Camera Tripod Dolly

A camera dolly is a great way to get smooth tracking shots, though retail versions can get quite expensive. Here's an inexpensive way that seats your tripod inside of a specially made dolly on a track instead of a platform that the camera, tripod and operator stand or sit on.
Stuff I use: www.amazon.com/shop/thefrugal...
PARTS LIST
8x 3/4" PVC plugs
4x 3/4" PVC side outlet elbows
5x 3/4" PVC T-joints
1x 3/4" PVC pipe (10')
2x 2" PVC pipe (10')
Roller Derby Men's Cruisers or 8x skate wheels + bearings
www.walmart.com/ip/Roller-Derb...
8x 5/16" bolts, 1.5" in length
8x 5/16" nuts
8x 5/16" washers
8x 5/16" lock washers
TOOLS USED
Dremel rotary tool on Dremel Workstation
Cordless drill w/ 1/4" & 5/16" drill bits
PVC Ratcheting Cutters (tinyurl.com/bseo2rk)
Drill press vise
Video recorded with a Canon VIXIA HFS100
Audio recorded on a Zoom H1 Handy Recorder, and a Radio Shack Clip on lav mic
Editing done on Sony Vegas Pro 10
PayPal donation link: www.paypal.me/thefrugalfilmmaker
Blog: www.thefrugalfilmmaker.com
Facebook Group: / thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: / frugalfilmmaker

[@flrmedia2494]

I built one of these with some skateboard wheels I ordered off eBay, all I had to change was the length of the bolt. This was such a cool build and I got such wonderful shots. Thanks Frugal Filmmaker

[@VRNomad]

This is fantastic - by far the most travel friendly DIY dolly tutorial I've seen. You could easily disassemble the dolly components and throw them in a backpack - and just buy some PVC pipes for rails onsite wherever you happen to be. Thank you for sharing your design!

[@DjsVideoProductions]

This dolly is so nice I am in the process of making my own the only difference is I will be using 1-1/4" pvc pipe because my tripod legs are a little bit bigger. Thanks for the tutorial. I subbed. ... Cheers!

[@BusyRetiredGorden]

Off to Lowe's. Very much appreciate your work Sir.

[@hydrosealcanada1750]

Now I can make my own dolly for my tripod. I didn't imagine we can actually do this, great stuff thefrugalfilmmaker.

[@wesleycurryii3341]

Mister.....Thank you. This is ExACTLY what I was looking for, and your on camera explanations are easy going and easy to learn from. Wesley

[@pikturetimefilms]

1st a modular wheel to build something around. Then, a tracking crane shot? You, sir, are a GENIUS.

[@unjoshed]

Love the fact that the roller skates came with Whip It and you just threw it away. Classic.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Search here on KZbin for "Lexerot Another Day" and click on the first link. It's the short film "Another Day", which I ran recorded audio on. For the setup on how I used my Zoom H1 on this film, go to my blog (thefrugalfilmmaker(dot)com) and search for "Zoom H1 field recorder".

[@dylanstaley6089]

I just love how you tossed that movie out of the way.

[@aashish9845023480]

That is the best DIY dolly system I have seen man. Super easy to make, I was gonna make a tripod dolly myself and was researching about them. I think im going to make this one. THanks man, it is worth it subscribing you. Legend!

[@Gr8Believer]

I love it when a plan come together. Thanks for the tips

[@JLee-in1rp]

Already a big fan up until you chucked that Whip It video nonchalantly.. now you're my hero. GREAT WORK!

[@52Shy]

I used 1/2" fittings and the wheels run nicely on 3/4" and 1" tracks. I also found adding a smaller but thicker washer allows the wheels to roll freely with out any rubbing.

[@raymond1976]

Nice work. Good to see a DIY video again. I just can't wait to see it in combination with the Frugal Crane!

[@user-im9xq7fp5r]

Now, if this is not the best, I don't think you have been screening enough videos in the subject matter. Especially for someone who are minimalist with power tools, or simply tools. Great work.

