Building a Homemade Jib Crane from Scratch

A homemade jib crane can be a game-changer for any DIY enthusiast or homeowner looking to add some extra functionality to their workshop or garage.

To start building your own jib crane, you'll need a sturdy base to support the entire structure. A 2x4 lumber base is a good option, as it provides a solid foundation for the crane's pivot point.

The pivot point itself can be created using a 1/2" steel rod, which should be at least 1/4" longer than the length of the base to ensure smooth rotation.

A good rule of thumb is to keep the crane's height to around 8-10 feet, allowing for easy maneuverability and minimizing the risk of accidents.

You don't need a lot of money or specialized equipment to build a homemade jib crane. Simple hand tools and a little elbow grease are all that's required.

To get started, you'll need a workbench, hacksaw, vice-grip pliers, drill, 9/32″ drill bit, #2 Phillips screwdriver, utility knife or razor blade, ruler, marker or crayon, 35mm plastic film canister, 7/16″ wrench, and 1/2″- 9/16″ wrench.

A painter's extension tool and a tripod with a removable head will also come in handy.

You don't need a lot of fancy equipment to make a jib or a crane - simple hand tools will do the trick.

A work bench is a must-have for any project, and it's a good idea to have one that's sturdy and stable.

You'll also need a hacksaw to cut through metal, and vice-grip pliers to grip and bend things.

A drill is essential for making holes, and you'll need a 9/32″ drill bit to get the job done.

A #2 Phillips screwdriver is handy for driving screws, and a utility knife or razor blade is great for cutting and trimming.

A ruler is necessary for measuring and marking, and a marker or crayon is useful for labeling and marking your work.

You'll also need a 35mm plastic film canister, a 7/16″ wrench, and a 1/2″- 9/16″ wrench to get the job done.

Here's a list of the tools you'll need:

A painter's extension tool and a tripod with a removable head can be useful for getting into tight spaces and taking precise measurements.

For the materials needed, you won't have to break the bank. Most of these items can be found at a local hardware store or home improvement center.

A sturdy tripod is essential, but any will do as long as it has a removable head that allows you to mount your jib assembly.

The materials list is quite long, but it's worth noting that you'll need a 3′ length of 14-gauge flat perforated steel, 13/8″ wide.

You'll also need a 1′ length of 5/16″ -18 threaded rod, and two 4″ galvanized steel corner braces.

Other materials include two 1 to 11/4″ diameter galvanized pipe hangers, and two 3/8″ -16 x 3/4″ hex-head cap screws.

Here's a list of the materials you'll need:

You'll also need a painter's extension tool, which should expand from 6 to 12 feet and have a locking mechanism for added support.

The plans for your homemade jib crane come complete with a full materials list, giving you all the information you need to get started.

You'll also find engineering data to consider if you want to customize your crane, which is great if you have specific needs or preferences.

The plans even suggest accessories like an I-Beam trolley or the lifting apparatus (hoist), which can be purchased separately if you need them.

For the most complete package, the authors recommend pairing your crane with a Winch Pole, which they swear by over other lift options like chain falls or come-alongs.

The new Gantry Crane plans are a comprehensive package that includes a full materials list with options, engineering data for customization, and suggestions for accessories like an I-Beam trolley or lifting apparatus.

The plans are available for download and come with easy-to-follow instructions that will guide you through the building process. For the most complete package, it's recommended to purchase the Winch Pole to go with the crane.

The plans are designed to be safe and reliable, but it's essential to understand that how you choose to load the beams can drastically affect the outcome. Always be careful when lifting, especially with swinging or bouncing loads, as their capacity is significantly less.

The Gantry Crane plans are an excellent tool that will last for years and years, and it's beefier, more flexible, easier to disassemble, more portable, and easier to work around than any other crane on the market.

Here's a breakdown of the materials you'll need:

This list of materials will cost less than £100, even considering you might have some of the nuts and bolts in your garage already.

Pipe hangers are a crucial part of any plumbing project. They come in two separate sections that need to be assembled together.

