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How to Build a Camera Track With PVC Pipe

Camera tracks are often large, bulky and hard to transport from one point to another. Making your own PVC camera rig will allow for easier transportation, more money in your pocket and those steady, moving camera shots you̵7;ve been hoping to achieve. Tracking camera shots with your PVC rig will make it very easy to get flawless moving shots on multiple surfaces. With one quick trip to the hardware store, you̵7;ll have just about everything you need for your PVC camera rig.

Things You'll Need

1 rollerskate
5 machine screws, 1/4-inch in diameter and 1 1/2-inches long
5 washers
5 nuts
3/4-inch PVC pipe components
4 connectors
4 risers, 3-inches high
4 screw-on end caps
2 plain T-joints
1 T-joint threaded incoming pipe
1 screw-in plug
2 elbows, 90-degree angles
Glue
PVC cement
Epoxy
Drill
1/4-inch drill bit
Allen keys
Spanner or wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the wheels from your roller skate using the Allen keys. Keep the skate's axle, if salvageable.
- 2
  Peel stickers off your PVC components so they will fit together properly. Drill a hole in the center of each end cap. Screw the wheels onto the end caps, placing a washer between the wheel and the cap and another between the nut and the wheel. Use the original skate axles is possible. The wheels need to be tightened until they are secure but not too tight.
- 3
  Glue the axle into place in the end cap with your epoxy. Set this aside until the solution cures. Glue a riser into each side of one plain T-joint with PVC cement. Add a connector to the top. Repeat these steps for the other set of running gear. Mount each wheel assembly onto an end of each riser.
- 4
  Glue a connector into each smooth end of the threaded T-joint. Glue one 90-degree elbow into place on each connector. Be sure this assembly sits flat when all four wheels are on the ground. You̵7;ll want to be sure your PVC track is level.
- 5
  Drill a hole into the center of your screw-in PVC plug. Screw the bolt through the hold you made, making sure a washer is on the bolt. Use a set bolt and washer on the end of your screw. Set the screw to protrude about 1/4-inch through the plug.
- 6
  Screw your tripod mount into the threaded T-joint on your camera track body. Mount a small- to medium-sized tripod head onto it. Slip running gear onto the body. Friction will be enough to keep them in place. Be sure they̵7;re loose enough to set a turning radius.
- 7
  Mount the camera onto the tripod head and begin shooting steady shots.

Photography