[@EdEditz]

That turned out a great video. I love the camera work on it.

[@GadgetAddict]

Very clever. I was thinking, how will this work on grass? But of course it has a 'track'. Looks very smooth. I like it!

[@xtafpfhr5491]

Very cool idea! I was looking around online and found you can buy skate or skateboard wheels just by themselves if you want, so you don't have to just buy skates to get them. They have varying qualities of wheels so you can better ones if you want or cheaper ones to save money. You can try searching "skate wheels" at eBay also to find sets of wheels.

[@MidtownPlazaProductions]

Built mine last month. Works perfect! Great project. Thanks!

[@mvcfitz33]

Hey I just switched majors to video production and this dolly vid is awesome since I don't have significant funding currently :P. Thanks for taking the time to help us out!!

[@Interlumix70]

We miss the complete unboxing of our Roller Derby :-) thanks to your video its a fantastic idea you have, i will copy it. best wishes form Switzerland

[@frugalfilmmaker]

You're welcome! Glad it worked for you.

[@danielsin]

Is there a possible way to make a portable dolly track for easier transportation uses?

[@QuincyForte]

I am so glad I found this channel!

[@bananasrfr14]

to reduce the shaking, wrap a rubber band around the tripod and then pull on the rubber band to pull the tripod across the dolly track. great job as always!

[@bradasstv]

Thanks so much for all the projects you teach us! Much appreciated!

[@jaesonkay]

Great DIY, thanks for making so many useful projects. Regarding the wheel drag on the wheels-- try using spacers inside the wheels, between the bearings. Same diameter as t

[@trv16gel]

Great design. Spending a little extra on decent wheel bearings would take this to another level.

[@t.c.2776]

Love your projects... I'm a DIYer also. I made a rolling tripod dolly by buying an old office chair with wheels, taking the chair off and attaching an adjustable mono-pod to the center post.

[@Future979]

Anthony Abbondondola Can you show us?

[@jjesgirl]

so, here is my review.. I went with the list of everything but the rollers that you had listed is no longer able to get. not only that but I had to make a trip back to lowes to get the right nuts and blots for the wheels I got. that was my bad. so make sure you get the right size before you start your build. after that was said and done, when you build it it's a little hard to "snap" things together. the fun part was seeing things come together real fast. one thing is that I am going to put a floor board on to the frame so I can put different tri pods to it. The dolly will have drag on it if you put to much weight on it. over all I am every happy that I made this and it works every well! so there is some pros and cons to this but for a first time camera dolly it works! you can brake it down fast and put it up as fast as well. so over all I spent around $50 bucks on this to make it. 8 out of 10 for over all. skill level is 7 out of 10. took me about a day and half. due to getting or finding the wheels for cheap. HAVE FUN WITH THIS! will be making more on other videos!

[@kiopi94]

This dolly+frugal crane would be an amazing combo

[@SamuelTyree1]

You may be causing the drag on the bearings with your bolt/washer/nuts causing them to bind. You might free up the wheels by using stand off spacer. Just something to look into. I really enjoy your work. I am just at the very beginning of my film "career", and you've been a big help and very inspiring!

[@frankduffy7471]

You are very bright ! Thanks for some very good ideas .

[@pacovasda5955]

one more simple good idea shared. Thanks, dude posting stuff on the internet.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

It would be more stable, but I don't know if it's necessary. The 3/4" seemed to work fine. Plus, upgrading the sizes of everything would also be more costly.

[@jdmassey]

Hello, a new friend here! I love the DIY tutorials! Great idea!

[@richyearle007]

simple BUT pretty awesome....thank you for sharing that design...

[@ontariohvac]

Wow. For once I'm impressed with a DIY video. Workmanlike - my highest compliment.

[@TheSubcom117]

I bought cheap skates and they also had high drag. I popped the bearings out and it was them...they were stiff. There is no rubber cover to remove to grease the inside, so I sprayed on a liquid silicone lubricant so it would flow inside around the axle opening. I spun the wheels to spread the lub inside. After a couple of sprays, they turned quite freely. Now that they are fixed, I'm off to buy PVC parts. Thanks for the great idea.

