Adam Savage's One Day Builds: Smartphone Camera Rig!

[@tested]

With thanks to OtterBox for sponsoring this video! Here are the products featured in Adam's build: OtterBox Symmetry Series+ bit.ly/TstOtterBoxSymmetry OtterBox Car Vent Mount for MagSafe: bit.ly/TstOtterBoxMount Other OtterBox MageSafe Accessories: bit.ly/TstOtterBoxMagSafe More on MagSafe: bit.ly/TstOtterBoxMore

[@nicksavage4763]

Otterbox Defender IPhone X Temp Sat Phone on top of Car at night. Forgot, drove Down Highway 1/2 mile at Least 45 mph, Heard a bump Realized it was phone sliding off car roof. Turned around went back parked and went Looking. Phone Hit the road Case popped open and iPhone slid about 30 feet From case. It Scratched the Finish off top back corner Screen was Not Broken and Visual damage hard to Notice. Internal damage, the Speaker must have shifted and Volume very low, but regular phone volume and Using earphones not affected. Without that Otterbox case, the phone Surely would have been Destroyed. Now have a 13 and have OBC defender for It and Have Never sat my Phone on top of the car again not even for a Second. Strangely, No traffic was Coming when that happened. had visions of a Semi running over it before I could retrieve but was Lucky 🍀 Lesson the hard way,

[@tomhorsley6566]

My one beef with OtterBox was that the case I got for my S21 was apparently completely opaque to T-mobile's 5G frequencies. Zero 5G signal only a block from the pole.

[@nicksavage4763]

@@tomhorsley6566 no metal in the Defender Case to block or shield a signal. Again protecting an IPhone, Not Samsung but it should make no difference. If it does you should contact them about that flaw

[@Danielceola]

What is the black 'arm' material being used here called, and where can it be purchased? I know Adam said the name for it a couple times but I'm too lazy to rewatch to find it...

[@DavinWhite]

@@Danielceola Loc-Line Hose

[@MonkeyButlerLabs]

My favorite part of watching Adam is him letting us learn along with him rather than the traditional 'lecture down my expertise' style videos. His humility is a reminder to all of us to be curious and open to failures on our way to success. Thank you for that.

[@spannerwindslayer]

I love the DIY atmosphere in every video, yea he has specialized tools, but he explains why is using them and what alternative you probably already have at home to work with!

[@The.Pickle]

I totally agree, it creates such a pleasnt atmospher that by the end you've been on a little adventure, it makes absobing the information a really enjoyable experience.

[@tested]

Thanks for the kind words, and for your time in leaving it. We'll pass along to Adam!

[@txkflier]

I take great joy in figuring something out before Adam does.. 😊

[@markday3145]

Yes, I really enjoy videos like this where he figures it out as he's going, explaining his process along the way.

[@NoDakExpress]

I’m one of the many who love the Adam-self-filmed videos. With this video I’ve been reflecting on why. I think it’s that a dedicated camera person feels pressure to keep Adam and/or the project perfectly centered in frame at all times. Totally understandable, that’s good camera work. But with how much Adam tinkers for fidgets with the tool or materials, emotes with his hands while story telling, and generally moves around while working - it makes for a somewhat frantic piece of cinematography as the camera person reacts to Adam. I really enjoy those genuine movements and fidgeting while thinking through an issue. so the fixed camera let’s us see the build except for, you know *bandsaw noises*, and still retains the relaxing mood of the video, which can sometimes be lost when the camera person is zooming in and out and panning all over the place as Adam does Adam things. Regardless, love the channel and all the content!

[@qvatch]

frenetic, nauseating, distracting zoomy bounce camera. A lot is lost by having someone behind the camera

[@gusabr]

A pleasure to watch as always. Regarding power, one thing came to my mind: Instead of having the trouble of wiring the rig to an outlet, attach a power bank to the clamp. That way you can have the phone charging without even needing to worry about it. Thanks very much for all the effort you guys have been putting on this channel for the past couple of years. Keep it up!

