Wasatch Willy's Wylie Camera Slider for Timelapse

thingiverse

This is a fundamental slow-moving slider for timelapse photography. It's also an ongoing project. You will need access to a Laser Cutter and a 3D printer. The 3D printed parts are made with PLA at .2 layer height. I used copper pipe instead of electrical conduit because of its smooth surface. I tried 1/2” copper pipe but it is not strong enough to support the weight of a DSLR over the 5’ distance. Eventually, I will upgrade the design for a NEMA 17 Motor running from an Arduino that will also fire the camera. But right now this is as basic as I can make it using a very slowly moving .6 RPM motor. With a DSLR on the platform, it will be under .5 RPM. The shaft of the pulley is 6.05 mm and the pulley bore is 6.35 mm so I intend to wrap some metal tape around the shaft to make up the difference. I used 1/4” MDF from HomeDepot, and for the 3mm, I bought a 3x7 foot sheet of 1/8th inch MDF that is white on one side. Each end assembly has six pieces for the pipes to slip through. The end piece is engraved for the pipe to fit into. The middle piece has the hip joint for the leg. Then there's another piece for the pipe to slip through. Assembling the legs, there are two of each leg. Stack them on top of each other and the line should be facing up on both pieces. Put a little glue on the small spacers and insert between the leg pieces. Insert a 1/4” bolt, washers and nut then tighten it down. Insert the larger spacers and bolt them together but do not glue them. They are only to help align the legs during assembly. When the glue is dry remove the bolts; you will use them to attach the legs. Parts List: MDF 1/4” or 6mm MDF 1/8” or 3mm 12vdc Motor JSX5300-370 .6 rpm Idler Pulley for 6mm GT-2 Belt Pulley for 6.35mm Bore for GT-2 Belt Copper Pipe 10’ - 3/4” Type M cut in half 3D Printed Linear Bearings (four) Tripod Ball Head 1/4 x 20 Inserts (two) Cable Tie (two) to attach Belt to platform 1/4”x20 x 1” Screws or bolts for legs (four) 1/4” washer (eight) 1/4” Nuts (four) 3/8” Bolt for Tripod Ball Head (one) 3/8” Nut (two) 3D Printed Idler Spacers (two) M3x8 Screws (four) Motor Mount