DIY Dolly using Stainless Angles (No PVC Pipes)

[drapeama]

JI'm currently thinking about doing a dolly for some shots that wouldn't be possible on my slider. So far I have rollerblade wheels (not as good as skate but still) and I was wondering about the rails. I thought about using some metal too, as I don't like the "flexibility" of PVC (in that particular case!). I though about using this:
1-3-Stainless-steel-flat--angle-bar-round--square--hexagonal-bar.jpg
As it's stainless it would be solid enough. What do you think?

[Janke]

Stainless is pretty expensive. If you're not afraid of rust, "cold rolled" steel is less than half the price.

Aluminum profile is also a possibility. The shapes available vary from straight bar to very intricate profiles, some extremely sturdy.

[cgbier]

And aluminum is even quieter than steel.

[drapeama]

Stainless is pretty expensive. If you're not afraid of rust, "cold rolled" steel is less than half the price.

Aluminum profile is also a possibility. The shapes available vary from straight bar to very intricate profiles, some extremely sturdy.

1) A little less than 20$ per 6 feet bar. Something I can live with.
2) That's for sure. It can always be sanded if needed, as I don't plan to have them outside every winters!
3) I thought of aluminium, but the prices are almost identical. Stainless is much more sturdier, hence why I thought using them instead.
4) I though about these angles bar, but square tubes would also be an option. Trick is to assemble them without much "bumbs" in the junctions.

[drapeama]

And aluminum is even quieter than steel.

I'm afraid that with a certain amount of weight, it would bend..
I thought about steel as it was sturdy enough to hold the weight of someone on it, in case it would be needed.

[Steve_Karl]

I'm afraid that with a certain amount of weight, it would bend..
I thought about steel as it was sturdy enough to hold the weight of someone on it, in case it would be needed.

The L of the design is a strong idea.
I'd *guess* aluminum would be fine for any thing up to at least 50# and the weight savings is going to be big compared to steel.

I've got my Mackie HR824 monitors suspended with 3/4" x 3/4" aluminum that is 3/32" thick and they've been hanging like this
since 2002 with no problems. They're 32.5 pounds each, and you know a larger aluminum L has got to be a bit thicker.

[Erik Bien]

Just FYI, most commercial dolly track is made of chromed mild steel tubing. For sturdy, inexpensive, weatherproof DIY dolly track, I like galvanized chain-link fence "top rail" — it's around 1.5 inches in diameter, and available in 10 foot sticks at most building supply centers.