How to Make a Skateboard Dolly Platform
A skateboard dolly platform allows you to move around a video camera smoothly preventing jumps in your filming. It consists of a seat for the camera operator to sit in and sockets built in to the platform to mount your tripod and camera. Follow these steps to build a skateboard dolly platform.
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Things You'll Need
- (2) 12-by-14 inch sheets of plywood
- (3) 4-by-14 inch pieces of plywood (tripod sockets)
- (3) 12-by-24 inch sheets of plywood (box sides and bottom)
- 36-by-36 inch sheet of plywood
- Drill and bits
- Keyhole saw
- Drywall screws
- Skateboard wheels
Instructions
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1
Draw a circle in the front center of the 36-by-36 inch dolly platform. This is so that you can center the tripod for your camera. You can draw a perfect circle using a compass made from a pencil, string and thumbtack.
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2
Separate the circle into six areas. These will be the centers for the tripod sockets.
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3
Drill handle holes in the box ends using a 1-inch drill bit and a keyhole saw. Smooth out the edges of the holes using a sander. Attach a handle to push the skateboard dolly platform.
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4
Assemble the seat box for the operator by screwing together the three bottom and side pieces. Use drywall screws and Gorilla glue. Screw and glue the sides one at a time.
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5
Secure the box ends to the operator's seat box. They must extend below the box bottom to make room to attach it to the dolly platform.
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6
Make the tripod sockets by clamping and drilling the 3 tripod socket boards. Drill holes into the tripod socket boards that the legs of the tripod fit into snugly. This can be done easily using the appropriate size drill bit.
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7
Sand, stain and varnish your skateboard dolly platform. Attach skateboard wheels to the bottom of the platform.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have a table or skill saw with a straight 6-foot guide you can get a sheet of plywood 4 feet by 8 feet by 3/4 inches and cut it yourself.
