DIY Camera Slider (Trolley Dolly)

Camera sliders are very popular right now, providing a dolly effect in a limited range. Here's my version which departs from what everyone probably expects.
Stuff I use: www.amazon.com/shop/thefrugal...
PARTS LIST:
camera trolley
4 x rollerblade wheels (used)
4 x 1/4" bolts, 2" long (if your wheel bearing doesn't have a spacer use 5/16" instead)
8 x 1/4" nuts (or 5/16" nuts if the above bolt is also 5/16")
5 x 3/4" PVC plugs
3 x 3/4" PVC tee joints
2 x 3/4" PVC pipe 1 1/2 - 2" long
camera mount
1/4" bolt 1" long
1/4" nut
1/4" lock washer
Mini ball head rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-532...
Sima Quikconnect (optional) www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000...
Metal camera quick release system (optional) rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-532...
trolley track
cutting board (I used a black one)
4 x 1/4" countersink screws 1 1/4" long
5 x 1/4" washers
5 x 1/4" lock washers
4 x 1/4" nuts
your tripod's quick release plate
1/4" fender washer
1/4" screw 1 1/4" long
10' roll of 1/2" magnetic tape www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v...
4 x 1" PVC elbow joints
2 x 1" PVC pipe 3-4" long
Real Organized black shelf rail, 70" long www.lowes.com/pd_239965-46882-...
PayPal donation link: www.paypal.me/thefrugalfilmmaker
Blog: www.thefrugalfilmmaker.com
Facebook Group: / thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: / frugalfilmmaker

[@ANigerianPrince]

I think the reason people want to see YOU make these things is because they want to see you. Other than your obvious techniques in lighting, composition and color correcting, you display a from of grace in the way you handle yourself and describe the process. It's a presentation method that puts you at the top of my list for DIY projects.

[@icejunki]

I love human ingenuity. Thanks for showing us in a clear way how to put this rig together.

[@mjyounkers5264]

For a longer track without any bounce effect, you could also use the full track and buy two of them, then put a t-joint of pvc between the two 90 degree elbows, match the width increase in the dolly and baseplate, and then attach pvc support legs (with rounded caps on the ends) to each side on the added t-joints that are the same height as your tripod. Thank you for all you do! You are such a help to us poor film students...

[@Caladras]

This build looks good. Simple, yet very functional. Definitely gonna build one of these as soon as I get my hands on some rollerskate wheels.

[@themightyquinner123]

That video was both informative and professional. I think you missed your calling as a teacher. Cheers

[@GozaProductions]

Hey thanks for the reply, I'm not upset lol, you just seemed aggravated that people wanted to see your version! lol

[@cheeseitzz]

KABLAM. Nice work, much more simple than building a bigger dolly that you would normally connect the tripod to instead of the camera. Love it!

[@phxdrummer16]

Built one! IT'S SPECTACULAR! One thing to note.... I scored my wheels on a pair of old rollerblades at Goodwill($10), they are too wide to actually fit INTO the track, but fit on top quiet nicely! Another thing, maybe make it look more professional instead of using pvc ends for your rails/ track... use more shelf rails cut to size. Granted it takes more space, it's way better than gaff tape you'll need to replace due to being compacted over time.

[@getpagesmart]

This looks really easy and I love the affects you get from the moving camera, good job.

[@HikeordieTV]

Thanks mate. Very generous of you to share that info. Really useful.

[@TomBabbTV]

I pretty much built mine the same way, except for the cutting board (BTW good idea) I used a piece of scrap wood. I didn't use PVC for the ends, I bolted some scrap 2" aluminum angel to the ends that also acted as a stop for the dolly. I enjoy your tutorials, keep up the good work! Cheers

[@53glowe]

Excellent video...well done. Here comes another project. Cheers Gary (Australia).

[@frugalfilmmaker]

@CALICOTV301 If it makes you feel any better, it's not my table saw. I had a friend cut the cutting board up for me, which is what I encourage everyone to do.

[@parrot340]

Fantastic!! I did have the same problem as others, where the wheals did not fit in the grove of the shelving rails. simple just put two layers of magnetic tape that sorts out the problem.

[@speterlewis]

I think it would be possible to "trap" the rig by modifying this so that a mirror image of the track was positioned upside down on top. And the you could totally add a motor to it. One of the best DIY rigs online. Excellent ideas!

[@the13thwolfman]

Another great episode. Really begining to dig these this is really nice how you came up with this.

[@olegivavov]

Отлично! Самый хороший и простой, для самостоятельного исполнения вариант слайдера, из тех вариантов которые я видел (а смотрел штук 30 разных видео). Попробую повторить

[@RedSpectrumPictures]

great idea, probably the best version of a tripod dolly I have ever seen on youtube, thats out of all the DIY versions. I have a full sized tripod dolly system, would be great to see what you think of it in my videos, I didnt make it though, a friend makes them and sells them online

[@diegoestrada7798]

I finished the build and it came great! awesome directions !