[@peakers13]

It might get too bulky, but a Dewalt USB converter would allow for the of reuse batteries already in the shop and kept charged.

[@mromutt]

@@peakers13 That is a great thought. He could bolt one onto the mount he made and then just slap a battery in it anytime he feels the need.

[@ponetwozerodrone3707]

I wonder if he reads our comments if we are not patreon contributors?

[@Platinum_Squid]

@@ponetwozerodrone3707 I would imagine even if he doesn’t personally, someone at tested might pass along particular good ones.

[@Platinum_Squid]

Anyways yeah he could put it somewhere on the clamp body. In my mind it would go on the lower jaw so it would be out of the way but then you would need to have a variable length for the cable to to phone… maybe up top would be best.

[@suzynolanart]

"I seem handy; at the same time, I only have a certain amount of bandwidth..." what a great phrase! And that looks like a perfect rig- I could make one to use in my own cave! Genius simplicity

[@bmelloyello]

DUDE that's going to be such a SATISFYING transition from holding the phone, talking to your audience face to face, and SEEMLESSLY walking up to the mount and just letting go........ can't wait. Good video :)

[@ryan_j_peck]

That 'lost' phone moment was hysterical. It was like being the 'lost' object with the urge to yell "I'm over here", or "Turn around". Great build! I still need to do the same with the bench light like Adam has. So much utility!!

[@bobtwc]

When Adam made his loc line lamps awhile ago, I used it as a jumping off point to create a longer phone holder for my car (I drive Uber and wanted it closer to my hands). It was cool to see him solve the same problems in virtually the same way as I did.

[@carlosbovia6813]

Just love everything that Adam does and the crazy solutions he comes up with, it has helped me a lot to think out of the box and say "What would Adam do..." It also felt a little funny that after Adam finished tampering and screwing a piece he said "nailed it...!!!"

[@Joe_McLeod]

Could you possibly colour the lockline? Like yellow and white or something to make it stand out 🙂 but I'm sure your new case will do the trick

[@Dreddy72]

you could go the route of a sleeve if nothing else, i assume paint would partially scrape off the rubbing surfaces.

[@dennisboxem]

I just love the fact that Adam can go completely overboard with designing a clamp like this. This could have been a 3D print, or even a complete cludge and it would have been fine. But this is so much more satisfying.

[@mromutt]

I actually really love that you use a phone and that kind of mount. From the viewers perspective its like we are actually in the shop hanging out with you as you work (or even like a student observing) and feels like you are talking directly to us not at us. Its that real personal touch I guess lol I am glad you are doubling down on it and upgrading to something better for you to use.

[@cheapaudioman]

As a full time content creator on KZbin I find my zen place here. I watch to relax and learn. Adam is an absolute pro and I learn something new every time I watch. Always about tools and always how to engage an audience. Every video is like a masterclass on how to be authentic and engaging. Bravo... and I'm also building that mount... let me know if you ever need a shop speakers and amp setup for some lovely lovely music for the brain.

[@BellaRooks]

I'm a paraplegic artist in a power chair and I've been racking my brain on how to properly mount my phone and equipment to my chair in a way that's easy for me to control myself with my dominant arm. You're saving my life with this one! or at the very least my posture and sanity! Thank you so much for this video.♥

[@damonmcknight]

I liked Adam since back in the television days but now that I know this dude's so handy he makes his own camera mounts rather than getting an off-the-shelf version I love this man even more for how he's so creative and wants to build just everything and take us along showing us how to do it!

[@SpicySteve-tz2so]

Great build Adam. Loc-Line makes pliers for joining the different size piping. I used Loc-Line for 20 years for running EDM dielectric coolant over the contact area of electrodes and the base tool I was machining. They also came out with dust collection 2.5" sizes as I left the manufacturing arena.