To assemble the pipe hangers, you need to separate the two sections and thread the nippled sections together on one side only. The other halves are not needed for this step.

Loosely attach both sides of the hanger to secure it in place. This will give you a solid foundation to work with as you move forward with your plumbing project.

Building a pan-tilt jib doesn't have to break the bank. Bob Plate, a reader, successfully built a jib under $60 using a DIY tutorial from our November 2008 issue.

He was inspired to create a jib for videotaping church services, and with some modifications, was able to adapt the design to suit his needs. The jib was built to specifications, but the trapeze proved to be a challenge, and the battery became inaccessible once the camera was attached.

The key to a successful jib build is planning and flexibility. Bob's modifications demonstrate the importance of being prepared to adjust your design as you go along.

Take a look at this: Jib Crane Design Drawings

To build a homemade jib crane, you'll start by gathering the necessary materials, including 2x3m, 2x1m, and 1x1m thinner steel square tube, and a 1x1m u-shaped aluminum rod.

The first step is to cut the 1x1m thinner tube in half and bolt one each into the ends of the 1m thicker tube, which will serve as the pivot point.

Drilling holes to bolt the thinner steel tube into the thicker one is a crucial step, making sure they're securely attached.

Once the thinner tube is bolted to the shorter thick tube, attach the other end of the thin tube to an end of the longer thick tube, and repeat with the other thicker tube.

A hole is drilled in the longer thick tube about an inch or two in front of the join between the handle and the main arm, which will serve as the top arm.

To add stability, 6-inch lengths of 1m aluminum bar are cut and used as struts between the two arms, placed about every half meter.

A 20mm wide flat steel bar is used to create a handle at the pivot point, allowing for the camera to be locked in place or adjusted for tilt angle.

On a similar theme: Jib Crane Arm

To start building your DIY camera crane, you'll need to gather the right materials. The author used 2x3m, 2x1m, and 1x1m thinner steel square tube, and 1x1m u-shaped aluminum rod.

Cut the 1x1m thinner tube in half and bolt them into the ends of the 1m thicker tube, creating the pivot point. This will be the "handle" of your crane.

Drill holes to bolt the thinner steel tube into the thicker one, and then attach the thinner tube to the shorter thick tube. Repeat this process with the other thicker tube.

The author drilled a hole in the longer thick tube about an inch or two in front of the join between the handle and the main arm, which will be the top arm.

You'll also need to cut the 1m aluminum bar into 6 inch lengths to use as struts between the two arms, spaced about every half meter.

To create a handle at the pivot point, use a 20mm wide flat steel bar, and make sure to lock it in place so you can control the tilt angle of the camera.

Building a big camera crane can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. You can use 1x1m thinner steel square tube and 1x1m u-shaped aluminum rod as raw materials.

Drilling holes to bolt the thinner steel tube into the thicker one is a crucial step. You'll need to drill holes in the longer thick tube about an inch or two in front of the join between "the handle" and the main arm.

Using a meter of 20mm wide flat steel bar to create a handle at the pivot point is a great idea. You can lock this into place to either hold the camera level or control the tilt angle of the camera.

A wing-bolt can be a better option than a regular bolt to eliminate the need for a spanner. If one is not available, you can fix or weld a wing nut on the bolt.

You can use a hex head nut to lock the tilt tightly with a wrench. This can be a useful upgrade to the original design.

To build a mechanical pan/tilt head for the camera, you'll need to bolt the camera control arm to the support bracket and a split-ring pipe hanger. You can regulate the tension on the control arm using nylon lock-nuts.

A counterbalance system can be useful to balance the weight of your camera. You can use ten-pound bar weights mounted onto a 3/8″ conduit pipe to achieve this.

Here are some key components you'll need to build a big camera crane:

To attach the tripod post, you'll need a 3/8″ nut and a 1/4″ lock washer. The 1/4″ flat washer is also required, but don't screw too tightly yet.

The tripod post is attached to the pipe hanger, which should give you a see-saw motion for camera movement. This motion is crucial for smooth and controlled camera movement.