3D Printed $15 Camera Slider
π Overview
A camera slider is what you need for timelapses and cinematic moves, but commercial ones cost hundreds. This project uses 3D-printed carriages plus two lengths of aluminium extrusion to make a manual or motorised slider for about $15.
The camera carriage slides along the extrusion with the side plates bolted on - cheap, mechanically simple, and well worth having if you shoot video.
π§° What you need
- Aluminium extrusion (20x20 or similar) x2, cut to length
- 3D-printed parts: camera carriage (upper and lower halves), side plates (STLs provided by the author)
- Camera screw (standard 1/4-inch)
- Optional: motor + cord or gears to motorise the movement
π§ Step by step
Watch the video first
The author demonstrates both manual and motorised use
Check the extrusion profile suits the weight of your camera
Gather the parts
Rail length sets the travel: 60-100cm is practical
PLA is fine for the printed parts since a camera is light
Assemble the carriage
The upper and lower printed parts clamp around the extrusion to form the sliding pair
Add felt or shims inside the carriage for smoother, quieter sliding
Tap or drill the extrusion
Tap the end of the extrusion or add nuts to mount the camera plate
Bolt the side plates on and keep them symmetrical
Final assembly
Slide the carriage onto both rails and fit end stops
Lock the camera onto the plate and test the glide by hand
Start shooting
Hand-pushing suits slow moves and timelapses
Add a motor later for constant-speed motorised moves
Wrap-up
$15 buys you cinematic camera moves - excellent value
The simple structure is easy to modify and to carry
π‘ Tips
- The carriage clearance needs to be just right: too tight binds, too loose wobbles - shim with felt
- For timelapses, use a remote shutter cable or intervalometer - the footage looks far more professional
- Upgrade idea: run a cord through one rail to a motor for a constant-speed motorised slider