How to Build the RotoRig - Camera Jib and Shoulder Rig in ONE!

RotoRig, its a camera jib and shoulder rig in one! Ultra portable, weighs between 4 to 5 lbs and will cost approximately $50 to build. Be sure to subscribe! Follow me on facebook, Twitter and Google+. Donate and help me help you! PayPal - bit.ly/JVXVxT
Facebook: www.facebook.co...
Google+: plus.google.co...
Twitter: / krotoflik
Website: www.krotoflik.com
"Audio file(s) provided by www.audiomicro.com"
A recent Q&A about building the RotoRig and things you might want to know:
• RotoRig Q & A - Monopo...
Optional Quick Release Adapters I Purchased: full.sc/T3vDY3
Drill Hole Diagram Download (Updated 1-26-2013): full.sc/WmuQBP
Tools Needed:
Strong Scissors, Needle nose pliers, Regular plies or channel locks, Phillips screw driver, Drill, 1/4 inch Drill bit, Smaller pilot drill bit, Larger Drill bit to remove burs, Electrical tape, Something to mark drill points with, and Eye and glove protection when drilling.
Parts: (The x before the number represents that many packages of said item)
1. Monopods - Targus Digital TG-MP6710 67-Inch x2 or almost any monopds = $19.98
www.walmart.com...
2. Flower Box Metal Wall Bracket (2-Pack) (Homedepot sku 277-870) x1 = $4.96
www.homedepot.c...
THE HOME DEPOT LINK LOOKS LIKE IT MIGHT BE DEAD..So here is a link to what looks like the same product: www.windowbox.c...
AND another link to DO IT BEST stores for currently $6.99 - Looks to be the same thing.
www.doitbest.co...
3. Small Designer Shelf Brackets (Menards Black sku 211-3630 single x2) or (homedepot White 2 pack sku 222-484 x1) = approx. $7
Bracket Size should be approx. "Dimensions: 6.5" H x 9.5" W x 1.63" D" Menards may have switched around the SKU's in your store or they labeled it wrong on there site, so make sure to get the bigger one. This link points to the correct size but just make sure to get the bigger of the two black brackets.
www.menards.com...
www.homedepot.c...
4. Ground clamps (Homedepot sku 621-708) x7 = $11
www.homedepot.c... (There seems to be a couple types of ground clamps with the same sku. Test to make sure a 1/4 20 bolt threads in properly at the store before purchasing which ever style you go with.) Updated 2-2-2013
5. 1/4" nylon washers 4 pack (Homedepot sku 595-058) x4 = $2.56
6. 1/4"-20 1" Round head Phillps bolts (Menards sku 233-8686) x3 = $2.46
(This Package comes with the 1/4" nuts. If you buy elsewhere make sure to purchase at least 12pcs of 1/4" 20 nuts.)
7. 12 lock nuts (Menards sku 232-9734) x1 = $.89
8. 2 fender washers (Menards sku 201-1194) x1 = $.49
9. 6 pack 1/4" wing nuts (Menards sku 233-9148) x1 = $.89
10. 1 inch x 6 ft pipe foam (homedepot sku 419-949) x1 = $1.28
11. Scrap material (I used neoprene from beer cooler)
12. Rubber non slip material (I used a scrap non-slip rubber dish mat)
If you saw something in the video I forgot to list let me know!
www.Menards.com
www.homedepot.com
www.amazon.com

[@raphdae2965]

F*cking A to open-source. Dude could easily patent it and get rich but instead he goes with sharing & caring for the community. Respect, my man. Respect.

[@raphdae2965]

***** Fair enough. Apologies for my complete ignorance. It is a good design - only flaw I can see is durability (cheap monopods will bend over time) and also if you're not based in the US it can be hard to get the required hardware pieces for that cheap (hard to believe I know).

[@RSBSTEADICAM]

Raph Dae I think there are numerous sections that could be easily upgraded to add durability. As to a Patent that would not be possible but a Copyright for sure.