[@jamiehudson2747]

For Christmas last year we were tasked to hand make an item for each other in the house and it couldn't be pre made. I decided to take inspiration from Adam and his light/camera rigs. I purchased a new camera tripod with flexible legs for $20, I removed the top mounting bracket it. I stripped an old tripod just so it had the main tube, the slide for length and the mounting screw. I used a large flange washer they come with and half threaded each one. Then I jammed a magnifying glass in the end. It has adjustable height from the legs and 360 rotation and horizontal adjustment so my sister in law can see to thread her sewing machines. Thanks for the inspiration Adam and Tested.

[@pugthemaster8]

Adam if you see this I just wanted to say, a few weeks ago you posted a video making your lightsaber, and my 3 year old loves it so much, he watches it all the time (mostly for the lathe going roundy roundy) but even asks for you by name as "Avam Sadage." That's all, thanks for the videos as always!

[@tested]

So sweet! We’ll pass that along to Adam!

[@claykalmar8131]

I finally know what the loc-lines are, thank you! I want to make something similar for my workbench and garage that could either hold my phone or user manuals open and off my workspace. It could even work for holding recipe cards up off the counter in the kitchen if I can make it look nice. Maybe some sort of quick detach mounting system so it can be put in a cupboard when not in use.

[@CoolAsFreya]

11:05 Adam recounting a story of something stupid he did phrased as a warning was informative and hilarious!

[@carrolte1]

@23:05, pauses video to go check my taps. repeatedly slaps self in face. comes back to thank Adam for knew knowledge.

[@snoogans3849]

Love the simplicity and versatility of this! A small battery bank stuck to the clamp and you would never be restricted when you needed a charge.

[@adrianquan]

Moment makes some really nice MagSafe mounts-one with a variety of threads tapped in and one with a 1/4” countersunk hole. In addition to your Loc Line general use rig, I could see Adam using those plus a small ball head or something to make multiple mounting points at your stationary positions (lathe, mill, workbench overhead, etc).

[@the_str4ng3r]

Ohhhh MAN! You need to make multiples and then you only move the phone when you go from tool to table to tool, etc! Awesome job, man!

[@AquaPeet]

These EXTREMELY functional smarty 'jigs' that you make, are soooo satisfying to see built. Thank you for sharing! This was a doozy!

[@LetsDoThis321]

Sweet thanks for sharing this. I'm going to do something similar but I found these loc-line flat end caps that have a hole for 1/4 inch bolt mount that will make this build much easer, so I'm going to try that. I think I can have my phone, gopro, or light hanging from this loc-line pretty quickly with minimal tools (I don't have a milling machine... lol wish I did).

[@J-theSloth]

I love this build, simple problem, simple solution with a lot of experience solving each step. I would put a blank USB input on the clamp base so that when it is not charging the USB cable is out of the way and protected.

[@fourKeeps2020]

As a tinkerer. I never really new I needed a tap and die set untill I started binge watching all your videos. Game changed forever.

[@B1GB3ND]

Love that you do these things Adam. I miss the years of Mythbusters. Watching the builds was my favorite part.

[@mikewolf8437]

I would just put something to hold the excess cable so that it is not just hanging out at risk of getting caught on something. other then that, great work as always. I really do enjoy these one day builds. No matter how big or small they are.

[@The.Pickle]

I learn something new every episode I watch, it's pretty awesome. My favourite episodes are when you take an item like the Erwin clamp and go full in, designing and manufacturing a high end custom, bespoke version of that tool.

[@rayneraccoon]

I just have to say...watching you machine things is so soothing to me. I 100% enjoy your creative process. It's like a Zen experience for me.

[@matthewring8301]

The sound of that lock line flex hose is unforgettable. Every machine I ran at my old job used that as coolant line.

[@TheHavnmonkey]

Wow! Perfect timing, I was just thinking of making a camera mount for filming my various maker projects, Lego, and model kit builds. I have a few flex arm sections and an old GoPro clamp mount. Just ordered a new phone with a mag case too. Thanks again Adam!!!

[@AJCsr]

Nice work Adam ! I've had good luck with JB Weld on my phone mount for my car. The only draw back is when sanding it down, the dust collect's on the neodymium magnets l use to stick the phone case to the mount.

