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Step by Step build tutorial: https://youtu.be/ALT9n7xX7TQ
More sample Silver Flyer Steadicam footage here: http:/youtu.be/U4cX_6ojas8
Here’s my first attempt at building a Steadicam for my new Canon T5i! Overall this project cost about $40 – $50. Here are the parts I used:
- Qty (2) 3/4″ 90 degree elbow metal tubing
- Qty (3) 3/4″ metal tubing couplers (pack of 5 or sold individually at Lowes as well) – for connecting both metal tubes in the middle and hanging weights on both top and bottom of each
- Qty (1) 1/4″ x 1 1/4″ Hex screw+nut – for the camera mount, made up of the macro slider and quick connect plate (see below)
- Qty (1) 5/16″ x 2″ Hex screw+nuts (not sold threaded from head to tip @ Lowes – get at Home Depot) – this is used for what holds the Traxxas gimbal in place
- Qty (2) 1/4″ x 3″ Hex screws+nuts – used to hold the Fender washers
- Qty many (approx 30-40 – all depends on the weight of your camera) 1/4″ (hole) x 1 1/4″ (diameter) Fender washers – You can also get smaller diameter ones to get more detailed in your balancing if needed.
- Qty (2) 1/4″ butterfly nuts – for fastening the Fender washers on the 1/4″ Hex screw
- Qty (2) Bearings – standard bearings you’d find in Razor scooter wheels, skateboard wheels, etc. – don’t have to have two unless you want to duplicate what I did
- Qty (1) piece of 1/2″ PVC pipe equivalent in length to a standard BMX bike/Razor scooter handle grip, roughly 6″, fits perfectly in the handlebar grip with some effort
- Qty (1) 1/2″ PVC pipe coupler – no threads – connects the 1/2″ PVC pipe above on one side, fits the bearing on the other side after grinding it down a bit – others have used a “CPVC” coupler that fits a 1/2″ pipe on one side and the bearing on the other without grinding, I could not find this at either of my local Home Depot or Lowes.
- Qty (1) Traxxas 1651 – https://amzn.com/B0006O5GIG – This kit has 2 sets, in case you mess one up – this forms the “gimbal”
- Qty (1) Macro Slider – https://amzn.com/B007L41QZG
- Qty (1) Quick Release Plate and Mount – https://amzn.com/B007ZK3BQS
If I forgot something please let me know.
Tools you’ll need:
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Needle-nose pliers (come in handy to put the Traxxas gimbal together)
- Corded/Cordless drill with 1/4″ and 5/16″ bits. Use a small bit to pre-drill your holes before drilling in the larger ones – helps a lot so that you don’t miss the center of the pipping – MAKE SURE YOU DRILL YOUR HOLES IN STRAIGHT – otherwise you’ll realize some balancing issues and have to compensate in other ways with weights, etc. that can add overall weight to your steadicam
- Some form of grinder you can attach to the end of your drill, I used a Dremmel bit (my cordless Dremmel doesn’t work or else I would have used that)
- Something to fasten what your working on – I used a vice mounted on a workbench – not many will have one of these but I strongly recommend you get access to one if you can – otherwise it makes it that much more difficult to work on your project
- Sharp and sturdy box cutters (preferable) or Exacto knife (usually too flimsy to cut the harder plastic on the Traxxas stem but if it’s all you have go for it) – watch your fingers!
- Metal file – to smooth out the burrs left over after you drill holes in the metal tubing, couplers, etc.
- 1/4″ and 5/16″ wrenches – for fastening/tightening nuts and/or hex screw heads
- Standard pliers – for help in fastening/tightening nuts and/or hex screw heads
Thanks to the following videos/channels for inspiration and guidance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da4dTGk-G6g (Jorge Martinez)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxlvULNwlpU (Frugal Film Maker)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCFx5Blj19o (Tribster702)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgUffkv1lbI (Michael Monse)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PssAMWP-VdU (Joey Zaciewski)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6Q072tuF7M (Matttchapman)
***UPDATE 8/13/13
I watched another video by God’s Country (channel) where he builds a steadicam for a GoPro (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aioJ2Dt6C-s) and he’s using the Traxxas 4953 Sub Axle (https://tinyurl.com/n5quq4m) which actually has a metal threaded stem which would fit into the bearing’s hole with no mods. This could be an alternative to having to shave down the plastic stem of the Traxxas 1651. However, if you plan on keeping the 5/16″ side of the Traxxas into the metal tubing, you’d need to purchase both the 1651 and the 4953, joining one piece to the other to form the gimbal.
Post time: May-31-2017