FAQ MicroWheels
MicroWheels can support up to 50lbs (23kg) per wheel carriage. This of course can support any camera typically used in ENG/EFP production. The more important factor is how you are going to configure your MicroWheel project. Any weight limitations are usually due to other components in the project and not MicroWheels themselves. Although it is possible to put an average weight person on a platform using MicroWheels, we do not recommend them for that purpose. We will have larger wheel assemblies for that type of application soon.
MicroWheels will ride on any size pipe between 1-″ and 2″ (31mm-51mm) The ideal outside diameter is 1-5/16″ (33mm)
Yes, MicroWheels can ride on ‘flexible track’ as long the diameter corresponds with the measurements listed in the answer above.
There are a variety of factors that affect the operating noise of different configurations. Generally, harder and more solid riding surfaces produce less noise. If you are using pipe or tube, filling them with different materials can help reduce noise. Product like ‘Great Stuff’, noise damping materials designed for use in cars and even sand can help reduce operating noise. Operational weight and speed of movement are also a factor in noise. A heavier setups and faster movement produce more noise. If you are going to be recording in an environment where there is no outside (background) noise you may want to consider our RailDolly configuration as it operates silently.
MicroWheels ship with 5/16″ bolts. The bolt is removable and can easily be replaced with M8 size bolts. Size M8 works just as well with MicroWheels and there is no loss of functionality or performance. MicroWheels can also be used with 1/4″ and M6 sizes without any modification. MicroWheels can also accept 3/8″ size bolts by drilling out the top hole slightly.
Yes, M8 size bolts work just as well with MicroWheels as the included 5/16″ bolts. See answer above.
The length of a MicroWheels slider/dolly is only limited by the length of rail/track materials available to you. 8′ materials are very easy to come by in most US locations and 3 meter lengths are quite standard internationally. Going to a local metal/industrial supplier you can usually find lengths of rail/track materials over 20′.
MicroWheels will ride on any size pipe between 1-1/4″ and 2″ (31mm-51mm) The ideal outside diameter is 1-5/16″ (33mm)
The 5/16″ bolts that ship with MicroWheels have 1-1/2″ of thread and about 1-1/8″ of useable thread once placed into the MicroWheel. The bolts are removable and can easily be replaced with the length of bolt you need. Internationally, size M8 bolts work just as well as the US equivalent 5/16″.
Yes, MicroWheels can be used on curved sections of pipe/track.
In one of out popular tutorials we modify a standard tripod dolly and retrofit it with MicroWheels. Here is the tripod dolly that we used. You can use this same method with many tripod dollies on the market, this just happens to be the one we used in the video. What makes the project the most simple is having a tripod dolly where the wheel attachment bolt passes all the way through the pipe.
If you get your MicroWheels wet or they are exposed to dirt or sand, the best option is to use a product with a spray nozzle like WD40 to try to flush out whatever may be inside the bearing. This may or may not work. If you should need a replacement wheel you can order one at a discounted price upon providing proof of the affected wheel.
A damaged or broken MicroWheel can be replaced for a discounted price upon providing proof of the damage. Contact us for replacement requests.
Any smooth rigid pipe with a outside diameter between 1″ and 2″ can be used with MicroWheels. This product, available at Home Depot and various other construction retailers, is the most widely available that we’ve seen. This “heavy duty closet pole” is 1-5/16″ in diameter and is sold in 4′, 6′ and 8′ lengths.
Although it is possible to ride on a Camera Dolly made with RigWheels we do not recommend them specifically for this type of application. We will have more suitable options for larger format dolly projects soon.