DIY Camera JIB Project - Building the Structure Part 1

INSPIRATION.

    This is one of those projects I've always wanted to do but never had the time or space. The inspiration to actually go ahead and build the jib came from my friend Oscar Arroyo. We were talking about designing camera rigs and he suggested building something large and mechanical. We immediately started researching other DIY Jibs and sketching out our own ideas. Shortly there after we had a solid blueprint and a plan plan to move forward.

SO IT BEGINS!

    I knew from the very beginning that I would need to call in the help of some experts for professional guidance. The first person I called was my good friend Dave T. Offner, Master-Builder I showed him my sketches and together we gathered all the parts and began building the main structure. Here are the materials we used to get started:

Tools & Materials:

1''x1''x16' aluminum square rod (1/4'' thickness)

3/4''x3/4''x3' aluminum square rod

2 gears with 16' chain (bicycle gears, ect.)

2 1''x1''x2' aluminum right angle rods

4 L-brackets

1/4''x3'' bolts with matching hex-nuts and washers

1 Lazy Susan

1/4'' woodscrews flat

2'x2'x3/4'' plywood sheet

1/4'' drill bit

Electric screwdriver

Drillpress with metal drilling bits

Wrench

Miter saw with metal cutting blade

C-clamps 

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BUILDING THE BASE!

    Cut one 1'x1'x3/4''piece and one 8''x8''x3/4'' piece from your plywood sheet(fig.1b). Center the Lazy Susan on the 8''x8'' sheet(fig.2b) and use the 1/4'' wood screws to fasten it down(fig.3b). Turn it over and place it on top of the 1'x1' sheet and screw the Lazy Susan down(fig.4b)

(fig.1b)

(fig.2b)

 

(fig.3b)

 

(fig.4b)

CONSTRUCTING THE BOOM!  

    Cut the 1'x1'x16' aluminum square pipe in half. C-clamp the two 8' pieces together side by side and drill 1/4'' holes on both ends of the rod(fig.1a). Cut the 2 1''x1''x2' aluminum right angle rods into four 1' pieces(fig.1b). Place the 1' aluminum right angle rods back to back in pairs and C-Clamp them together. Drill a 1/4'' hole 1'' from the top on both pairs and another set of holes 3'' up from the bottoms(fig.1c). Hammer the 3/4''x3/4''x3' aluminum square rod into one end of an 8' rod and bolt all of the pieces together. 

(fig.1a)

(fig.1b)

 

(fig.1c)

 

To be continued...