The camera stabilizer has a 3 foot vertical shaft made of 5/16th inch (18 threads per inch).  The shaft was cut into 3 1 foot pieces.

The bottom and middle pieces are connected using a standard female/female 5/16th inch connector.

The middle and top pieces are connected with a custom built connector.   It was built out of 1 inch aluminum rod that was cut to 1 1/4 inch long.  I drilled a 1/4 inch hole down the center of the shaft.   For the direction control handle I drilled a 13/64th inch hole half way into the shaft.

I then tapped each end of the shaft with a 5/16th inch (18 tpi) tap.   These two threaded holes are used as the connection between the top and middle section of vertical shaft.

The 13/64 inch hole was tapped with a 1/4 inch (20 tpi) tap.  After tapping this hole a 1 inch set screw was inserted into the hole.  The direction control handle was then screwed onto set screw.

Camera Stabilize Connector

I have been looking for an affordable stabilizer, but have yet to find one.  I got to try a body supported  steadicam stabilizer a couple of years ago at a trade show, and this is not that.  But I have wanted a basic stabilizer for short shots.

So after I finally got around to working on a stabilizer this weekend.  The first step was to build a gimbal.  There are several examples on the web.  I found a very helpful example using PVC pipes.  http://www.yb2normal.com/DIYsteadicam.html

I made a few modifications to better work for my needs.  I can’t really improve on the instructions included above on the basic gimbal structure, so I am going to only highlight the differences.

Gimbal

I stole the bearings from my roller blades.  They will needed new wheels anyway.  I found that the bearings are rather delicate, and don’t like being pounded on.  So I had to find gentle ways to remove them, rather than the hammer.

Rather than bolts, I used a pair of 3/8th inch long #6 set screws to hold the inner ring.  I used a pair of 3/4 inch long 1/4 inch set screws.  I used a pair of taps to add threads to the holes so that the set screws would hold.

After the gimbal was complete I added a handle to support the stabilizer.  This was built with a bent piece of 1″ aluminum.  I bent the aluminum around so that the handle would be at a 45 degree angle.  I attached a 10″ handle that I turned down to a comfortable size.

Gimbal and Handle

The next post will go into the details of the stabilizer rod.