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.

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
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Instructions

    • 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.

    • 2

      Separate the circle into six areas. These will be the centers for the tripod sockets.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 7

      Sand, stain and varnish your skateboard dolly platform. Attach skateboard wheels to the bottom of the platform.

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.

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