Glad you've put it together at last, BUT, - you have to make end stops for it!!!

You are so right Robin! Right now, I have four pieces of rubber bands, two at either end, "stopping" the camera from sliding off :)

BTW, I plan on changing tripod heads, and only have owned a Libec. I use the Manfrotto legs (as seen in the pics), but want to know if Manfrotto/Bogen heads screw on the carriage truck easily. (My Libec H22 has a 2 inch long bolt that will not screw onto the carriage.) I was checking out the 701HDV head as they're inexpensive (but probably won't support the weight of an XL2); but I may need to get the 501HDV head instead? Or do you think your Velbon can support the weight?

Best,

Jeff,
Funny you should mention the 701 head, since I took delivery of it last week!
It's very good for the price, and I am now using it on the Velbon legs for the little Canon HF10. The Velbon head is now on the slider - and I have a Manfrotto 75mm half-ball permanently screwed onto the slider. This lets me put it straight onto the 525 legs (still with me?) and makes it very easy to level the whole thing.
I'm keeping the 503 head available for use on the 525 legs only. Everything has now got a Manfrotto plate or adapter fitted (even the Velbon) so everything is quickly interchangeable.
As for your questions, The Manfrotto heads have a 3/8ths hole, so depending on what screw you have on the carriage plate, you may need an adapter.
As for the question about weight, I've used my FX1 on the Velbon head, but it doesn't balance very well, so I guess that it would be the same for your XL1.

Jeff,
Funny you should mention the 701 head, since I took delivery of it last week!
It's very good for the price, and I am now using it on the Velbon legs for the little Canon HF10. The Velbon head is now on the slider - and I have a Manfrotto 75mm half-ball permanently screwed onto the slider. This lets me put it straight onto the 525 legs (still with me?) and makes it very easy to level the whole thing.
I'm keeping the 503 head available for use on the 525 legs only. Everything has now got a Manfrotto plate or adapter fitted (even the Velbon) so everything is quickly interchangeable.
As for your questions, The Manfrotto heads have a 3/8ths hole, so depending on what screw you have on the carriage plate, you may need an adapter.
As for the question about weight, I've used my FX1 on the Velbon head, but it doesn't balance very well, so I guess that it would be the same for your XL1.

I'm kinda thinking of the same setup (unless I'm visualizing something completely different :)--which is to have the dolly track mounted on a tripod and fluid head, then mount another fluid head on the carriage. Hmmm...I'm also thinking I'm going to kindly request for photos of you current setup :)

The current legs I'm using is an old Bogen photog tripod (# 3221), which is strong enough for the dolly/carriage/HV30 setup; but wobbly (and heart stopping) with the extra added weight of the XL2. I have a Libec (75mm bowl) tripod that I'd like to use, but would need an adapter to screw onto the dolly track. Can you recommend one?

Best,

Jeff,
I'm thinking that you one pan/tilt head too many in the equasion :-)
If you use the Libec legs with a 75mm bowl, then you could attach the slider to this:
Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging | 520BALL 75mm Half Ball | 520BALL (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&sku=553993&Q=&is=REG&A=details)

You can keep the top flat part permanently on the slider by screwing it into a large 3/8" nut - and then drop the ball part into the bowl and level it and tighten. Easy!

That's exactly what I'm looking for! Thanks Robin for that link.

Might have to consider the 501HDV head to screw onto the carriage, to support the weight of the XL2.

Best,

I located pretty much the same rails and carriage here in Australia if anyone is interested.
For a 36" rail and 100mm (sorry about cross measurements) carriage, the cost is around AUSD$370. They are available from Treotham - Treotham Automation (http://www.treotham.com.au) in Brookvale. Tel: 02-9907 1788

Hi Folks,

Just an update: went ahead and ordered from Igus today.

Really wanted the Pocket Dolly from Kessler, but couldn't scrape enough pennies for it.

Will need the assistance of my father in law to jimmy up the dolly to the tripod.

I'll try and post back when I get the delivery, and have the dolly setup.

Best,

Looks very good, but how much did you end up spending?

Hi Stefan,

I think I ended up paying something like $158 (US dollars, including the shipping) for the dolly and carriage parts. (Then maybe a few more extra dollars for wing nuts and some bolts :)

I've put my DIY dolly on the shelf for a bit cause we've been in post mode the last month or so.

Hope to post up some footage with the dolly in action soon.

Best,

Hi Stefan,

I think I ended up paying something like $158 (US dollars, including the shipping) for the dolly and carriage parts. (Then maybe a few more extra dollars for wing nuts and some bolts :)

I've put my DIY dolly on the shelf for a bit cause we've been in post mode the last month or so.

Hope to post up some footage with the dolly in action soon.

