DIY Steadicam -The handle assembly

I have been making a steadicam and this is the how I made the handle assembly for it. It is a Merlin Steadicam type design and I borrowed many ideas from other DIY videos I watched. Here is a list of the most important parts being the U-joint and the bearings.
U Joint: 1 OFNA 15100,1 Lrg brng: 6300-2RS 10 x 35 x 11, 3 Sm brng: 6 x 10 x 3 flanged, 1/4" lock collar

***There is a link in the video to a detailed tutorial on balancing your own steadicam***

http://realityshoppe.com/
http://www.kipcarver.com/

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Merlin Steadicam
• camcorder
• videos
• handle
• assembly
• DIY
• design
• CAD
• flashlight
• U-joint
• sealed bearings
• homemade
• instruction
• howto
• panasonic
• instructional video
• gimble
• glidecam
• steadycam
• flycam

[bestamerica]

'

U-joint came from the hobby store for RC model car or truck part

[slambo239]

@bestamerica Actually I bought it off eBay. I believe it's real use is for an RC boat.

[didanhtennis]

I didn't realize the 6300-2RS bearing was so large. I like it, but it's huge. I want to use the bearing at the bottom as opposed to the top, like you and YB2NORMAL. Is there a flashlight or anything the can house this bearing? That you know of?

I'll built my prototype with 1" PVC tubes and 45-degree connections.

Thanks

[slambo239]

@didanhtennis Thank you for watching and please checkout my new demo vids on edgerunnerproduction. I wanted something that was large enough to handle the weight and use over time.  Hoping to mount a prosumer model on it soon and see how it works. As far as the flashlight, I found that where there is a will there is a way. I am sure there are large diameter ones that could be modified to hold it. I spent a long time getting to that final design.

[KaelaStreet]

ok so far, how are you attaching the rig to the outside of the larger bearing then?

[slambo239]

@KaelaStreet I did have the good fortune of having a custom made baseplate from a friend that captured the bearings in a housing. Basically, The larger bearing has a wide rim that would allow for something to rest on it and be clamped down or welded on or something and that will not affect its ability to still spin.

[bestamerica]

slambo239,

'

that is cooool idea

[johnniefive80]

appreciate the video,but endless rambling while starting at a tiny part of your Steadicam is....well...annoying

[edgerunnerproduction]

@didanhtennis If you mean what did I use for the actual outside shell...it is a flashlight that you can find at any hardware store. Small and compact and I liked the lens part as it being wider helped with gripping it. The small bearing I found off of ebay. The description lists all the parts and sizes. Keep searching, you will find it. The key is the U joint in my opinion. All steel... and the long pin on one end fits perfectly in the center of that small bearing.

[didanhtennis]

I am having trouble getting the small bearing. Could you give me a link where you got it? I like your handle, what did you use to make the handle? Thanks