MAKE: Blog: DIY Jib Arm, Boom or Crane

DIY Jib Arm, Boom or Crane

Joren wrote a nice how-to on his experience building a jib arm. I am not sure of the technical name for this device, and neither is Joren, but I do know it looks like a good tool to have for any filmmaker.

I don't know if the proper name is jib arm, boom, or crane. Like everything else in the world, there are at least three names for this. The basis for this design is a four-link system so no matter what the angle of the actual arm is at, the camera "basket," as I call it, is always parallel with the ground. However, I designed a way to tilt the camera up and down, so you can get bird's eye shots that change to be low angle shots, etc. Basically, I tried to anticipate any need I might have of a jib arm and make it as versatile as possible.

Make your own Jib Arm - Link

Related:

$60 jib "The Poor Man's Jib" - Link

Make an improved steadicam for under $40 - Link

Related:

Comments

Oldest comments listed first.

Posted by: RDAC on February 1, 2008 at 7:04 AM

That thing's horrible. Won't handle anything more than a 2 lb consumer camcorder and you can still see the 'bounce' of the arm.

Posted by: RDAC on February 1, 2008 at 7:16 AM

Comment is referencing the $60 jib, the one Joren made looks a little bit better, and I'd love to see some footage of it in action.

The main arm definitely looks a bit beefier than the $60 version.

Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

Subscribe today, save 42% and get web access to MAKE free. MAKE Digital Edition is available only to subscribers.

$34.95 / 1 year
(4 Quarterly Issues)

Subscribe now

Void your warranty, violate a user agreement, fry a circuit, blow a fuse, poke an eye out... Welcome to the Make Blog!

Features and more @ MAKE!

Get MAKE 14 - Subscribe or on newsstands!

Add MAKE to iGoogle - GoogleGoogle.
Add MAKE to your RSS reader - Real simple.
Add MAKE on Twitter.
Add MAKE on FriendFeed & the MAKE room.

Why advertise on MAKE?
Read what folks are saying about us!

Click here to advertise on MAKE!

Phillip Torrone
Senior Editor
Tel: 707-827-7311

Gareth Branwyn
Robot Maker

Kip Kay
Video Maker

Jonah Brucker-Cohen
Artist / Researcher

Suggest a Site!

Natalie Zee Drieu
Senior Editor
CRAFT

Becky Stern
Culture jammer

Collin Cunningham
Sound Maker

Marc de Vinck
CNC Maker

Current Podcast

Weekend Project: Styrofoam Plate Speaker Get surprisingly good sound from disposable picnicware with this easy to make and inexpensive Styrofoam Plate Speaker. Thanks go to José Pino for the original article in Make Magazine.To download Styrofoam Plate Speaker MP4 click here or subscribe in... More...

Get the Make blog sent via email

Enter your email to receive the Make blog each day:

WOW! Thanks to everyone involved with Maker Faire Bay Area: attendees, makers, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, and crew...it was AMAZING! Over 400 Makers and 60,000+ attendees! Be sure to check out the photos @ Flickr, and our Maker Faire posts for all the action! The next scheduled Maker Faire is Austin: Oct. 18th & 19th, 2008 - Travis County Expo Center!