[@boxopretzels]

0:52 professional acting 101: never let anything disrupt you role in the scene

[@frugalfilmmaker]

@TheSlimeBox I have two identical video tracks in my editor (Vegas Pro 10). I lower the opacity on the lower track (which dims the video) and create a mask for each group on the upper layer. Basically I'm cutting a "positive" hole in the top video track so the dim bottom track appears to surround it. I also feather the mask for the soft edge.

[@MrNyuntshwe]

Thank you so much for your clear and precise guide of building an effective slider. I'm going to build one today. Thanks again.

[@schumache101]

This is awesome, I am totally making this for my movies in the future. Thanks for uploading- subscribed!

[@supremeleaderkimjongun5332]

its been 5 years, did you made this for your movies?

[@lindamuvic8110]

Wow great video, really clear and easy to understand and it's exactly what I need. Thanks.

[@MrNyuntshwe]

I'm going to copy one for me this weekend!! Thanks a lot Mr. Frugal!!

[@frugalfilmmaker]

@marlonhall11 Good point. Thanks for pointing this out. I'll amend the list.

[@jalfudotcom]

great video as usual..... 1 item you might want to swap is the magnetic strip w/adhesive....you can use magnetic sign material that is adhesive-less, and easy to cut. You can find it at a sign suppler or most sign shops.

[@arisstudio6348]

The best DIY tutorial

[@JacanaProductions]

Excellent, I just build a little min dolly and wondered how to attach it to my beefy tripod (have the same as you) The shelf rail is just what I needed!

[@CharonSin]

Good Job. I love the Ikea cutting board idea. I will have to make one now.

[@DirectorCM]

Someone shared your channel with me today because (according to them) we look alike Lol Always great to find other Indie low budget filmmaking channels!

[@frugalfilmmaker]

You could easily do twice as long, just get another shelf rail instead of cutting one in two. The catch is you'll need to support the rails on either end with sawhorses or a pair of tripods. Trying to support rails that long in the middle would lead to some serious sagging on each end.

[@ludi4u]

just one great passion put into a lovely DYS tutorial...THX!

[@frugalfilmmaker]

@ANigerianPrince Thanks so much. I really appreciate it!

[@homicidalmasturbator]

Simply the best I've seen so far, thanks a bunch :) Keep up the good work

[@john91722]

Many thanks for these videos. I really enjoy seeing all of the Do It Yourself projects and video tips. Hoping that the economy will pick up soon so I be able to afford doing some of these!

[@BioNickMovies]

Very very simple, but magnific. Congratulations.

[@parker_gibbons]

Thank you so much! Tis is the best slider tutorial I have seen yet!

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Maybe not. I used it to cover the holes in the shelf rails (to make the track smoother), but you could always try it.

[@hansbachtold1966]

Just great, simple,quick and cheap.

[@geedoboi]

Really enjoyed this!

[@jalilabdul1763]

u are marvellous and best,am thinking how to build my dolly and jib crane and also slider when i saw your tutorial am very happy.u great man

[@frugalfilmmaker]

It is moved by hand. I tried the string (or in my case, fishing line) technique, but it never looked as good as when I just used two hands.

[@BasicLee1]

Thanks a lot.I use every Ideal camera rigs you desind and they work.Thumb ups. and good work. from Bytback Inc.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

@terraage It's an experimental boom arm. Watch the episode entitled "Multi-purpose Mic" to find out more.

[@tacrewgirl]

Great video and detail. Thanks!

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Good point.

[@serge333999]

Bravo! Simple, tout est facile à trouver et ça semble donner un mouvement très fluide.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

@NitsanPictures I noticed this as well. I bet if I used new rollerblade wheels instead of used ones, I'd fare better. New wheels, however, are four times as expensive.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

@SoulTempleStudios If you make it any longer, I wouldn't recommend you mount the track on a tripod. Use two separate supports (like a pair of sawhorses) and you should be just fine.

[@emv1031]

always funny when a DIY video says "these are all the tools you need" and lay down a few basic things but then half way through they start using a big ass expensive table saw haha. nice slider though, picked up a few ideas from the video (y)

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Great tutorial. Thanks for sharing

[@frugalfilmmaker]

@getreferals I don't know why it wouldn't, but you may need a beefier ball head.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

@c016872 For me, the wheels actually touch the magnetic strip. Riding on the rails would cause nasty binding and a jittery picture.

[@juanferca]

I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL DUDE!!

[@frugalfilmmaker]

A board would work as well, but would require much more care in using. The rails (which you also have to be careful with) keep your wheels in check.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Great tip! Thanks!

[@jjm875]

This is a great solution! Now I can use the old rollerblades and cut up my wife's Ikea bread board to make moving video shots smoother.

[@BitesCGI]

Just a random idea for a timelapse type of thing... What if you took a kitchen timer, Took off the actually dial part, and put a spool on it instead (for example, a spool you would get from a sewing kit) and then you could attach a string to the spool and the dolly, then attach the timer saayyyy 2 feet away, and crank up the timer, and let it roll. So the timer would pull the dolly in as it rotated... A different sized spool could be used to control the speed of the pull too.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

My tripod is a Bogen 501 head on top of Manfrotto 3046 sticks.