[@zarate1om]

I watch a lot of Tested and I didn’t realize Adam filmed with a phone so much, I’m actually really surprised at the quality, especially considering he films in selfie mode!

[@tested]

Oh, we’re so happy to hear that! When COVID started and San Francisco went into lockdown, we had to pivot quickly, and this was our solution! We’ve stuck with it since we’re pleased with how it’s working, for many reasons.

[@patrickjeromeobaldo2450]

For sure! I know that it's a small device, and have always thought that it's a GoPro, or some other action camera due to how mobile Adam is during his shoots. Now with the addition of the MagSafe mount, we'll be seeing new transitions to his presentation.

[@JBLewis]

And the quality is from the front-facing camera, not even the phone's "main" camera.

[@silverbulletin1863]

also alot of video quality is from good lighting- not the cam mp so much , exp for KZbin as it compress video anyways.

[@Numerlon]

honestly, phone cameras are kind of insane. I stream miniature painting every now and then and its insane how my cheap phone can take a video in greater detail than I can physically see.

[@Klesh]

I just built one, it's soooo good!! Thanks!

[@mikenuke]

1:59 damn how did i not think of it before! two hose clamps connected like this!Genious!

[@annihull6373]

I so enjoy watching your videos. One's like today remind me of sitting with any one of my uncles or grandfathers or my dad in the garage while they are tinkering and hearing pearls of life wisdom and mechanical knowledge. It's been a long time since my body has allowed me to tinker. Hopefully in the next few years I'll be able to get back to that, but I am thankful to have lots of knowledge stored in my head from years of sitting next or near a "Tinkeror". I appreciated the reminder today to always grabbing an extra screw.

[@zylomorph]

Adam = The opposite of "mad" scientist. Love it all my dude. Thank you

[@Ivanovitch2885]

Irwin arbor clamps are amazing. I keep the 12" ones for everything.

[@hendrixtarantado2114]

Bro.. I grew up watching myth busters back in my middle to highschool days. U don't even know how u guys played a big part of my childhood. But since we all have to grow up and do adult stuff I kinda just forgot all about it. But now I'm just back to binge watching you again on my phone since our smartphones are now capable of so many things including watching ur content on KZbin. 👍👍👍✌️🙏

[@bhgemini]

Wow! The things you can do with Delrin and Loc-Line are incredible.

[@chrisbrl88]

Adam truly is the patron saint of the neurospicy. He chose a bright phone case for the same reason I did: I lose it every two minutes and my thinkmeat will ignore it if it isn't IMMEDIATELY visible.

[@fredbrooks1386]

I love to learn new information. Never knew what the hole on the feeder end of the tap was for. Now I do! Today has been a success, learned something new! Thanks

[@SportsFan0027]

Rather looking where I can order one just like this, I can make my own accommodating to my specific needs thanks to this video. Love that you leave so much room for adjustability.

[@tested]

So glad … we’ll pass your kind comment on to Adam!

[@johnsmith1882-x2i]

I kinda enjoy the handheld camera used in this video. Better shadows and bokeh gives it more depth than the usual smartphone cam

[@JTshoot]

I really enjoy the static view that we get from you recording on your phone, it's much more pleasing to the eye that the dynamic "walking" camera, too much movement.

[@Emthe30something]

Thanks for the cool build. Came to this as a feel better video. Didn't quite work, entered the mode of it's hard to watch someone doing something they love when you're bummed with your job, but I'll definitely be back to watching vids when I feel a bit better in that department, cause this channel is great.

[@tested]

Oh no! Hope things go better for you.

[@InFerrumVeritas]

The sound of popping lockline in and out is very satisfying.

[@rogersanders9768]

I trick i learned a long time ago as a machinist for tapping nylon and generally all plastics is to use a small can of Crisco. you just stich the can over the tap and pull it back off and it coats the tap nicely. The heat generated from the tapping, even by hand, melts the Crisco and the holes come out really clean and you have no oil residue that wants to hang on to the plastic like cutting oils tend to do. Works great for power tapping too like on a lathe or mill. Crisco also is fantastic when tapping stainless steel.