[@RSBSTEADICAM]

***** What are you talking about? IP=Internet protocol. Protection is easy, just sue everyone! Getting Patents is also easy, protecting them is tough and expensive and only of value if you're making money on the Patent not just hording the paperwork. Don't debate minutiae it makes one look really stupid and very, very petty!

[@RSBSTEADICAM]

***** Well dear I have three patents and frankly it's a waste of time unless you travel worldwide to sue everyone to protect the Patent. I guess true knowledge come after you get more than one? Good luck

[@jshaw6600]

Thank you!! I have just finished building this one myself. I donated a little to show my appreciation. Now I'm just waiting for the quick release plates to use it. Actual Cost (after Cali tax): $80-$90 not including quick release plates. Everything was purchased from homedepot (no menards here). Tripods were $15 each in store at Walmart. On small addition I would make in shoulder rig mode is to add some extra foam to the right side tripod to level it on the shoulders so it is not leaning.

[@UncVee0X]

To be honest, this is the best one on KZbin and many can agree to that.

[@iknowsparticus]

Regarding your particular design, turn the quick release plate for the fluid head 90 degrees and use the head to tilt/pan. Tilt the head forward as the jib arm goes down, and tilt the head back as the jib arm goes up. This will allow you to keep your camera relatively level to the ground and/or keep your subject in frame. Love how you used the main telescoping arm to address torque without adding more weight to the jib itself. Brilliant.

[@AkersTimothy]

Well, I am just outside Lansing. It's just nice to see people from our state doing what we do, or try to. Keep up the good work!

[@jcaceresvelez]

I did mine but used the white brackets from Home Depot. The only thing I did not find in Home Depot was the nylon washer. I used plastic washers used to mount servers on racks. Keep on with the excellent work. Thanks Chad.

[@GeoffStrehlMusic]

Built one. Had to improvise some of the parts, but got it working. Thanks, Krotoflik! Problem is, I'm not a filmmaker. It just looked like a neat project. Now I want to get rid of it. If anyone is interested in throwing me some cash, I could hook you up haha.

[@scottm8285]

Not sure if you ever sold this, but if not let me know.

[@TheLimbReaper]

Thanks Chad. Those ground clamps just (maybe) solved a problem that was vexing me on a DIY.

[@kelvinalfonso21]

Tips: The two larger brackets connect to the monopods parallel but one has the short end on top while the other (this connects to your tripod/base) is below. The middle ground clamp is the most difficult one and will need to be adjusted to your liking. I kept it with that section slightly extended. I used tennis grip from Modell's instead of wrapping the handles with pipe foam and electrical tape twice. Still need to make some adjustments but thanks for this Chad!

[@MFCreativeSolutions]

I just finish building mine! I just need a better tripod and a quick release plate. I can still use my cheap tripod I just have to be extra careful and tighten it a bit more than usual. its perfect! Amazing Job Chad!

[@offrenbaruna]

just built one base on your idea and materials, I just felt in love with it, it is extremely portable and manoeuvrable, 5 stars, thanks for making this video !

[@mrg00dwrench]

Love this DIY. One alteration I made to my build is I used nice capped rubber BMX bicycle handles. Reason being is I noticed the foam had a tendency to slip, which is a little scary when you have a $5000 rig on board. This added about $30 to the build, but it was worth peace of mind.

[@yousuckh2o]

I made this 2 years ago using Sherlock paint poles. They work great because they don't twist plus they have 4 different lengths, 12 inches to 16 feet. They also work great for a dolly cam track. Nice video man...

[@ThomasEmmerich]

I just added up my receipts and I also spent around $80 in Southern CA. My monopods alone were $33 with tax. I didn't want to wait to find a better price. But this jib works great. I've never built something that worked so well and was so easy to build. Now if I could only learn how to use it right.

[@vinvin1715]

Thank you for putting up that link, it is very much appreciated. Saves trying to find them from the USA. Your generosity of help really is appreciated.

