Problems with your slider? - Custom build

[Paul Elertson]

Hello DV info!

I am lucky enough to know a local shop that is good with fabrications and I plan to build my own slider. But first I want some help from you.

I don't care which slider you have, but I want to know, what problems do you have with your slider? What features does it lack? What would you change? What length do you prefer?

So far my requirements are:
smooth sliding(obviously)
no-noise
adjustable & removable legs
versatile & quick to use

Suggestions & Ideas appreciated!

[Dylan Couper]

For a list of good things to have in a slider, read this review of an Atlas 10:
Cinevate Atlas 10 slider review FilmGearTorture

And for what not to have....
Igus Slider – Proiam version review FilmGearTorture

[Paul Elertson]

Thanks for the links Dylan.

I've read that over 40" seems a bit too much to keep a steady pace sliding. Any recommendations on length?

[Dylan Couper]

Paul, I think 36" is the best overall length, but 32" is great if you're travelling as it'll fit in most checked bags sideways.

[Paul Elertson]

travels not too important for me. Most of the time it will just travel by car, not plane.

I'm thinking 36 is what I will go with.

[Buba Kastorski]

Hey Paul,
as a very good example you can take a look at Kessler pocket dolly.
and when you'll build your 32" smooth sliding, quiet, light and less expensive than major brands slider, please let me know,
I'll order two.

[Paul Elertson]

Originally Posted by Buba Kastorski

Hey Paul,
as a very good example you can take a look at Kessler pocket dolly.
and when you'll build your 32" smooth sliding, quiet, light and less expensive than major brands slider, please let me know,
I'll order two.

Thanks for the link. I am by no means "re-inventing the market." Just wanted to get something better than the $150 sliders on ebay and not pay $500.

Also its a local shop doing the work, good for economy :).

I'll post pics when available.

Ordered the Velbon Fluid Panhead 2-way adjustable attachment ($50), everything else will be made by the shop.

[Paul Elertson]

Just got my custom slider!

http://www.boostedfilms.com/joomla/images/img_0600.jpg

http://www.boostedfilms.com/joomla/images/img_0602.jpg

http://www.boostedfilms.com/joomla/images/img_0603.jpg

http://www.boostedfilms.com/joomla/images/img_0608.jpg

First time using this slider... well actually first time ever using a slider.

VPT slider test on Vimeo

[Mark Wheelan]

Looks good. Light and pretty solid I bet.

[Ron Little]

Where did you find the wheels?

[Gerald OConnor]

Pics and video look nice. Is it as quite and smooth as you wanted. How much will they be. If priced right would like to buy one. great job

[Paul Elertson]

Originally Posted by Ron Little

Where did you find the wheels?

I'd did not make the slider, I had a local shop do it for me and I'm willing to bet he machined the wheels himself.

Originally Posted by Mark Wheelan

Looks good. Light and pretty solid I bet.

Really light, all aluminum except a few bolts(that are stainless steel). Plenty solid too.

Originally Posted by Gerald OConnor

Pics and video look nice. Is it as quite and smooth as you wanted. How much will they be. If priced right would like to buy one. great job

Thanks. So far everything seems great for what I want, but I will be doing more testing.

This was the first one created from the shop, and i'm talking with the person who made it to see if he is interested in making more.

[Paul Elertson]

apart for travel.

http://www.boostedfilms.com/joomla/images/img_0611.jpg

[Paul Elertson]

used it in the opening shot of this video.

EVO Sets New Track Record - Andy Smedegard - BlackHawk Farms - YouTube

[Mark Watson]

Good job! Very simple and effiecient design. If you strike a deal with your manufacturer, count me in for one, no make that two, so I can give one to Philip Bloom, It'd be worth it to have him do a proper & unbiased review.

Mark