Best,
Thanks for the update

A few weeks ago, before I read this topic, I happen to run into the Igus rail + slider via a Dutch website and ordered 1.5 mtr. With that I build my own glidetrack. Now I see this topic and thought: I might as well share my findings.
The first (without head) and second (with head) test results can be seen on Vimeo (here (http://www.vimeo.com/5782504) and here (http://www.vimeo.com/5807532)). I discovered that smooth gliding is something you have to learn and doesn't come by itself. And after a long doubt I rubbed some olive oil to the rails with made it slide like a charm. I now can give the slider a push at one end and it slides 1.5 mtr to the end by itself. And for a simple straight slide I now use a small rubber band with wich I pull the slider (as low as possible).
But I did not succeed yet in sliding and using the head at the same time. I thought that would make it possible to "curve" around the subject. But that needs a lot more practicing I'm afraid. On the fotos is the first setup I tried. In the meantime I bought myself a new Manfrotto tripod with a new head and screwed a few QR adapters here and there so now everything is quick interchangeable. Next to test is with the XHA1 instead of the HV30.

Thanks Robin for posting this, I ordered the rail and carriage parts from Igus they have a warehouse or factory in Oregon. I have two light weight tripods Im going to see if they work with this, and I ordered a Heavy Duty 3-way Tripod Head to mount somehow on the carriage. I dont have any of the parts yet and i have no idea how i will put it together any suggestions would be appreciated. Did anyone come up with something like the black plastic or rubber feet on each end of the glidecam? and what about stops so the camera doesnt fall off the end of the rail? really looks like when im done im saving $100 USD hope its worth it.

Jeff, I checked on the Igus.co.uk site and there was a slight difference with the prefix letters.
This is a correction:

The rails are:
“drylin W” double rail parts # WS-16-60, 1000 16mm dia, 60mm wide, and 1000mm long.
You can order up to 4000mm long rail.

The carriage that runs on the rails is:
“drylin W” carriage part# “WK-16-60-10-01, 100”
16mm dia 60mm wide and 100mm square

It's quite easy to order - there is a dialogue box where you choose the dimensions and then click "next" to go to the next parameters.

I actually spoke to someone in the UK as well, so I'm sure that you could do the same with your local supplier.

Joe,

If you go to this web address you will find a complete detailed set of instructions for putting you DIY slider using ingus parts together. I put mine together recently - easy. Took about 30 min.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=145701

Best,

Mike

Sorry, I started this thread and stopped checking it.

The best way to order the parts is to CALL them. They're friendly and competent. As has been stated, the Igus website is daunting.

The parts are made in Germany, and everyone knows the Germans make great stuff. This materials are bulletproof and rock solid. The heaviest cam I've used on it is a JVC HD100 with heavy duty battery and a Firestore and it's still solid. That's in the pics in the original post.

Because is so solid and heavy and well machined, you have to be careful moving it, any tilt beyond horizontal and the carriage takes off like stray canon ball on Galleon deck. For that reason, I put stoppers on each end to keep the carriage from sliding completely off. This is especially wise for mishaps occurring when the camera is STILL attached to the carriage! Been there, almost done that. I just tapped each end of the rail and threaded a couple of 3/8 hex bolts.

Another smart thing is to put a monopod, mic boom or something on both ends of the rail, so the whole rig won't tip when you slide to the edges. And while you're at it, sand bag the tripod.

They're easy to use, even your first attempt will look good, not like learning to fly a Stedicam for example.

One thing no one seems to know about yet is the limitation on rail length, I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't work perfectly on a two meter rail for example.

For pushes, you might consider an extension so the camera won't pick up the rail in frame. Something like this: Filmtools 4" Riser (http://www.filmtools.com/filmtools-extension-riser-4-n1503a.html)

Anyone every tried shortening their Igus bar? Mine is 39", I'd like to take a foot off or so.

Robin, loved the videos, and all the info.

I have just done a DIY using an old enlarger stand, about 30 inches long, works like a charm.

Thanks again.

I ordered a Filmtools extension riser for 25 bucks. They are beautifully made and work very well for pushes. Be advised you may need a $2 bushing to adapt the smaller tripod head as the riser has 3/8" threads.

I was going to shorten my 39" Igus slider to make it more portable. However now that I know you can easily use the Igus + DSLR as a mini jib, I think I'll keep it at 39". This jib set up is brilliant. Dunno why I never thought of it.

Canon 7D is so light you don't need counter weights.

Photo attached.

Nice! (More photos if possible) What head is that?

the big head is a Bogen 501, the head on the slider is a Slik -- a light inexpensive one, doesn't even have a model number on it.

so, would this be viable with a larger cam (xh-a1)?

Looking at the Slider track that Brian is using and the camera, do you think this track be would be strong enough and give enough stability for a Sony PMW-EX3 camera?

