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How to Make Your Own Dolly. When pros want a smooth tracking shot, they pay top dollar
for a rolling camera platform. For those of us not on a Hollywood budget, try this DIY
dolly. You will need Tape measure 2 3' long 2" x 2"
pieces of angled aluminum Drill 3/8" bit 60 flat washers 12 3/8"
x 2" carriage bolts 16 nuts 12 skateboard wheels 2 adjustable wrenches
3' x 3' ¾" plywood 4 3/8" x 4" carriage bolts 2 20'
pieces 2" PVC A camera and a tripod. Step 1. Measure and mark 4 inches
in from each end along one side of the aluminum. Mark the center of the piece on that same
side. On the other side, measure and mark 6 inches in from each end and 2 inches to
one side of the center. Drill at each mark to make holes for the wheels and repeat the
process with the other aluminum piece. Step 2. Measure and mark the corner edge of each
piece of aluminum 12 inches in from both ends. Drill holes at each marking that will be used
to attach the aluminum to the plywood. Step 3. Put a washer on a 2-inch carriage bolt
and thread it through the outside of a wheel. Put three more washers on it and thread it
through a wheel hole in the angled aluminum. Put on another washer and tighten it with
a nut. Repeat the process for the other 11 wheels. Step 4. Draw two parallel lines on
the plywood, each one a foot from two opposing edges. Measure and mark the lines 4 inches
from each end. Drill holes at each mark. Step 5. Attach the aluminum to the wood by lining
up the holes in the aluminum with the holes in the wood. Thread each of the 4-inch carriage
bolts through a washer, the aluminum, the wood, another washer, and a nut. Tighten the
nuts until the tracks are held securely in place. For added control, build a waist-high
handle to the platform. Step 6. Lay the two sections of pipe on the ground so they're
parallel to each other. Set the wooden platform down so the wheels roll on the pipe. Put a
camera on a tripod on the platform and you're ready to go. Did you know The Italian film
Cabiria released in 1914 was the first popular film to feature a dolly shot.