DIY Spider Trax Dolly Track final video

This is a track that I made for my spider trax dolly.
You can attach it to a tri-pod or K-pod and it can be made with simple tools like a few wrenches and a saw.

This is an addition to the Spider Trax Dolly that can be seen at Cheesycam.com

If you have any questions about the build, feel free to comment below.

I would like to give a special thanks to Jason Byfield for helping with the camera work while I was building

Item List
Just Basl Spider Trax Dolly Track

2 - 10' Struts
1 - Angle Gauge (aluminum)
1 - Flat Bar Steel
8 - 3/8" Hex Bolts
8 - Locking Nuts (these are coated on the threads with neoprine)
20 - Washers (I kind of go overboard on washers because I want to make sure I am getting a solid grab)
4 - Rubber Stoppers (for the track ends)
4 - Rubber Stoppers Wide Plugs for the feet of the track.
4 - Hex bolt screws (you will use these to attach the rubber stoppers to the track, you pre-drill the plugs and then ratchet them in place)
1 - can of black spray paint
1 - drop cloth (if necessary)


Extra Materials and Tools

Saw Horses
Circular Saw with Metal Blade
Sander
3/8" wrench and ratchet
3/8" Metal Drill bit
Counter Sinking Drill Bit
Cordless Drill (Corded drill for more power)
Two or more Clamps


Notes:
Give the track plenty of time to dry before using or the wheels will stick. Putting two coats on will ensure your paint will withstand wear and tear
Always be careful drill metal, back the drill off at the end. Drill bits always like to catch at the end and this can put a big strain on your wrist.
The center bracket I used to attach directly to my Kessler Kpod, but you can easily use it to attach to a tripod quick plate, I would suggest a longer plate.
I chose 7ft for my dimensions because I have a very sturdy tripod head. results may vary. If you know you are using a weaker tripod, you can change your track length. This could save you some money too, if you go with a 5ft track, you will just need to buy one strut bar.
Make sure you feed all the washers in before you seal up the ends. If you use the wide washers that I did then they can only be fed in through the end of the strut.
It is very important to use LOCKING NUTS and not just regular nuts to maintain a tight track.
If shooting with DSLR's, using your IMAGE STABILIZING lenses are going to work a lot better than your prime lenses.
Do a few test runs on your track all the way to ensure the Just Basl Spider Trax Dolly will stay in the rails before drilling and bolting.
Always wear safety glasses!! Metal flakes fly all over the place, especially the aluminum.

Once I work on the motor idea, I will send an update.


I am including links because if you have been to Home Depot as much as I have you learn a few things. Most people there do not know the whole store, so if you pull up pictures on your iPhone it really helps!

10' Strut
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v...

Angle Gauge
http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardwa...

Flat Bar Steel
http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardwa...

Hex Bolts
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v...

Locking Nuts
http://www.nutmanufacturers.com/pictu...
(this is a picture of one so you know what they look like, the inner coating is usual white)

Washers
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v...

Rubber bumper for end
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v...

Jarrod Sumpter
[email protected]
www.justbaslproductions.com