I see you can get wider tracks and carriages but the weight goes up considerably and cost too I guess.

this is what I use for both EX1 and 5D
with ingus rails being so inexpensive, I have three of them, 20" 40" and 60", but I rarely use 40" and 60" cuz for those I need 2 tripods;
20" is great on a single tripod, it's long enough for 3-4 sec. shot, and Manfrotto 322RC2 is strong ehough even for EX1 abd BP U60,
It is not as smooth as Cinevate's pegasus, and takes a bit more practice (like 5 minutes :) but it's lighter, smaller and much less expensive :)

Looking at the Slider track that Brian is using and the camera, do you think this track be would be strong enough and give enough stability for a Sony PMW-EX3 camera?

I see you can get wider tracks and carriages but the weight goes up considerably and cost too I guess.

Yes, I owned the EX3 and used this slider with it.

One point that can't be emphasized enough, the materials her are extremely robust.

Thanks for your feed back, I think I will go ahead and order a length of track and carriage. Will get the 150 mm long carriage.

Will give some feed back after a test run.

Thanks.

this is what I use for both EX1 and 5D
with ingus rails being so inexpensive, I have three of them, 20" 40" and 60", but I rarely use 40" and 60" cuz for those I need 2 tripods;
20" is great on a single tripod, it's long enough for 3-4 sec. shot, and Manfrotto 322RC2 is strong ehough even for EX1 abd BP U60,
It is not as smooth as Cinevate's pegasus, and takes a bit more practice (like 5 minutes :) but it's lighter, smaller and much less expensive :)

Looks great! Do have some sort of brake on your carriage? Looks different from mine.

Looks great! Do have some sort of brake on your carriage? Looks different from mine.

yeah, i do, it is nice to have a brakes;
I super glued long nut with the bolt to the platform, one turn and it's not moving anywhere

So guys, u know convicted me to buy the pieces @igus. My idea is to buy 1 meter, my gear:
sony fx1, ares 2 tripod and cartoni focus.
So i should buy a new fluid head: which do you suggest:701 hdv or 501 hdv?
thx a lot

The 701 is bit lighter right? If so, I'd probably go with the slightly lighter one. If nothing else for convenience.

On the question of buying a new head in general, I think it's wise because it's annoying to have to remove the head off the tripod and it will also allow you to use it as a mini jib.

The igus parts arrived, now i m guessing if it's better one or 2 fluid heads....

Hi Marcus,

Congrats on your new DIY slider!

If you're going to be using the slider as a mini jib, then 2 fluid heads are the way to go. But if you're not going to be using it as a jib, then I still think 2 fluid heads are the way to go :)
Especially good for "weird" odd angles when dollying.

Best,

ordered my rail from igus this morning...the guy laughed and said they've had somewhat of a goldrush on those from us video guys! Apparently they are expecting stock by the end of the week and he said hopefully they'd have enough to get mine out as there were a ton of outstanding orders!
We should have set up a group buy for a nice discount!

Hey Jeff, thx mate!
" hours ago arrived the quick release plate by Manfrotto (357), would you suggest to not take off the head from the tripod and attach the quickrelease between the head and the slider?
Talking about the upper part i was guessing to buy a second manfrotto head, do you think i'd need this
Google Image Result for http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images345x345/150732.jpg (http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images345x345/150732.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/150732-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_3284_3284_75mm_Half_Ball.html&usg=__7lLHKvaRSs5XRBIm29b-1lszj7I=&h=345&w=345&sz=11&hl=en&start=3&um=1&tbnid=OaaVadwgIVtQtM:&tbnh=120&tbnw=120&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmanfrotto%2B75mm%2Bhalf%2Bball%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1)

thx mate!

Anyone have a parts list to put one together for my Canon 7D?

Yes, get the Igus rail and carriage then get a 3/16" tap, and a 5/16" metal bit. It's easy. Cost you about $150 for the whole enchilada..

hola,
made the first test and maybe i have some issues with the quick release manfrotto 357 plate with the head of my tripod. Another thing i'm noticing is that the slider with the camera on the sides makes the strong head of the tripod flex depending on the weight of the gear.
Tonight i'll test on another tripod....

Silly question: the quick release plate should be attached to the plate of the head of the tripod just through one screw?
thank you and sorry 4 da question

Hi Marcus,

I don't have the Manfrotto quick release 357 (but I think it's a good idea to have one :), but I think for convenience sake, I'd leave the quick release plate on the tripod. (For me, I only have one tripod, but I have two fluid heads, so I need to change between them.)

Do you mean that the Igus rail is flexing? It shouldn't, as it's rated to handle alot of weight. If you mean that the tripod is unstable when you reach the ends, yeah that can happen when your gear is a bit "heavy". You may need another support for the dolly, maybe another tripod, a monopod, or maybe a light stand.

