DIY Steadicam -The handle assembly

[@GregAllen2]

Nice video! I have been trying to design a stabilizer that looks store purchased and most of it is simple enough with nice materials such as carbon and aluminum. The handle and gimbal is where I have been running into issues. I am already using the local machine shop to laser cut parts but I want to keep the price down a bit. What I have read is that if the gimbal shaft is not perpendicular to the base plate you will have issues with performance. Thanks for the bearing inside the bearing tip!!!!

[@slambo239]

@germang2 Thank you. I actually just finished it last night. I am extremely happy with the way it turned out. It took some time to balance but it can pass the "one second drop test" and does not pendelum after moving hand in any of the 3 dimensions. I am hoping to have video posted within next couple days.

[@slambo239]

@MrBpetnoi1 Great idea for the panning. Without seeing your actual set-up in mind, just make sure you have clearance around the gimble/tube assembly so the arm assembly can be turned sideways around 45 degrees or better. The reason for this is so you dont knock it off balance accidently by your hand turning past a certain angle. Also helps to have that clearance to do your "drop test". 1+ seconds for the arm to go from horizontal and swing past the resting 180 degree mark.

[@PrinceTian]

this is what allows all people to advance and problem solve. thanks for your tut, appreciated.

[@slambo239]

Thanks for the kind words. It was fun to build. A pain to balance without high tech knobs and such but it worked great. I have actually graduated to buying a real one in the Glidecam HD4000. Gave my friend my original. Still proud of my build though:) I owe a great deal of thanks to Kip Carver with The Reality Shoppe for his help making the baseplate.

[@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.

[@sunnydave812]

THE BEST IDEA/DESIGN ON THE NET!!! AWESOME!! GREAT WORK!!

[@slambo239]

@973Ronald Plus, honestly...there are many real manufactured steadicams on the market now and some are pretty good looking at a price that is less expensive than what I would have to charge you. Take the time to investigate what you want. You may find something you like that a company already makes. Thanks again for your interest though. It was a long process but personally i had fun doing it and the satisfaction of making it is pretty nice.

[@slambo239]

@smiley4284 i know the feeling as i thought the same thing when i got started. But i can tell you it was pretty rewarding making this and it really isnt that hard. The most difficult thing is just finding the bearings and U-joint on ebay. And that really isnt that big of a deal either. I have all the parts i used listed....just follow the list and video and collect the stuff. Good luck.

[@ericacosta1337]

" i cant afford it " thats a word that makes me watch this DIY tutorial...nice tutorial

[@ResolUloseR]

The tinkerer in me really appreciates your efforts in making this entire frame. Any chance I can get a parts listing of the actual items you used?

[@matthewjamesroberts]

I love the detail. Thanks!

[@slambo239]

@tlcoolio You would be surprised by what persistance can do. I was just stubborn enough that i wanted to make this and i knew i could come up with something that would work. Not nearly as good as it turned out but i would have been happy with just a workable steadicam made out of PVC. The handle and the u-joint/bearing assembly is THE most important part and could be adapted to anything you can make your brain come up with.

[@slambo239]

@thoughtgrenades without seeing what kind of system you built, it is tough to say what is causing the sway. My first inclination is to say it may be too bottom heavy. If it sways when you start to move forward(the tail swings back), then the tail is too heavy and cannot catch up with the movement you just gave it. Same with when you stop that the tail swings forward because of the kinetic energy it has. Do your "one second drop test". If not a good full second then it is too bottom heavy.

[@edgerunnerproduction]

@Doc02864 The "rollerblade/skate" variety is not industrial and smooth enough. The one I used is way more industrial strength which means less friction with weight on it. And it has better quality bearings and seals. The U joint is absolutely strong and big enough. I have been using it and it works great. It also has the most range I have found and it is all metal as opposed to some plastic ones....which will eventually show signs of wear.

[@megaprintv]

voce me ajudou pakas cara, estava procurando descobrir como fazer este treco, xD vlwww

[@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.

[@TimCooldotcom]

Hey! I give up. I'm listing my parts (some of which you mention in your video) on eBay. Search for "DIY Steadicam, Stabilizer, What Have You Parts," and get a good deal and fast shipping on what you need! Great job. You inspired me but I just don't have the time or equipment. I'm sticking with a tripod and fluid head.