[@AllStater09]

So far the best, easiest, attractive, and minuscule DIY jib that I have seen! I really liked the idea of using it for other shots as well! Great build over all!

[@mikhuber]

The best tutorial on this planet and it makes my birthday today 10 times better *___*

[@MichaelLitty]

Best DIY jib design for DSLR/Light cameras that I've seen. Versatile and looks good, though there's a bit of room for improvement on the aesthetic side using bicycle grips and trimming some of the brackets. Well done.

[@elnenetravieso21]

finished my RotoRig and its AWSOME!!! people like it, i will be shooting a few music videos soon and this will add soo much production value to my work , thanks so much for the idea all-tho my jib came up to about $110 because i did not have a quick release kit for the jib/tripod attachment and it cost me $52 but is a pretty sturdy,i also used steel washers so its not as loose and a bolt for the camera but works great.I live in California everything's more expensive but i saved $ regardless.

[@EuroboostUSA]

Chad thanks for posting a proper DIY. Just finished my RRig and I will be testing it this weekend. Thanks for the parts list. To the point video, and un-annoying background music. Looking forward to many more!

[@FullbeamLights]

Great piece of kit. Really like the use of the monopods so the rig is portable without disassembly. The 'Ground Clamps' are called 'Munsen Rings' and can be purchased in a variety of sizes so instead of buying all in the size suitable for the largest diameter section of the monopods. I'm waiting for my cheap monopods to arrive, will measure the slim camera end (Qty 2), middle (Qty3) and think end (Qty2). I've made a video using a home made steadicam and cable cam so this will be just the trick.

[@VincentLeeFilms]

The best DIY rig on this planet.

[@tamimaloney]

I built one for my son. I ordered a lot of parts from Menards. The shelf brackets that came were the smaller ones even though I used the sku Chad provided. He explains some issues regarding parts in another video. I ended up getting correct size white brackets at local Home Depot and painting them black.

[@PageWrightMedia]

I have followed you builds for a while.. and this is the best looking one you have ever done man, congrats

[@frankmoon5826]

I was going to ask for a list of what you made this out of, but I guess you got that covered in the discription, I am planning on making something similiar to this, so this video is a big help, thanks.

[@TitusJ]

This should get a ridiculous amount of views. Seriously great work man.

[@JGDeRuvo]

That's your best build video yet, Chad. WELL DONE!

[@chathammagovtv]

Just made mine, thanks man. Ill be using it in some outdoor shoots over the next couple of weeks. Just camo taped the brackets looks sick, I just need a good nickname for it now.

[@samlee6941]

Dayum, man, that's the most professional looking DIY build that I've ever seen. Liked and subbed. Will try building that over here in Asia whenever I have the time...

[@JGDeRuvo]

I'm planning on building one, but since I'm in California, I'll have to collect the parts over time. Pricey!

[@SuperFredSa]

You, sir, are a genius! This will be my summer project!

[@kelvinalfonso21]

Another tip: Use some of the pipe foam for the monopods instead of adding tape to them. Cut the pipe foam so it fits within the "teeth" of the clamp and tape it up. It'll allow you to more freely move the clamps.

[@stephenfleming8030]

Probably the best DIY project for film I've seen. Rest assured though, that when you go Tonto with that scary collection of automatic weapons, and wipe out an entire cinema audience, Zachary Quinto will probably be cast to play you in the straight to video movie, in all probability shot with a DSLR on a Rotorig for the drama......and the irony of course.

[@aerocam2]

One of the best tutorials I've seen yet. I do hope you're eventually able to get someone on board to help you market your product. Very nice design and an excellent tutorial . Thanks for taking the time to share with those of us who may one day build, or buy one of your units. Much appreciated sir.

[@RBGEscuela]

Hi Chad. First, thanks a lot for your tut! I built it and I liked it soo much that I wanted my friends here in Spain to have it too. But not many people here speak English, so I made a Spanish version with the information about how to get everything here. I really hope that’s OK with you. I gave all the credit to you and put the links to your tutorial, of course.

