Hello all from a Newbie

[David]

Hello all,



I have been reading through this superb forum for about 3 weeks and think it is about time I introduced myself. I am semi-retired from the Telecoms industry and I live in Worcestershire, England.



I have at last found the time to indulge more fully in my passion for film-making in which I can incorporate some of my other passions which are (inter alia) mechanical and electronic engineering. I will start by building a crane and stabilizer etc. but I really want to build a small light duty cablecam type system. I have a well equipped "home" workshop with CNC lathe and milling machine, surface grinder TIG and MIG welder etc. etc.



As I have just ordered Cody's book this seemed to be the best place for my first post. I am a bit confused about Charles' books as there are two (excluding the glidecam mod one), one of which is shown not to be available until December 04, Is this just a reprint or a completely different book? Do I just need the later one or both?



I can't wait to get started and I hope to eventually become a net contributor to this foum



Regards to all



David

[Gustav]

Quote:As I have just ordered Cody's book this seemed to be the best place for my first post. I am a bit confused about Charles' books as there are two (excluding the glidecam mod one), one of which is shown not to be available until December 04, Is this just a reprint or a completely different book? Do I just need the later one or both?

The 'stabilizing a dream book' is the one to get at this point in time. The other one he is still working on. I think it's been pushed back to the beginning of next year.



Don't worry, the first book is a must for those interested in building a rig of their own.Lots of good info. Trust me, you won't regret. I think the others will contest to that.  

Lars Gustav

[Phil Kindred]

Welcome and by all means purchase Charles' first book.  It is a good read and an excellent reference book.  There are detailed explanations and photos that will be a great help to you in building a rig.

[redphotoman]

Hi David,

nice to see another forum member from our side of the pond!(I hail from Mansfield nr Nottingham) you will know by now how helpful everyone on the forum is. Cody's book is a definate "must have" for anyone thinking about building a first stabilizer - and with the equipment you have, it should be a doddle

Welcome & enjoy

Jon.

[Simon Wilks]

Both books are worth it but you already seemed to have Cody's book. Good start. Remember Charles's book is more about how he build his rig and facts about the steadicam system. As the rest of the guys said, it is a good point of reference. Go for it

Simon Wilks

[Andy Joyce]

As another less-experienced newbie, I had a couple questions before I buy any books and get in over my head.

1. Do I really need to have access to an end mill, lathe, welding setup, etc.  to make a decent vest/arm/gimbal stabilizer? I have built several smaller projects like a dolly/track setup and a few Glidecam-style hacks, many parts made (or prototyped) out of wood since I only have access to a wood/light metal shop and some other small metal-working tools. I had a friend cut, shape, and trim all of the special metal parts I needed.  I suppose I could have him cut bigger fancier stuff for me for this type of project.

2. Since I'm not "Mr. Shop" is it too much to attack since I'm mainly doing this to save spending $2-7k on a factory-made rig? After all, time ultimately is money, even outside the business world. If this takes me too long it probably wouldn't be worth it.

3. If I should abandon this cause, what do you guys recommend as a reasonably priced unit to handle my Canon XL2 (obviously weight is an issue)? I would imagine that the camera and accessories alone are around 8 or 9 lbs. Whatever I get, it has to have the vest/arm/gimbal style.

Thanks ahead of time!

[Kevin Clark]

Hi Andy and Welcome to the HBS world.

Among the company that hangs around this board I am no authority on building but based on your first point above I think you would do well with a copy of Cody's plans. They require a weld or two but it sounds like you could handle the rest of it on your own.

Weather you build or buy I wish you good luck on your new endeavor.

[Andy Joyce]

Thanks Kevin, I appreciate the info and the welcome.

I like what I see on his site, and I will have to purchase his book. Thanks for the re-assurance.

[Cody Deegan]

Since I'm not "Mr. Shop" is it too much to attack

This is the only question that worried me.  Building a rig is a huge endeavor and definitely takes a mass amount of effort.  Please be aware of that before you make your decision.