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.
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.
Tags: dolly platform, skateboard dolly platform, skateboard dolly, dolly platform, platform Make, socket boards