[@plotcoalition]

Awesome! I am going to build one as soon as I can! I have tried alot of different crane ideas but trashed them all, but this one looks great!

[@GriffinOlis]

This is amazing. Thanks! I have it on my tripod dolly and its working great.

[@sjs2657g]

If you're in Home Depot getting parts, check out the hoses in the plumbing section instead of the pipe foam wrap. They sell the hoses by the foot which might be cheaper.

[@jayjay3696]

Took 2.5 hours to track down all parts in Chicago (besides the flower pot brackets and monopods which I ordered online) Went to 2 different Menards and 2 different Home Depots. The hardest item to find was the nylon washers. They were hidden in a drawer mixed in with the 3/8 washers. I followed the diagram exactly, drilling holes with a drill press and exact measurements. The holes ended up not lining up exact but I improvised in one area using an extra nut as a spacer to line up the holes. (this was on the flower bracket where it connects to the shelf bracket near where I attached a tripod release plate) I can confirm this will hold a sony nx5u. there is a slight wobble and sway from even the slightest jerky movement (you have to be extremely smooth) but the nx5u took it fine with image stabilization on and the arms fully extended. The closer the objects are, the more you will notice it. Also, I used the cheapest monopods I could find. Vivitar 67".. So far, Im very happy with this. WIll need to see how it handles outside in the wind but still WAY worth the time and close to $50 to build this. Thank you Krotoflik!!!!

[@BangAndShootTV]

Jason Hicks Can you please help me track down the shelf brackets, Home Depot doesn't seem to have them in texas, unless i'm looking wrong. They tell me nothing comes up for this skew.

[@brandonshootsvideoproducti5714]

+Jason Hicks thanks for sharing your experience building this

[@JustinWomackMusic]

Also, I recommend using a wrench rather than a pair of pliers or Vise-Grips for the tightening of the nuts. Using the right tool for the job always makes the job easier.

[@mettisproductions]

This is awesome! good job! i've spent days walking around differend hardware stores in finland looking for the best parts to build up similar rig with your instructions but still haven't found suitable parts.. but i will!

[@krotoflik]

Thanks! I hope it works out well for you.

[@djkaneck1]

Never thought about monopods...good job.

[@BikuDAA]

WoW, this is simply awesome!!!! I will start making one soon and will come back to donate you for such a deserving work!!! Thanks much.

[@GaelLevelComments]

Best diy ever ! Chad is a GENIUS !!!

[@dondecaire6534]

Nicely thought out! Great DIY project, THIS has made my Christmas list and Spring project list!

[@MelbourneShorts11]

Mate great work! make it happen you will have loads of guys wanting one!!!!

[@Mulletmanalive]

Technically, you're looking for "pipe clamps," they can be had on Ebay. They support weight pretty well with iron pipes in public bathrooms, so they should work. My issue is actually that the cast iron shelving struts I found were too difficult to drill accurately with the tools i have. I've been looking for some of those bike rack things ever since.

[@KyleAckerProductions]

Sweet rig, but here is an idea to get more height on your jib movements. Move the clamps for the pivot bracket onto the same section as the weight bracket. This would give you more forward height. Not sure if the monopods could handle a heavy camera doing that but just a thought.

[@MrJedijunkie]

great tutorial, I now have a project to work on. Thanks.

[@JustinWomackMusic]

If you want they also make a half-threaded 1/4" bolt that would also work for the quick release plate so you don't have to grind one down.

[@ThomasEmmerich]

I turned my plate 90 degrees. It is still sturdy enough and I can tilt the camera with the fluid head. You need a fairly good fluid head for this to work well because it is quite a bit more weight than a camera alone. Mine's not that great (Velbon DV-7000) but it works well enough.

[@nickspellicy323]

This is genius. Wish I lived in America - these parts are harder to find in Australia as cheap as they are over there, and then when I get them, the dimensions probably won't be the same!

[@CoffeePoweredMedia]

I might have to try this. Thanks for the DIY!