[@Doc02864]

May I ask why you didnt like the rollerblade bearing? I will follow your advice and stick with the 6300-2RS but was curious. Also, is the U joint big enough? I found them online before seeing them here but still was unsure of their strength. Many thanks.

[@slambo239]

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

[@slambo239]

@973Ronald I hope ALL read this. I greatly appreciate the freat feedback and desire to own a model like the one i made. However, before you ask me to sell you one...please take the time to read ALL the other comments requesting the same. It is not condusive to make and sell this exact model. Think about it...the arm assembly is from a boom mic stand. These are not laying around anywhere where it is cheap to buy and resell as just a part. Yes you can make one yourself. The parts are listed.

[@indiegun]

Excellent video! A quick question - I searched for '6 x 10 x 3 flanged bearing sealed' on Ebay as you suggested. Only 2 results seemed close. Both are from 'Hobby-Smart' in Hong Kong and have stock pictures of a lot of different bearings rather than just the little one you used. Is this the vendor you ordered from? If so - did you choose 'metal sealed' or 'rubber sealed'? Thanks so much!

[@bestamerica]

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

[@Yesletsjess]

Is there more to the parts listing than what's in the description? Can all of this be purchased off ebay, hardware store, or hobby store?

[@slambo239]

that all looks great...wish I could read it:)

[@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

[@dinocampanella8034]

Slambo Bravo! Vor einigen Jahren baute ich ein Steadicam mit derselben Politik, sondern die Vereinfachung der mechanischen Teile: Ich klebte das obere Lager der Kardanring in einem Kunststoff-Flasche Mineralwasser, welche dann einfach Schrauben in seine Mütze dh fest mit dem Träger des Raumes. Ich fing das untere Lager in den Hals wie ein Fingerhut Flasche Mineralwasser, als Griff. Hallo

[@mickeyodea]

Shoulder rigs almost always sell without 'fluid handles' and the result is amateur shaky video - a rig that holds our 'stuff' on our shoulder and nothing more. I'll be making my own fluid handles with the help of your video and others. Hopefully it helps steady my rig shots enough that I don't have to use a flycam all the time. I can't fit all my equipment or matte box on a flycam. We'll see. Thank you.

[@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.

[@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

[@edgerunnerproduction]

@megaprintv WOW....That sounds great but I don't understand a word you wrote. I only know English.

[@dinasayip]

hey buddy where i can buy a universal joient? (u joieny) i dont get any thing like that . where should i can get it . and where it is using usually ?

[@bestamerica]

slambo239, ' that is cooool idea

[@MsKandahar]

Newbie here, Why do you need the bolbering?

[@slambo239]

@thoughtgrenades I think as much money as i put into this with all the parts and stuff i bought....most that i didnt even use...i couldnt ask enough for it. At least the hard part is over.

[@nemamaitap3759]

whAT kind of camera are you use Mate ?

[@slambo239]

I wish I could understand what you wrote

[@ClydeGonzales]

If u build me one, how much would u charge me?

[@973Ronald]

yea hey can 9i buy one from you i cant make it can you make it and ill pay for what u had to pay for or 20 bucks more

[@merkleymerkley]

id = inner diameter. od = outer diameter. why on earth do people make diy videos presumably for beginners and then launch into acronyms rather than just being clear and using WORDS!?

[@ahmetkara8379]

76ıl

[@CryptidHunter_official]

Good video bro, but you love to talk. lol thank for the idea tho.

[@edgerunnerproduction]

Thanks. First ever DYI video. Hard to condense everything with so much information. And understanding HOW it works is key to building one yourself.

[@CryptidHunter_official]

I am a bog FIY type of fella myself. Good vid.

[@magic1swizerland]

Du könntest auch mal englisch lernen oder? How does it feel ... hä???

[@magic1swizerland]

Google Translator :)

[@hassanglicdevil5542]

Stop talk just doit

[@slambo239]

Skip what you don't want to watch. Either that or make your own video on how to do it.

[@directtalk1]

Dude...way too complicated. Guys on YT are making far simpler versions that do 'exactly' the same job and on a fraction of the budget. Check 'How to Make a Steadycam' the video was made by pinokiyo. Check the results out and he made it in about an hour when he had all the (much cheaper) bits.!

[@ambyg5756]

boring

[@edgerunnerproduction]

Amby G So where are your DIY videos? Oh...you don’t have any. Was this over your head? Do you need big pictures and little words? This had to do with physics so maybe you need to look at videos that talk about something simpler like favorite cereal.