Best,

Hi Marcus,

As for your last question, I only tapped one hole in the middle on the Igus rail. With that size bolt (I forgot the size), I think it's plenty strong for most people's gear. It's just a matter of balancing the weight of the camera while dollying.

Best,

Hi,
I just bought a 75cm rail from Igus and I have this problem: the Manfrotto screw is shorter than the rail thickness (you can check the pic.) Therefore I need a longer screw if I want to put it straight in the rail. I have to drill the rail because there's no holes right in the middle of it (it's 75cm long).

Do you know if I can change the screw? Another option (that I'm trying to avoid) is to screw it to the tripod head but that would mean using 2 tripod heads.

Any help or idea would be really appreciated.

Thank you,

Javier

Hi Marcus,

As for your last question, I only tapped one hole in the middle on the Igus rail. With that size bolt (I forgot the size), I think it's plenty strong for most people's gear. It's just a matter of balancing the weight of the camera while dollying.

Best,

I built the DIY Slider using IGUS parts. The carriage sticks a bit on some places. Does anyone have a solution to make the carriage slide more smoothly?
Thanks.

Hi Javier,

I think my Manfrotto tripod (don't know the exact model #), has the same height bolt as in your photo.

Take a look at this photo of my DIY slider:

DIYDolly_05 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39381831@N05/3621375062/in/photostream/)

(Sorry it's not the best photo to illustrate an answer.)

If your only choice is to mount the rail on a tripod head, maybe you can buy a Manfrotto quick release plate and just keep that mounted on the rail?

Best,

Hi Jaime,

Congrats on your DIY slider!

When you got your Igus parts, did you get their tech notes? (I don't have it in front of me, but essentially it's a troubleshooting guide for your rail and truck system.)

Copied this from the other forum:

This is OFFICIAL igus procedure for "aligning" the carriage.
It only needs to be done once.

They say

1. Loosen all carriage bolts - (don't remove - just loosen a few turns)
2. slide carriage back and forth to allow bearings to align themselves)
3. (tech actually recommended "tapping" the center of the carriage to "bump" the bearings into place)
4. With downward pressure on carriage tighten the bolts again a few turns at a time (alternating them - i.e. do NOT crank one down and then do the other ones)

I've also read that some folks have been using petroleum jelly to lubricate their rails (i.e., a tiny amount of jelly on cloth and rubbed gently on the rails). I personally have NOT done this, so please use this advice at your own risk!

Best,

I get it...Yeah...it was the adjustments on the carriage that made it run smoother.

Thanks..

i am really interested in buidling this, especially at how cheap the parts really are. BUT I don't want to spend more money on the tripod head than i am on the tracks, I just won't use it enough to make it worth it. I have a Giottos VT809 tripod right now along with 2 light stands. What would the most economical setup be to support about 4ft of track and a 7d? Any help would be great

Hi Michael,

Not sure if I can be of help, as I've never tried using light stands for supporting the DIY dolly.

But, if you're NOT going to be making any camera moves (i.e., panning, tilting, etc.) whilst dollying, then pretty much any tripod head (fluid or non-fluid) will do. I don't have the model tripod you have, but if you can use two of your light stands to support the track (at both ends), then I think you'll be fine.

Just a note, you'll need to tap the ends of the track so your light stands will bolt thru and mount on them. I guess you'll have to find out what size tap you'll need accordingly. And if you're just using your 7D and with that cam's weight, two light stands will provide enough support for the DIY dolly.

Best,

thanks Jeff, I think for time being I will try it out with a cheap head and using the lightsands, updating only if i need it

I've recently discovered that I get a slightly smoother track if I drag my hand along the track as I'm sliding. This might be unique to my physiology but it's worth a try. For me, panning or tilting while sliding is much harder than and vanilla locked down slide. Try the hand drag trick. Maybe it'll work.

Here's another example of what can be acheived with the Igus track.
It is possible to pan and tilt on the move, but all movement must be made from the head itself - the pan bar puts too much leverage on the track and it will snag...

The file is quite large, so it's a good idea to let the progress bar load most of the video!

Parc Cefn Onn on Vimeo

Good Morning,

I have been toying with home made sliders, nothing up to snuff yet.

I went to Igus and could not sort out what you guys Have.


As for lubricating that is not messy, I use spray on silicon that I use for lubricating my machines in my shop. Goes on damp, dries and is slick.

could I get a link ????

Does anyone know where I can buy end brackets/legs for a slider built from igus parts to allow it to run on the floor?

Cheers, Duncan.

If both ends are tapped for a tripod, just get two of these, at $23 each, Slik - Mini-Pro V Tripod with 2-Way Pan/Tilt Head - 611-352 - and you'll be set. The only legs I have found are about $150 a set?