Help with starter grip kit

Those gloves are over kill. You rarely will need to hold anything to hot for an extended period of time. I let lights cool down for the most part before wrapping them.

Gaff tape - whatever you can get a deal on. Make productions pay for it when you can.

Pony clamps - These are what most people use. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=283214&is=REG&Q=&A=details

The ones you selected are cheaply made.

Stands - Rent

M Bao · August 27, 2013

Hi Scott!

ha ha,thanks for replying! :D

what about those:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adjustable-Clamp-3203-HT-Rubber-Coated-Clamps/dp/B0000224BY/ref=sr_1_8?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1377638583&sr=1-8&keywords=spring+clamp+adjustable

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/540-F-Heat-Proof-Resistant-Oven-Glove-Mitt-Burn-BBQ-Fire-Hot-Surface-Handler-/350762092584?pt=UK_Table_Linen&hash=item51ab0cc828

Kyran Ford · August 28, 2013

Yeah, you don't need welding gloves. That would be a bit ridiculous. I hardly ever use gloves anymore. Even when I do, it's usually only when removing scrims or lenses while a lamp is burning.

As for your foam core/bead board, 3/16", 1/2", and 1" are the typical sizes. It doesn't really matter what height/width you get. You can even cut it up to fit your needs.

I don't know if I would trust that cheap of dimmer. If you're trying to stay cheap, just build your own in-line out of a socket dimmer and socket adapters on each end. It will be good for dimming down your china balls or blown out practicals in your interview setups.

As for stands, agreed with Scott, rent. You can also rent a 4x frame when needed.

As for a DIY PVC frame, I actually built one (8x) several years ago just for shits and giggles. It ended up being sort of pricey for what I was expecting to pay (~$40), but I did come up with the most sturdy possible build, which was still wobbly. That being said, I wouldn't do it again. Just rent whatever you need. Should you ever be on a tight budget without the ability to rent a larger frame like a 12x or 20x, then you may build one and rig it in its position to stay firm -- not ideal but acceptable on a micro-budget.

Edit: Ha! First post! Have been a lurker for a couple years, finally joined last year, and now finally made a post.

Edited August 28, 2013 by Kyran Ford

Tom Coughlin · September 5, 2013

Small sets and interviews--have you looked at getting a Lowell kit? Actually getting two is probably a better bet. They're a little on the cheezy side, esp the stands, but they interact with standard entertainment industry stands, clamps, etc. Comes in a box, very light for what it does. I've put up to four of these kits in the back of my Mini.

http://www.lowel.com/kits/DVcreator55.html

In the US, everything turned on draws 20 amps at 120v so you can plug them into the walls in most places and not pop breakers.

For hand dimmers ('squeezers'), 800 watt lamp dimmers are around often not easy to find, the brightest bulb you're likely to use with a Lowel kit is a 750 watt.

Benny Tan · September 22, 2013

Welding gloves?

I got myself a simple pair of Setwears that handle just fine. They're handy on location when you're dealing with gear that's been out in the yuck all day.

I'd start building YOUR toolkit before moving into other grip equipment as typically they'd be included within the production budget.

A multitool, flashlight (head harness straps are pretty darn useful keeping both your hands free) and even writing utensils are great to have.

Clamps, gaff and tie-downs are very portable and near-essential.