[@ThomasEmmerich]

I forgot to say thanks to krotoflik. I'm still amazed at how you came up with this design using random parts from a home center. How long did it take you? I spent more than two hours just buying the parts already knowing SKU numbers etc.

[@AquariusStarchild]

Im building one tonight! slick looking rig.

[@kaoskode]

Thank you for sharing this with us the fact I already own 1 of the exact same mono pods just made it sweeter and I just ordered another one. You have a good imagination my friend keep it up. I really liked you Strength of one demo and am looking forward to see the completed project I am finally this summer about to record my first attempt at a short movie and this project will be used to make it so thank you again I am now a subscriber and fan.

[@Mulletmanalive]

UK folks, I've found some pretty good brackets to substitute for the ones Chad uses here; search for TIMOTHY WOOD SHELVING BRACKETS on ebay uk. Fluted steel brackets and as the things have two holes in them already, should be able to use them directly with minimal drilling. You can also search for JUBILEE CLAMPS, which are pipe wall mounting clamps similar to these ground clamps, but you'll want to measure your monopod segments first as they are circular, not ellipse shaped Thanks again Chad

[@godrock00]

This is just brilliant! I will build one! Thanks a lot!

[@KalikAP01]

Wow. I've more or less moved away from DIY rigs, but have been looking for a really good DIY jib (because regular ones cost too damn much :P). I think this one is it. Damn. Easy to build, professional looking, awesome test film (very nicely shot). Well done. You have the potential to be the next great KZbin DIY-ers. I've looked at some of your other stuff, and you've got a real knack for intuitive designs. Okay, compliment-rant over :)

[@AlokeshBagchi]

Real Great Brother.. you would make another Go Pro one day.. Great.

[@JaredMorganDigital]

To clarify, the shelf brackets that Chad uses are the same as the ones he links to, though it may not look like it. The reason the pictures of the brackets look smoother than the ones he uses in the video is because there's a plastic covering to hide the bracket when using it with a decorative shelf. Hope that helps. It confused me too.

[@ocukor1]

Pretty smart rig, thanx for sharing. I would like to see it in action though.

[@antonshvets]

Hey man, I made one for a while, It was good for a while, but the constant re tightening / adjusting I had to do time wise was not worth it. I think this video was done extremely well and your dialect is extremely proficient and coherent, the ending product however is not built to last. My advice to anyone trying this, to use better monopods, and get specialized bolts. This will run up your costs, but it will make the rig ALOT more sturdy.

[@Pablokrisspin]

Exelente !! Buen trabajo Good job man!! from Dominican Republic

[@jvpuckett1214]

Nicely done Chad, keep up the good work!

[@krotoflik]

That is awesome to hear! Thanks for sharing and hope it brings you more wedding shoots :D.

[@krotoflik]

Yeah, getting the right parts from different parts of the world will be tough. But I have heard people from the UK finding some of the parts from UK websites. I would browse these comments and see if you spot a link to some. Thanks!

[@TheDoggeVids]

Great, great job mate! I have to build one myself, thanks for sharing this!

[@pnd4christ]

Great job Chad

[@johndeggendorf7826]

That is some very smart stuff. Thanks. Gotta check your other videos.

[@NecroKnight88]

All you should need to do is drill a center hole for the bolt (using nuts as spacers) to hold the pulley and handle at the center bracket. You would need a fifth bracket that mounts to the second pulley and holds the camera, then do the same thing to the front bracket as you did to the center (making sure they are aligned). I haven't built this - yet - but in theory it should work. That's just a theory though.

[@RandoVideoFootage]

Thanks! I picked up a Giottos MH621 M621 Quick Release Assembly as well on sale. ($15.00) for my t4i DSLR. slowly building my gear :) only git lens however! (canon 18 - 55mm kit lens i believe) :) thanks for all you do to help us!

