Steadicam Stand Utility Box

[Afton Grant]

I made this stand box for myself a while ago. A few people expressed interest if I were to ever make more...so I did. I've got a few almost ready to go. If you're interested, I just need to know what kind of stand you'll be mounting this on, as that will affect the size clamp I put on it. Actually - I really only need the outer diameter of your stand's center post at the base, between the legs. The American Steadicam stand is 1.75". If that's your stand as well, no need to measure.

 

The boxes are made of oak plywood, and solid oak at the mounting bracket. The main center compartment is big enough for three Dionic HCs, and the two little side compartments are sized to fit a water bottle, soda, can of beer, whatever. The long front compartment is good for rods, brackets, the slate, girly mags, etc. It's sealed with lacquer.

 

I'm going to ask for $400 each for this first batch. There is one in the bunch with a couple cosmetic blemishes where I went a little rogue with the router, but the functionality and stability of the box is identical to the rest. I'll take $350 for that one. As a price comparison, the front box that Backstage sells is $380 for the box and the mounting bracket.

 

Whether I do more after this, I'll have to see. Each one is made by me by hand and takes a fair bit of time to make - something that with two young kids I don't have a lot of these days. My fear is that the price I would have to charge to make it worth the time would be higher than people would be willing to pay. I thought about doing future ones in some really nice solid hardwood. They'd be beautiful, but you'd basically be paying for the aesthetic and craftsmanship, rather than the functionality - something that is unusual for this community. Anyway, I'll see if there's any interest and take it from there.

 

For now, let me know if anyone would like one of these.

 

 

Thanks so much!

[Peter Abraham]

Ill take one!! Lovely work there, Afton. Blemished or not, whichever.

Lemme know how to pay.

I use a Matthews Beefy Babybstand. Can measure diameter tomorrow.

Best,

 

Peter Abraham, S.O.C.

[Aaron Medick SOC]

I'll take one too!! Very nice craftsmanship!!

[Brandon Sumner]

I would like one as well. I have the American Stand.

 

Let me know how you would like to be paid.

[Afton Grant]

Ok, so the five I have currently made have been spoken for. Brandon, Peter, and Aaron each get one, as well as two others. If anyone else is interested, please let me know. I'll probably do more in the future either on make-to-order basis, or in a batch. I'm thinking of doing them out of solid wood rather than plywood. Nothing is wrong with plywood - it's actually probably the strongest. Solid wood will satisfy the woodworker in me a bit more, and make the time spent on them more worth my while. I'm really not certain. The demand will dictate.

 

Thanks so much!

[Tim Fabrizio]

Hey Afton,

You have any more of these boxes left? If so, I'll take one!

Thanks,

Tim

[Afton Grant]

Hi Tim,

 

They're made to order, so I'm happy to make one for you - or anyone. Currently I'm on a project full time until the end of September, so I don't anticipate having a lot of time to turn out many boxes before then, but I'm happy to put you on the list, and I'll get you one as soon as I get some time off! Just let me know.

 

Cheers,

Afton

[Walter F. Rodriguez]

Hi Afton, please put me on the list as well.

 

Do you have a web site where I can see the different models, wood?

[Afton Grant]

Will do, Walter. Thanks!

 

The best place to see the boxes is this thread:

http://www.steadicamforum.com/index.php?showtopic=22014

 

I've been updating it as I've made them. So far there's been Oak, Maple, and Cocobolo to leave the shop. The next one in line will be Walnut, which I think will be very pretty. Stay tuned.