Build a Camera Crane / Jib for $30
Whew! THAT was a lot of work.
PARTS LIST:
1- 10' length of chain link top rail
2- training wheels with rubber grooved tires
1- dumbell handle with screw collars
1- Simpson Strong Tie A24 angle (Home Depot SKU# 590007)
1- roll of 50lb. test fishing line
1- small hook & eye turnbuckle
1- quick plate from your tripod
2- 1/2" PVC plugs
1- 1/2" PVC end cap
1- 1/2" PVC tee
1- 1/2" PVC elbow
1- 1/2" PVC pipe (3" in length)
1- 1/2" PVC pipe (5" in length)
3- 1/4" machine screws (1 1/2" in length)
4- 1/4" nuts with nuts
1- 1/4" lock washer
2- 1/4" fender washers
1- 3/8" bolt (3" in length)
1- 3/8" bolt (4" in length)
7- 3/8" nuts
2- 3/8" fender washers
1-4 3/8" washers
1- 3/8" lock washer
1- knobbed 1/4" bolt with 5-6 exposed threads
1- 1/4" screw (2 1/2" in length)
1- 1/4" wing nut
Comments
Wes
Joe from Kerala, India.
P.S. I can't get hold of your email on your blogger page. My system won't allow access. Can you publish back to me please?
Peter
pretty much the same, except for the mounting point onto the tripod.
Cheers
Josh
I just followed your brief directions without thinking... Duhhhhh
My cam is heavier than yours, plus I'm using a heavier wide angle lens.
I overcame that "twisting wheel and rubber tire" problem by adding two 3 inch long mending plates attached to the 3/8 inch axle and the 1/4 inch bolt that runs through the tire part. I used one on each side of the wheel. Now it's straight and steady.
Now, everything works great.
regards, Tom B.
Can you send me a picture of how you fixed this problem? I'm sure others having the same issue (including me!) would love to literally see how you did it.
Did you ever get any pictures from Tom B and his update to the bending mounting plate? I would love to see what he was thinking. Love the video! Now I need to get a tripod that can support this and get building. :)
Thanks,
Glenn
Truly wonderful to see engineering talent used to make this crane...
What could you do to find the wheels that heavy; and what could be the best to have 3 pieces of tube metal fitting all together. And the final crane to be mobile for transport and taller (at leat 4', I guess). Thanks
Not sure if it would work but it popped into my head as I was watching.
Add a second wheel on the inside next to the bottom wheel. Attach an arm that shoots straight down with a small weight on it. Put a set-screw in the top. The wheel will just hang when the set screw is loose, but once you have the angle you want, just tighten the screw and the angle should stay as you move the crane around.
I'm contemplating building this rig in the near future, so if I get around to building it, I'll attempt to try the idea. I'll also look for a larger wheel to attach to the camera mount so that tilting is smoother.
I can send a (very) rough drawing of the concept if you wish. :)
I really like your blog and thank you for lots of film making tips. I have a question about the jib though. Do you think I could use a 10-12ft wooden pole instead of the metal pole? My brother bought it to support a green screen in high school but didn't use it and went off to film school and didn't need it. So now I have it and have no use for it. It's pretty thick, maybe 2-3in diameter. So do you think it will work?