Got an idea last night and built it today. (test footage loading on vimeo as I type)

I wanted to make a slider and was reviewing the forums for ideas. Here is my prototype.
I went "outside of the box."

Footage was shot with my XHA1 sitting on top of my matthews M25 tripod.

DIY SLIDER TEST FOOTAGE on Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/2958395)

Enjoy! Comments welcome.

Michael

Michael...

terrific idea and great results. I think I may follow your lead here !

Thanks for sharing !

Chris

Chris,

I have a shopping list and additional video with constructon notes...email me if you want me to send you a link. I know of two other folks who are building one.

Michael.

Mike,

A very fine idea I may adapt. I have been looking for a slider to put my xlh1 on for using a macro lens that can give you 5x real size.

This could be adapted by placing a back and a lead screw to it so you can manually adjust it because at 5x you move the camera for focus.

Using it as a slider is pretty nice, however I noticed that on your footage it is a bit bumpy at times. I wonder if you got higher profile runners if it would be smoother. Or does it get that way when you are approaching fully extended?

I am going to take off with your idea and do a little building!!

Hi Dale,

Thanks for commenting.

The footage was taken just minutes after it was put together.

From a "birds eye" view of it. The slider is rated for 100lbs, if I remember correctly. There is zero movement up and down even at full extension, however there is a "quiver" left and right(like an arrow hitting a target). I think that can be eliminated having the top piece the full length of the assembly. The only other issue is that sometimes there is a drag when one slider stops and the extension takes over...the slower you go the harder it is to compensate. Some practice runs before hitting the record button helps a lot.

Another guy made one and modified the top. He did a shoot with it the following week and he said he got some great shots with it. I have not received a critique of its performance from him yet. He is to send me some footage.

I would love to see your project when you are finished!

Here is the link to a video I made that contains the shopping list and construction notes:
This is a password protected video on Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/2975350)
password: sadie

All parts from Lowes.
Thanks for commenting. Happy building.

Michael

under $60 slider track dolly check it out

'Mitchell Slider' $60 DIY SLIDER on Vimeo

Sean this idea is fantastic! I was just about to make a post asking if anyone had done a shoulder mount using copper, since it seemed to be as strong as aluminum (Type L copper at least), and this is a great idea as well! I wonder if it would save even more money and be just as strong to transition to PVC for everything but the rails. And possibly use pullies on the carriage. I think I will put together some plans for a slider like this. Thanks for the great idea!