Long story, but I am trying to make a camera steady for my video camera...

In order to make a half decent job I need to find a bearing/joint of some discription that allows X,Y and Z (forwards-backwards tilt, left and right tilt and rotation.)

I had origionaly thought that a ball/socket type would be ok, but there is way to much friction...

Is there some kind of bearing that is cheaply available that has the required 3 axis of rotation?

Im trying to build something like this (note the gimbal bearing at the top of the handle)
LINKY

Its kinda similar to a swashplate on a helicopter in many ways...

Chears.
Dunc

[Edited on 27/2/07 by tegwin]

Not a bad thought, but I was under the impression that UJ's didnt work too well under compression like that..its more likley to just flop to one side unlike a ball of some discription isnt it?...

Dunc

Why are universal joints so called? Fixed to a swivel of course. You could use a prop with a centre bearing, just remove everything apart from the bearing and the U/J next to it. Fix the bearing to your fixed mount and fit the camers to the free side of the U/J and you're away.

Sorry I deleted so I could make myself look smarter.

So you want no friction but some motion damping. Let me have a think.

Hmm..Its confusing me lol!

I want no friction, but dont need any damping...


The counterweights at the bottom of the rig act as the damper...

You might be right about using a UJ...will have to take a look at one...

There has to be a bearing that does a similar job?

Dunc

rose joint used in the...

O
l

position

If you have counterweights underneath then why would it flop over?

A ball joint/Rose joint will do the job, but they are made with a degree of preload, once this has worn off then it should be free running. Do not attempt to use a car based ball joint as these are generally sprung to remove any free play, hence the friction. I'm sure that somebody on here will be able to furnish you with a free running old Rose joint.

email this guy
MCGILLMOTORSPORT@aol.com

he sells rose joints to stock car racers in cowdenbeith, as well as other tracks.

he sells the type with teflon lining (friction) but also 2 peice metal to metal rose joints (VERY low friction). a 1/2" diameter hole by 5/8" shaft will cost about £4, go anywhere else and expect to pay about £15

[Edited on 27/2/07 by blakep82]

You may be right about the flop in the UJ..

I will have to experiment with my trusy lego set and see what happens...:p

An old rosejoint would be more practical though..

McGill Motorsport will get you sorted with a rose joint

So you have said...