hello everyone, i've been hard at work on my steadicam all trimester, and i'm almost done w/ everything but the vest. once i get the top stage welded i will have the whole stage assembly done. the bottom one i welded myself b/c it was steel, and i welded a tube to the bottom stage and then used sandpaper and a lathe to make the tube be able to press fit into the manfrotto tube. then i will put a pin thru just to make sure it doesnt slip out. so other than the top stage needing welding, i need to get the bearing holes drilled professionally b/c i can't find a 27/32 bit anywhere. and i figured i might as well have them drill that while they are welding the other piece. then i will be done with everything except for the gimbal, which i need to get milled still by my grandfather.
BUT FOR THE QUESTION. i could not find any 1/4" x 3" angle iron, but i found 1/8" x 2" angle iron and i figured since the brackets only need to be 2 1/4 inches long, i could just move the holes in a 1/4" to adapt. i already cut and hand grinded all surfaces of each bracket so i can paint, but do you think the 1/8" thickness will be strong enough to hold everything? i will be flying an xl-2. thanks!
The 1/8" brackets are fine for the arm ends and elbow link, but DO NOT USE 1/8" FOR THE ARM AND VEST CONNECTIONS. That piece is supporting the arm and sled plus the camera. I am pretty sure you don't want to break it due to not being able to find 1/4" steel angle iron.
Are you talking about the bridge? I used 1/8" steel for the bridge, and it holds up fine. But if you let the sled drift away from your body for too long, it will start to twist just enough to throw off the fore/aft balance. Gotta keep that thing close to your body.
If you're not talking about the bridge, then just ignore me.
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