheelz What type of wheels are you using? You can do 5 foot sections of PVC if you wanted, although the longer the better (makes for a smoother shot).

[videocity65]

Followed the video and it works like a charm. I couldn’t find speed washers but it seems to work fine with flat washers in place of speed washers. Assembly time: was around two hours including cutting and gluing PVC end caps. Cost: The wheels and bearings alone cost a little over $90.00 for a total cost on materials of just under $200.00. Well worth the investment.

[zoltan522]

@videocity65 That's great to hear! Thanks for the feedback! Great video by the way.

[videocity65]

@zoltan522 I used two sheets of 3/4 inch plywood for the base - 38" x 38". Our camera guy, 190 lbs. is able to sit on the dolly on a stool with a 6 foot camera job no problem.

[videocity65]

@videocity65 * camera JIB

[godittv]

we followed your guidelines and it works perfect!

thanx buddy!

[MattConTosh]

Is the size of the skateboard wheel important ?

Or will any skateboard wheel be fine, as long as it is has perfect hardness?

[zoltan522]

@MattConTosh You can use a smaller wheel as long as you change the position of it so it clears the angle stock.

[blackwebb30]

Where did you get that top plate from?....on the base of your tripod that holds it in place....and co$t....thanks....nice tut......

[zoltan522]

@blackwebb30 That actually came with my tripod and is just to adjust the span of the legs, it doesn't secure it to the base of the dolly... although you could use it to do that if you wanted to I guess. Thank you! It's a Manfrotto tripod and grip head.

[DGizzle4life]

Nice Tutorial What did you use to edit this video?

[zoltan522]

@DGizzle4life Thanks. I used final cut pro for most of it and then imported it into iMovie to publish to youtube.