Member of the Month

abjectwoe
May, 2025

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Making a DIY glidecam

profile picture
oil.
Posts: 2255 - Karma: 1,257
this has a project ive been wanting to do all summer. i just found a broken part of an old tripod. basically, its a pan and tilt tripod head on top of a approximately 20 inch long, 3/4 inch wide, telescoping, aluminum shaft. i want to use this part as the core of the glidecam, since it pretty much sets up perfectly.

the problems i am encountering is getting a weight plate for the bottom, and making a three axis gimbal. im a pretty smart kid but i have no idea where to start; i have little to no experience with really crafting this sort of thing (although i was pretty OG with LEGOs as a kid, hahaha)

like i said, im a pretty smart kid, so if you guys point me to where i can get some parts for these, as well as general directions on how to make them and attach them, i think i can figure it out on my own.

thanks in advance, +k for dope responses
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,468
skateboard bearings and pvc pipe= best way to make a 3 axis gimbal.

there is a thread on this exact subject. i cant find a link but it wouldnt be to hard to fine.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Linked
Posts: 325 - Karma: 216
https://www.newschoolers.com/ns/mobile/forumread/id/688174/
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Mag
Posts: 8155 - Karma: 14,798
I found the 3 axis diy glidecam just too hard to balance and maintain balance, and the weight of it just got annoying, I switched to using more of a vibration dampener, 2 bits of pvc coming off the bottom of the camera at 45' angles with some weights at the bottom and it seems pretty good actually, better than I had hoped.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
EricaMN.
Posts: 2704 - Karma: 347
This is a good design.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
jeb_b_vt
Posts: 1047 - Karma: 1,294
yea thats awesome
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Mag
Posts: 8155 - Karma: 14,798
I can upload some samples of that DIY glidecam shown above if anyone wants it?
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Moosen
Posts: 4285 - Karma: 2,585
Thanks bro!
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Randy_Quench
Posts: 5447 - Karma: 4,348
made this and use it more and more every time i film
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Mar-O
Posts: 960 - Karma: 827
Does it work decent for other stuff than skiing to? Like walking or running shots?
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Moosen
Posts: 4285 - Karma: 2,585
watch the video!
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Mar-O
Posts: 960 - Karma: 827
Thanks, skipped through it before I posted but must have dropped the last part. Looks pretty good tho, I may have to try it out before buying a glidecam.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Randy_Quench
Posts: 5447 - Karma: 4,348
it is infinitely more steady on a skate/longboard. i almost never use it just walking. Its great for any type of follow cam.

maybe get rollerblades?
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Mar-O
Posts: 960 - Karma: 827
Thanks, and I do have rollerblades, but I was thinking about using it for short films and music videos more than skiing and skating so it will not always the best ground, but it was actually a pretty good idea that I might have to try out some day.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
oil.
Posts: 2255 - Karma: 1,257
advantages of this design?
i feel like a telescoping glidecam would be easier to store.. .this looks pretty damn burly.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Moosen
Posts: 4285 - Karma: 2,585
Cheap. Breaksdown easily. Works pretty damn well.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Randy_Quench
Posts: 5447 - Karma: 4,348
this is so key.

also, IMO a DIY gimbal isnt going to be nearly as efficient as a legit one. Too many little pieces.. So something like this, where it mainly just stabilizes your arm work nicer than a handle or nothing, but if you want smooth drop the $ on a legit stabilization rig.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Moosen
Posts: 4285 - Karma: 2,585
this!
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
oil.
Posts: 2255 - Karma: 1,257
alright cool.
if the time presents itself probably end up doing both, just for the heck of it. id really like to try my hand at making a gimbal, but if its not practical for filming, id be ok using the other thing.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
DopeNZ
Posts: 131 - Karma: 123
Buy a Glidecam. Everyone says it, for good reason.

This is my job at making one, had it for a year or so and never used it really. My Glidecam will be here next week. Save the cash up. it will be worth it in the long run.

Click for larger image
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
jeb_b_vt
Posts: 1047 - Karma: 1,294
that looks dope, howd you make it?
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
DopeNZ
Posts: 131 - Karma: 123
Had carbon tube lying round for the center column, bought a bunch of bearings (25mm ID to fit the tube, then a bunch of flanged bearings for the other axis to make things simple) then with a bit of turning in the lathe, and some mighty fine bandsaw work on the rocker arm and some drilling and tapping to fit it together. Top plate has slots cut into it on the x and y axis for adjustment.

Pretty simple, just a bit more tempermental than a Glidecam.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
oil.
Posts: 2255 - Karma: 1,257
someday i probably. id like to build one myself though, just for shits and gigs. i mean why not...

13 years ago
0 0
All times are Eastern (-4); Currently it's 5:31AM