[@ScottJWaldron]

Without having watched the entire video yet, I see this as a good reason phone companies should make phones with a preview screen on the back. Doesn't have to be anything huge, but enough to see what's going on. That would allow for better framing and the ability to much more easily use the higher quality camera modules.

[@poopfartlord9695]

Or an OEM option for an additional external screen. Having an extra fully capable screen on the back isn't something that 90% of users need, however usb-c is more than capable of doing power+video, so you could have an external screen that plugs into your phone *if* that's what you want.

[@ScottJWaldron]

@@poopfartlord9695 Valid point. Creator capable phones would probably be somewhat niche. Sony has what you describe for their Xperia PRO-I. The kit is $1400, so at that point people might consider a dedicated camera. Samsung counts with their latest Flip/Fold models. I'm going to assume the big back-side screen on the Fold can work with the cameras when it's opened up. IMO, a nice reasonable sized OLED on the back of a phone would be an ideal mix of convenience and function.

[@microbuilder]

11:05 Same with epoxy! And as with epoxy, or any two part mix, the best mix method is to mix till youre sure its all well mixed together, then mix it together some more lol

[@Tinmar12]

Love this! Would be an awesome addition to add a powerbank and a holder for that to the bottom of the clamp.

[@tonyrusso9088]

Nice build! Kinda reminds me of the character "Gypsy" from MST3K, minus the inverted car seat/flashlight carapace!

[@reddcube]

I love the vent magsafe mounts, use one in my car. But instead of covering a vent, I added an L-bracket to my dash and mounted it to that.

[@Dryndal]

Every one of those videos gives me an extra push, to beeing a little more extra handy myself :) THX Adam! Keep em coming :)

[@thomashverring9484]

That was brilliant!

[@qivarebil2149]

Adam does what Adam usually does - dropping things on the floor. Thanks for the fun video! 😎👍

[@nathkrupa3463]

My favorite video one day build Great sir thank you so much for sharing video Adam sir.

[@DylexionTV]

when you pulled apart the lock line pieces around 34 mins it was surprisingly musical.

[@blister4walken]

Last time Adam did these, in 2020, i searched for some loc-line to make a lighting rig. Eventually got some second-hand online from someone selling diving gear. I used the same clamp as Adam did for this new version. But in a less complex way. 😀

[@JoeMalovich]

I have 3D printed some adapters that go on the other end of the Irwin quick clamps straight to the lock line

[@rafaelmen485]

Awesome build Adam, it’s always a pleasure to watch your attention to detail & your beautiful personality! Have you thought about adding a battery bank holder at the base to give you more freedom on where you place this assembly? I wish you the best and I hope a lot more videos from you and your team! Rafa

[@alfredoghost2306]

For the tap they have a thing called a tap follower. It keeps the tap square with your machine tool while also keeping light spring pressure on the tap. Nice to have

[@encouragingthings]

When you first showed us how to make your lamp arm I made one myself and then stuck a tripod top on it and now can use it for my phone or my webcam based on whichever accessory I stick to it. It's super cool to see you make a similar thing!

[@thetruemorg]

I'm glad to see that everyone has problems with being able to find the right mounting enough that you would produce a video about it

[@morsecodereviews1553]

Love watching Adam slap something together, gets me all pumped up to build a rocket err somethin. Now where'd I put that flux capacitor and those inertial dampers🤔

[@BROON71]

It looks like Norm is rockin' some Nike Killshots.... I would assume for that Tom Sachs GP Shoe look - like Adam is wearing.

[@michaelhume8689]

Class as always x

[@914Rocky]

I want to be you when I grow down since I’m older than you. Love watching you build anything.

[@Chungustav]

I love the Ram Mount system

[@raysstuffz]

Great stuff Adam, thanks a lot! 🙂

[@corymayo]

Adding a small battery bank mounted to that clamp would be the cherry on top

[@cincyrecycle7077]

what a great educational vid...THANK you Adam!