[@skyphotohd9150]

great work !

[@reagan01]

Thanks for all your videos! What are your thoughts on just using a nice flat board attached to a tripod instead of building the rail system?

[@Lupo2punto0]

If you double the rail and put that upside down...attach the two rail systems togheter with a couple of t-joints and you will have the rail locking the trolley in place...it's more safe and can help with that tilt shots and that extreme angles...

[@happycowsfoo]

@thefrugalfilmmaker great! much appreciated

[@masterfulnerds]

there are many great tripods out there. just make sure that you get a fluid head. it costs more but that's what you need for video.

[@thecultofyar6702]

INCREDIBLE!!! Me encanta! :)

[@patrickrobinsonphotography2699]

hi, just a thought. To have the dolly/camera stay put,you can maybe mirror the rail to the top of the dolly also so that the wheels have contact at the top and bottom. Swap the elbows 3 way 90 degree elbows So now, instead of 4 - 90 degree elbows, you will have 8 - 3 way 90 degree elbows.

[@DanielS2001]

Now you can use the longer scrap piece of the cutting board for a DIY shoulder mount, too. :)

[@rahmatrad4599]

Thanks for great and helpful video

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Yep.

[@dondidido]

Excelente inventiva ... !!!

[@jhon70776]

Your vídeos are great... Thank´s for sharing your know-how, big hug from Portugal! =)

[@DuckHouseProductions]

Also - you could change it so there are eight wheels - four on top and four on another two rails which are upside-down. That way it couldn't fall off so easily.

[@DjsVideoProductions]

Thanks for the Tutorial.

[@mediadoctorservices]

Dude you are the man.

[@guerrillastylefilms]

Thanks for this video. Im going to build this to get dolly shots at SEMA (the worlds largest auto trade show) in Las Vegas. Dolly shots always look great with cars. Im going to get my cutting board from WalMart though, since there is no IKEA in Nevada. lol

[@nccrawford]

Good stuff, man. Thanks.

[@happycowsfoo]

I really like these tutorials! could you do one for a steadicam?

[@chazztastic]

Awesome vid! Thanks!

[@THEREALNATETHEGREAT]

This was awesome. Has anyone in the comments tried it yet? I'm at Lowe's rn getting the stuff for it.

[@spacefdeviceweb]

Looks really cool. I wasactually thinking about roller blades, but this is much better. For minimizing damages in case of camera falls, it could be possible to have a rope. Even if it might still fall, it might also slow down the speed when it falls and limit damages. Just thought about that, may be there are better ideas to dig :-)

[@dcfcrams4ever]

Hey great video :) Just three questions - is it OK to use a gopro hd with it (with the tripod adaptor) and also can you do the project with all manual tools e.g. hand saws, maybe a dremel or something? Finally do you have any ideas as to what kind of motor I could put on the end to make it move for a GoPro HD timelapse (say I wanted it to last for an hour or so) Thanks for the great videos!

[@spyder000069]

You could just make a duplicate rail system and invert it leaving some space so that the wheels dont catch but so that it holds the wheels on the track. The top and bottom rails can be attached with T fittings.

[@Albert6451]

love you man , you are the best

[@ISRAADVISUALS]

after 7 yrs it is still worth it

[@ProofThatGodExists]

I noticed that too. Presently looking for narrower wheels.

[@ichanchandra1838]

good idea...nice job...bro

[@pistacik74]

great video

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Nice!

[@frugalfilmmaker]

@izaya35 I don't see why not!

[@SOLCUTTA]

Hello! Just want to say first that all your videos are awesome! I would like to know what would be a good way to mount this to a standard tripod that doesn't have a quick-connect? I have a very old, but good and sturdy tripod that just has the standard screw that you would screw in to the bottom of your camera. The screw comes out about an 1/8th of an inch from the plate. Would there be a way screw this in to the dolly that would be stable? Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

[@jacquesProduction]

Cool thing man! great vid. .like the way u presenting things :) Jacques

[@MrPilcher1]

Best I've seen

[@frugalfilmmaker]

@samwatson120 They come with the really long body.

[@CookingWithJohn-MKE]

Love your videos as I'm trying to improve my videoy

[@zuzkarory]

i like this and your tripod dolly too. 2 questions, do you have the track screwed directly onto tripod head? cuz my cheap tripod doesn't let me remove the head, its permanently on there. would i have to remove it for this design? also, how much would you charge for one of these? i'd really like to buy one from you. thanks for answering

[@eddiewitchcraft6574]

What size is the counter sink bit part. I bought a1/2 inch with a1/4 inch shaft, and the counter sink screw doesn't fit? thanks

[@cumanagoto]

Amazing!

[@glock2101]

I like this build, have you tried adding a string to either side of the trolly for angle shots so you could just pull and have it climb or release it to lower it at a steep angle?

[@frugalfilmmaker]

I have not tried that, though I think I'd rather hold on to the camera myself. Might have to look into this. Thanks!

[@glock2101]

Maybe some system like the training wheels on the jib... only scaled down to the correct size...

[@valkanadimova]

wicked video very informative, dude how old is that tv in the back rownd i want it !