The Beginning.

[Bryan Bullard]

Hey all. Longtime listener, first time caller.  Names Bryan from Albuquerque,N.M.
  So i just ordered the Manfrotto 681b monopod($59.99) I chose this instead of the 680b
because i really don't need 4 sections and i get a little more length out of the
upper post. I also ordered a bearing(cheap)$17.95. 45x58x7. I figure i will try
the single bearing principle first.  I'm currently enrolled in Film Tech course here
at Central New Mexico Community College. We are using Sony EX-1,EX-3 and soon
to have a RED One and a Panasonic Lumix(don't remember the model).
They have a Glidecam 4000 system including vest and arm. I haven't actually
had the chance to use it but i already know that i will not be satisfied with it.
 Surfing around this site is like hitting little goldmines here and there.
I like that Papert stops by and helps out the small guys.
Phil Kindred really sold me on the monopod idea!! First saw it in Cody's plans
but his had a smaller diameter. Phils is almost 1.5" and that seemed more
of a nicer diameter for me. And pricing materials this seemed to be a much
better deal since it already telescopes.
The biggest problem is going to be the Gimbal. Do any of you think this is a
good start for my Gimbal?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330371642394&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_709wt_1167

Is 6061 the standard for most of these parts?(Gimbal,Bones and vest)
I will be ordering stock slowly but surely. The bearing i ordered? Any good for a prototype
application?
See if this works. I attached a mp4 of me running with a crude made sled.
If not then here is my youtube channel.
http://www.youtube.com/user/stoneground1
Just stuff i had laying around. Worked ok for the tiny JVC DA30 i have.
I will be upgrading my camera soon!!
The setup didn't last long and now i'm just planning it all out first.
I want be able to fly a range of weight. Say from a RED to a EX-1.
So i am looking to build a "working" rig. Any help in these matters would
be greatly appreciated!! Thanks in advance!!
And i will be visiting all forums in this journey of mine!!
And don't worry i take too many pics of things so this will be from
conception to(well always a work in progress huh?) "working".

[Bryan Bullard]

Sorry don't know why it posted it here. I thought it went to New Members.
But while i'm here... how do you change the "Position" in my profile?
Not a Gaffer. Rather a visionary. 
Thanks.

[Bryan Bullard]

Ouch!!  I guess i'm getting the cold shoulder.

[Vladimir Korshunov]

Hi Bryan!
Aluminum 6061 is, definitely, good for gimbal and many other parts.
What equipment You going to use for gimbal machining?

Good luck with your project!   

[Vladimir Korshunov]

Sorry don't know why it posted it here. I thought it went to New Members.
But while i'm here... how do you change the "Position" in my profile?
Not a Gaffer. Rather a visionary. 
Thanks.

I think the position is changes automatically with quantity of your posts.
I belive You can find Oscar nominated gaffers here. At the same time some
executives can only dream about to take a key grip position in real life. I am
 from this line.
That is great thing about HBS.

[Bryan Bullard]

Thanks Vlad for responding. I am Stoneground1 on youtube. I replied to your follow focus video.
Well here's an update on parts. I just got my Manfrotto 681b monopod. And i bought a bearing.
Just a cheaper one for now. $17.50. And tonight i picked up 2 solid 6061 T6 rounds on ebay.
3 7/8" X 11". $51.50 total. And during class tonight i got a lead on some possibly "cheaper"
machining from the other college here.
Here is the link for the solid rounds.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300396123539&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_500wt_1182
And i also picked up a macro rail for $28 on ebay.
So i'm well on my way to getting started on the sled. I still need to get the J&D boxes figured out.
I will be asking many questions along the way here for everyone so bear with okay.
I'll start new threads soon. And i will also be uploading video on youtube or vimeo of the process.

And the journey begins.
(here are some pics)

[Charles King]

Welcome to hbs. Vladimir is right about the post count. We all start small and in up in rank as we post. Cold shoulder? Naaa! Just forgot to reply after i saw this post but i see you are in very capable hands.

[Bryan Bullard]

Thanks Charles.
Just kidding about the cold shoulder. I see how sporadic posts are around this forum.
It's good to see more posts. Just tells me people got the itch. And i sir have got the
itch!!! LOL Well finally off to bed. So g-nite all and keep an eye out k. Peace!!

[Charles King]

Sleep well Bryan.

[Phil Kindred]

Thanks for the compliment!  My monopod has worked out perfectly for me.  Hope you find the same.