[@blackmanbeond]

this is genius thanks for sharing your spin on a cool invention youll make a film maker out of me yet lol i appreciate you Chad B

[@SongstaForLife]

Awesome build! I don't know if anyone has mentioned this yet, but how about using double L-shaped flash brackets as a possible substitute for the wall/shelf brackets? They have predrilled holes, some rubber padding, and also come with 1/4" 20tpi half-threaded knobs. I have a few extra lying around, so I may try to build a jib with them and see how it turns out.

[@DickGraysn]

for attaching the camera to the rig... I have a Canon Vixia HF M40 and most quick release plates cover the battery release. Going to try the Sima Quickconnect , since the plate is smaller, to see if I can remove the battery with out having to remove the quick release plate everytime.

[@chriskocon]

Dat music doe! Creepy! Good work!

[@ThomasEmmerich]

Thank you Francesco Russo!

[@fusion-music]

This is a brilliant design, but I would note a few points. The Max Weight will be what ever the weakest point is. If the bracket holding the camera is flimsy, this will determine Max Weight. If it is strong, then the legs may determine Max Weight capacity. You may get a heavier camera to work on it if you don't extend the arms to full length. You may also make it stronger by reversing the legs so that the camera is on the more wider (solid) legs. If you try a camera on it and the shot is pulsing up and down slightly, the camera is too heavy or the arms are extended to far for the particular camera. I would say even a small amount crane motion with this would be very worthwhile and not a waste of money trying. Well done.

[@c0pyimitati0n]

You forgot to mention the 1/4" washers you used for the quick releases and the weights. Now I gotta run back to Home Depot. Grrrrrrr! Just kidding. Can't wait to finish this build!

[@jsaurman]

Nicu: The ground clamp is normally used to attach an electrical grounding wire (earth wire) to a water pipe for the safety of a household electrical system. If there is a fault in the electrical system, then the electricity will travel to a ground wire attached to the ground clamp on the water pipe and from there safely into the earth. It is designed to make a secure metal to metal grip on the water pipe without drilling into the water pipe. Contact any good Electrical parts supply store.

[@jshaw6600]

You're welcome. Also, you should post this on Instructables!!! You'd get a lot of hits.

[@willosigian4481]

Are you able to modify it so that it is a slider as well??? That'd be AMAZING!!!

[@JamieHines]

Do you have any videos of this design being used to show us its functionality and proper use? Great video and I love these DIY projects. I'm not that handy but one day I need to try one.

[@STGshenanigans]

Wow, this is incredible!

[@c0pyimitati0n]

Finished the rig. Unfortunately my tripod sucks too bad to use it but its a great build! Thanks for making this. I am just curious on how your brain came up with all these random parts to makes such an awesome piece of equipment.

[@dq7133]

Radioshack used to sell the Targus monopod for $9.99. I don't see it listed online, but might be worth checking out your local store....

[@hellaBayAr3a]

Omg, I wish I had come across this sooner

[@nfx1138]

Absolutely brilliant! Thank you!

[@tommcdonald1827]

Spectacular! Thanks for the tutorial.

[@3star2nr]

great design but you should double capture (I.e) use a plate on both sides of the monopods for better stability and strength

[@geoffreymee7671]

you're an Ace man, thx

[@noahorlowski3328]

WOW! take a gander at that!

[@BackyardVFX]

You sir are a genius!

[@oilswoodhome]

Very good tutorial. Thank you

[@Mulletmanalive]

I've been in contact with Tizaro about whether those clamps are solid zinc [and thus fragile as all hell] or BZP but they've not gotten back to me. The UK equivalent part is called a Jubilee Clamp and can be had from most plumbing retailers, though you'll have to get specific sizes closer to the monopod sections you're working with as they're circular.

[@ryancartier8001]

Thank you very much, it was confusing the hell out of me.

[@breedogg60]

V-awesome the best so far on u-tube

[@poshpol]

Amazing walk-through for an amazing invention! However, please revisit your choice in music! It makes one feel super uneasy!

[@Riffman42]

You should add regular 1/4" washers to your parts list.