[@piratesbelay]

I love the "Toss", and the "Fling." Great Human Fun :) In the end, the Tripod Dolly stole the show.

[@stanleyjohnson6046]

To reduce the drag, carefully pull the barring from the wheels, clean them with carburetor cleaner (soak, spin with fingers, and paper towel dry) put a couple drops of skate wheel barring oil on them, and but them back in the wheels. You'll have less drag and a longer free-spin. (In addition to loving A/V, I also use to work for a skating rink. ;) )

[@blondegaijin]

Scott u rock..! I'm the crazy poster on your amazing FB page.

[@MadSissProductions]

Thanks for doing this video. Can't wait to go to the hardware store and make my own.

[@CharlesHenrySanson]

Nice job, video and construct.

[@DSineBeatzTV]

I can always trust your work glad I subbed

[@X_Terminator]

Great idea man!! Love it!!

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Are the legs on your tripod extended? Try lowering them.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Thanks. I use a cheap Radio Shack clip-on mic going into a Zoom H1 digital recorder.

[@kcbszone]

well that was totally awesome... nice work Scott! :)

[@seantheinnerbright]

Very cool stuff!

[@thecultofyar6702]

Totally creative! Man, you're the man!

[@thecultofyar6702]

and you whipped it well!

[@Noaxe_Tegrinde]

Excellent Design!

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Thanks! Good idea, but the dolly wheels on this thing don't swivel, making turning corners on curved track very difficult.

[@PiyushDangreIndia]

This rig is awesome.!

[@MegaLeonidovich]

Cool project man i love it. Im starting to build one already using ur idea.

[@ReidMartinBasso]

dude... You're my F&$k!ng HERO... Awesome video instructions!

[@ApertureMovies]

this is a great idea for a dolly, really like the design. Shame PVC is so expensive here in the UK, i spent more than £30 ($50) on my frugal handheld rig..

[@sketchyssk8shop]

Go by your local skateboard shop. there you can get proper bearings and washers to make that setup roll much better. use El cheapo bearings ( 608zz abec or Abec5) and a set of replacement speed washers. they may have a grab bin of wheels so you can get larger softer wheels. bearings and speed washers should come in under 10 bucks.

[@HonestArttsEntertain]

damn, i remember the diy days, missed this era

[@wwShadow7]

gt85 that I got at an american bicycle shop a long time ago was good stuff for reducing friction / drag. Teflon based or some such, so it doesn't get all gunky like a lot of lubricants. Great on bicycle chains as you don't collect all the dust and road grime you would otherwise collect. Sadly not made in america. And the only can I had got lost during my last move.

[@EvilPlanetStudios]

WOW! Thanks!! I am definitely going to try to build this. Not sure how it will workout with my crappy 50-dollar tripod tho. Yours look more sturdy.

[@portalmoraesproducoe]

Noble here puts the link that will direct the 4x 3/4 "PVC side outlet elbows GRATEFUL!

[@WorldClimb]

Skate wheels usually free up with use. As you're not going to use as intended, take the bearing units out of the wheels and soak in gasoline to remove the packed in grease, then use a thin oil (3-1) to keep lubricated. To remove the bearing insert a 1/4 drive extension in the hole and lever out. Watch for dripping grease.

[@SamMaghsoodloo]

Nice design! I think the extensions between the 3 wheel assemblies should be made of thicker pvc, like 1.5 inch. Also, I think ABS pipe would be better for the tracks because it's lighter, and I believe it's more rigid.

[@RakuNadarajah]

thisis awesome .. keep up the great work

[@herbaman]

Great idea!!! Funny ending!!! Thanks for your videos!

[@MegaLeonidovich]

It should be happy day for you cause i made this dolly using your video. Thanks alot bro your good.