[@fantasticflyingfrogs]

Adam Savage: The world's favorite shop teacher!

[@motodiaries8204]

You can buy or make a spring loaded point to hold a tap on center. You can run the tap in several threads before needing to move the spindle down. Works great.

[@SamTravels]

Love it. Thank you Adam!

[@snip3r416]

This is soo amazing 🤩 how Adam started with as I call 1 cam man to a camera man it’s nice 😊 to see that ❤

[@jimmyeatshoe]

Just awesome. Thank you Adam 🎉

[@adamjhahne]

when he separated the lock line, that was such a satisfying sound.

[@arieldahl]

syncing the time of these videos seems to have been fun. good job on the hard work

[@tested]

Ah, really appreciate that!

[@BatteryAcid1103]

As an OtterBox employee who deals with that packing all day every day, it was incredibly therapeutic watching you just rip it open like that 😂 Thank you for still being a kid at heart, Adam

[@CoupleBlokes]

I would love to see Adam make his own pen, for every day carry, using the mill to make his own custom carry. I think he is good enough with tolerances now to give it a go! Love your work tested team, imagine milling titanium and finding ways to get pen ink refills that work, potentially space pen refills

[@martinbrown7163]

Dude you’re a real geek and I mean that in the best possible way!! I’m in love with your shop. Great content and presentation all the time. You 🪨

[@cryomancer20x68]

Ok, I keep having to say this as a PSA. I'm a machinist that specializes in plastics. If you ever have to machine like a lot of (especially the natural variant) Delrin, be prepared for an extremely acrid off gas from the material. It can make your eyes forcibly tear up and your lungs burn. Always cut that material in a well-ventilated space and not in large quantities at once if you can help it.

[@PokeCactus]

Thanks for letting us know! I appreciate this 🙏🏼

[@tedcoop4392]

"I know, I seem handy..." Similar to how a tsunami seems moist. Jeez, Adam, there's a limit to how humble you gotta be.

[@typicalthrill]

I have been wondering what you used as your flexible mounting rig for months! Thank you so much for the LocLine tip!

[@philipsmith4308]

A power pack glued to the clamp wood be the finishing tuch 🎉keep up the good work Adam

[@robertlittle9907]

Another awesome video. You've given me an idea for my Toyota Tacoma. Thank you.

[@mitch3384]

27:00 - I almost crapped myself thinking you'd cut through into the threading!

[@bvf1420]

i dont know why but that little "thunk" when he was separating the lock line was so satisfying

[@johnhodgkiss9882]

like the quick disconnect you have for the Bridgeport for the cutters. Way better than using a spanner on the top of the shaft. Can you please show us some more of this setup? As I would love to add this to our Bridgeport.

[@mxcbuilds6633]

This is so cool! When Adam mounted it on the bench vice, I was thinking he could even use the smooth action of the vise like a camera slider and film B-roll fottage that way XD

[@CaribouKH]

Expecting to see "bandsaw noises" I was startled by the camera following Adam ..surprising things we get used to 🤣

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

The camera has gained a mind of it's own! It's taking over!

[@pow9606]

@@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721 The camera already had a mind of it's own. It just didn't know it.

[@royalnewjersey]

As other's have said, check out "Moment" mounts. They make all kinds of attachments with various threaded inserts and whatnot. And they have some of the stronger magnets for holding on to phones. Might be worth setting up some "stations" with some mounts stealthily placed around the cave ready to receive a phone.

[@nicksavage4763]

FUN TO WATCH you work and us Learn. Like didn’t know about thread cutter Recess use.

[@colubrinedeucecreative]

That was awesome! Thanks!

[@derekmcdonald2168]

Love this build

[@GrayRaceCat]

Adam, I know what you mean about losing phones. While working as a mechanic, I kept dropping my iPhone in customer cars. Until I got an OtterBox Defender in Safety Orange that saved my bacon on several occasions! I only wish OtterBox still offered that color!