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Think it’s impossible to build a camera slider in just 30$. Well, it’s time to make the impossible, possible. Let me show you how to build a simple and effectual camera slider at an unbelievably low cost. What’s more, it takes just about an hour to complete the entire setup of this camera slider. The slider is extremely convenient to construct and requires some basic tools to get the job done. After completion, the slider will weigh as light as 11 lbs. Interested? Well, let’s get down to it then.
Tools and Supplies: Basic everyday tools such as a drill, drill bits, and countersink bits are required to build this camera slider. You’ll also require tools such as a vise or a clamp, 1/4 20 taps, a smaller tap of about 2.5 mm, and a saw. Other supplies required are a chopping board, a glider, a hook, triple curtain rails, and ceiling fixtures. Along with the above mentioned tools, you’ll even need 2 1/4 20 machine screws about 1/2 long, plus a 1/4 or 3/8 machine screw for attaching a camera or tripod head straight into the slider cart. 8 head screw caps of about 3 mm each are needed to fix the gliders to the cart. The taps come in handy to easily cut the screw threads. No doubt you can cut the threads with the screws themselves, but investing a bit more in taps serves the purpose to a much greater degree. All the aforementioned tools are either easily accessible around the house or can be readily purchased from any hardware store. If possible use a drill press instead of a hand drill or a saw, as it makes drilling the littler pieces much easier.
Assembling the Rail: Begin this procedure with the ceiling fixtures. Firstly, detach each screw set in the ceiling fixtures by using the supplied alien key and then proceed to disassemble the entire fixture. Secondly, use a 1/4 20 tap to tap the hole on the opposite end of the set screw. You’ll find that this hole is just about the ideal size for a 1/4 20 tap. After this, reassemble the entire fixture by removing the triple curtain rail’s plastic end cap and sliding the ceiling fixture onto it. Following this, secure the set screw by fastening it into position. Repeat this process for all the other ceiling fixtures. For the time being let’s allow the plastic end caps to remain detached from the triple curtain rails.
Building the Cart: Now we come to the slightly tougher part of the building process. It demands a level of accuracy while measuring and drilling. If you don’t rush the procedure and remain calm, even the final task of building the cart can prove to be quite simple. Begin by cutting the chopping board. Ideally the cart should measure 3" x 4" or something similar. Mark the cart’s center and a suitably sized hole for what’s going to be mounted on it. Usually, the hole drilled is about 1/4". A taper head screw is required to attach the camera or head. Moreover, the screw needs to be countersunk in order to not come in contact with the rail. The next step is to mark and drill the glider holes. You must carefully measure the distance between the track slots and mark it on the cart’s bottom. The center hole drilled earlier can be utilized as the center line position. Now start drilling the holes with 3 m, 8 mm cap screws, as they’ll easily fit the holes that’ll be drilled in the gliders later on. It’s time now to modify the gliders. Firstly cut off small flush loops and then flatten them on top. This can be achieved by wrapping a bit of sandpaper around a piece of scrap wood and then rubbing the glider on it. Be careful to not rub the glider more than what’s necessary. Once this is over, start drilling holes in the gliders that are the correct size for the taps needed to attach the gliders to the cart. Tap the gliders with your hand and then screw them on. Ensure that the gliders conveniently fit onto the rails and then you can complete your cart by tightening the gliders. Some fiddling might be required to align all the above contraptions into position, but it shouldn’t take up much time or effort.
Attach the Feet: From whatever’s left of the chopping board, cut two more pieces that measure almost the size of the cart. Precisely mark and drill 1/4 holes in the middle positions of the cut pieces and subsequently countersink the bottoms. Finally, push a 1/4 20 tapered screw right through the cut pieces and attach them to the ceiling fixtures on the bottom of the rail.
So there you have it. An easy, simple, and cost-effective method of building your very own camera slider.
Via - Instructables
Video Credits - Derek Mellott