[@avinashkondaveeti]

I REALLY LOVED IT MAN

[@FatInTheBag]

just a quick tip, these wheels/bearings work the same as if they were on a skateboard, so if you just loosen the nut it will decrease the drag. also, adding a lubricant to the bearing will help significantly.

[@esutton493]

@Vyom Malhotra, the short pieces are just cut off of your piece of PVC pipe to connect the joints with. Should be cut about 1 1/2"- 2" long for each one, not too long to keep the joints from going completely together.

[@TopCityGear]

Love that intro music!!!

[@StraightOuttaUrbex]

great video might have to do this one myself and try out a few other tricks great details and love the mansplaining

[@jonathanulbrich5111]

I would love to see u to mix the dolly with the crane mixed with your counterweight dolly!!! That would be awesome!

[@MarkyGB1]

That looks cool

[@frugalfilmmaker]

It wouldn't, as there needs to be a swivel on the wheel assembly that will allow it to turn. I have sort of overcome this with faking a curved dolly shot on straight track, found in my "The Making of 'Conversation Hearts'" video.

[@raymond1976]

I was wondering of you ever tried using this with a long thick rubber like tubing or something alike. You could lay down an oval or circular track. Would be rely handy when you don't have a flat surface. you could even lay it against a not to steep slope. You could weigh the dolly down with a sandbag to keep it more stable. Great show by the way!!!

[@smoranc]

amazing stuff and it really works. Cheers.

[@ottomatic28]

So glad I watched this down to the final second..... Great finish! LMAO!!!

[@AngelaLandis]

This was very helpful--THANKS!!!

[@RobSavagejr]

you are a genius sir!

[@lynx777]

absolutely amazing

[@antoniouscruzcalvo3366]

Wowww! It´s so cool. Thank you very much for sharing!

[@vardor]

haha wow what a trip that was...i ended up figuring it out and i LOVE it!

[@cratedigger89]

If you need longer tracks, all you need is a couple short pieces of the same size PVC, then cut a horizontal score in them, with a decent size gap. Then, simply squeeze the piece so it fits into the end of the tracks, and then expands back to it's larger size, giving you a snug fit for longer track.

[@TheDIYProps]

Same here, I'm in Serbia and those kind of PVC parts are made and distributed in USA and not in Europe. I've found grey PVC sewer pipes instead, the don't have all the same parts but it's better than nothing.

[@SegunOlusanya]

Thank you! I've been attempting to make one for a tripod head but never got it right

[@bonnybluehare]

Hi Mr Frugal, great design, thanks for sharing. About the friction issue - If the wheels don't turn easily try packing out with a smaller washer, ie the outside diameter no larger than the inner part of the ball bearing inside the wheel. The washer I saw you put between wheel and end cap looks a little too large and may be rubbing the outer ring of the ball bearing. Just a thought.

[@gerwiseman]

Very ingenius.

[@nondemenai7260]

I like that very much, Seth.

[@DSLRguide]

this is a really smart idea! how much use have you got out of this?

[@abdielernesto9051]

i know I'm kind of off topic but does anybody know of a good website to stream new movies online ?

[@ChrisBrown1957]

Just a thought. Instead of buying skates, you could try skateboard spare wheels - also on ebay. These have ball bearings in the middle, so would instantly solve the drag problem. One "slight" drawback is having to transport the long 2" pipes on location, (and what if you need a longer track?)

[@Garo48]

Nice one!! Thanks!

[@patricksudbury]

If the legs are extended, lower them. But, I really like the choppy effect you get when there is a shake, like they did in the 1980's. Try using that.

[@specfever2]

I was making a camera mount yesterday and needed both a plug and cap. The plug was flat on the end - like yours, but the cap was had a dome end and would not work with what I was trying to do. Grr.

[@anandarajsanthanam7481]

amazing ides for professional photographers.....

[@luisenriquedg]

love your voice :3

[@garryentropy]

great, works well

[@lukemetivier]

great job, love it...

[@photokanellos]

Nice one!!!!