The guys here at the studio mocked up a simple DIY jib that is not only ridiculously inexpensive to piece together, but also very straight forward. The point of this jib was to get a very wide range of motion from top to bottom with only a few feet of 0.75″ square tube, 1″ angled aluminum, 1/4″ nuts and bolts, and nylon washers is all you’ll need to put the jib together. This light weight jib can be used on small portable tripods, but will require a fluid head for panning left and right.
The jib is built using inexpensive common pieces of metal you can find at most hardware stores, or can also be found through places like http://OnlineMetals.com. It’s a fun project for small light weight cameras (not for heavy cameras), that only require a good hack saw and a drill. Here are the general measurements, and hopefully you’ll get a general idea of how it was assembled.
Basic Build Instructions:
The top square tube is 0.75″ and 4′ long. The bottom square tube is 0.75″ and 3′ long.
The rear brace is made from (2) pieces of 0.75″ square tube cut to 7″ long. Start by drilling a 1/4″ hole at the top of the brace, and then drill the next hole about 2.75″ below the first hole.
The base of the rear brace is (2) pieces of 1″ angled aluminum cut to 3″ wide. Fit the angled aluminum to the bottom of the brace and drill through. This will create a base large enough to mount a quick release.
The front brace is made from (2) pieces of 1″ angled aluminum cut to 7″ long. Start by drilling a 1/4″ hole at the bottom of the front brace, and then drill the next hole about 2.75″ above the first hole.
The top stage where your quick release will mount is made from 1″ angled aluminum cut to 3″ wide. Mount the top stage and drill holes through the front brace. You can use a bolt under the stage to hold a small camera quick release adapter.
Use nylon washers between any pieces of metal for less friction. We used small (but heavy) scuba diving weights bolted to the back of the jib. Click the image below for some additional information on assembly.
Click image for larger view of assembly
For very small counterweights, we are using Vinyl covered Scuba Dive Weights (click here)
Vinyl Coated Lace Thru Style Hard Weights – Black
