Build a Custom Rubber Rod 3D Printed Camera Slider for Smooth Video Shots

Ever tried to get a steady moving shot with a phone or a small cam and ended up with a shaky mess? I felt the same when I was filming my cat’s “great escape” from the living room couch. That’s why I made a cheap, smooth slider using rubber rods and a 3D printer. In this post I’ll walk you through the whole thing, step by step, so you can copy it on your own bench. You’ll see the RodCraft name pop up a lot because this is exactly the kind of practical project we love at RodCraft.

Why a Rubber Rod Slider?

Rubber rods are cheap, flexible, and they give a nice damped motion. When you combine them with a 3D printed carriage you get a slider that moves without the clunk of metal rails. It’s perfect for small cameras, phones, or even a GoPro. Plus, you can print the parts in PLA or PETG and have a fully custom length.

What You’ll Need

Materials

Rubber rods – 6 mm diameter, about 1 meter total. You can buy a roll online or at a hardware store.
3D printer – any FDM printer will do. I used my Ender 3.
Filament – PLA works fine, but PETG is a bit tougher if you plan to use the slider a lot.
M3 screws and nuts – for the carriage.
Small camera mount – a cheap phone holder works.
Threaded rod (optional) – for a motorized version later.

Tools

Needle‑nose pliers
Small screwdriver set
Sandpaper (fine grit)
A ruler or measuring tape

Design Basics

I kept the design super simple. The slider has three main parts:

Base plate – holds the rubber rods in place.
Carriage – the piece that slides along the rods and holds the camera.
End caps – keep the rods from sliding out of the base.

All three parts can be printed in one go. I used Tinkercad because it’s easy, but any CAD software works. The key is to make the slots for the rods a little bigger than the rod diameter (about 0.2 mm extra) so the rods can move but not wobble.

Quick Sketch

[Base plate] ---- rubber rod ---- [Carriage] ---- rubber rod ---- [End cap]

The carriage has two small holes for M3 screws that lock onto the rods. The screws act like tiny bearings, letting the carriage glide smoothly.

Printing the Parts

Set layer height to 0.2 mm – good balance of speed and detail.
Use 20 % infill – enough strength without wasting filament.
Print orientation – lay the base plate flat, the carriage on its side, and the end caps flat. This reduces support material.

While the printer was working, I made a cup of tea and watched a few videos on how rubber behaves under load. It’s funny how something as simple as a rubber rod can make a big difference in motion.

Assembling the Slider

Step 1 – Prepare the Rods

Cut the rubber rod into two equal pieces (about 45 cm each). Use the ruler to measure accurately. Sand the ends lightly so they sit nicely in the 3D printed slots.

Step 2 – Attach the Base Plate

Slide one rod piece into each slot on the base plate. The rod should sit about 1 cm deep. If it’s too loose, add a tiny dab of silicone glue – just enough to keep it from moving.

Step 3 – Build the Carriage

Take the carriage piece and line up the two M3 holes with the rods. Insert the screws from the top, then tighten the nuts from below. The screws should be snug but still allow the carriage to move. I like to give the screws a little turn with a screwdriver to feel the resistance – that’s when you know it’s just right.

Step 4 – Add End Caps

Slide the second rod piece into the opposite side of the base plate, then snap the end caps on. The caps keep the rods from sliding out when you move the carriage.

Step 5 – Mount the Camera

Attach your phone holder or small camera mount to the top of the carriage using the provided screws. Make sure it’s centered so the weight is balanced.

Testing the Slider

Place the whole assembly on a flat surface. Push the carriage gently – it should glide with a soft, rubbery feel. If it feels too tight, loosen the M3 screws a tiny bit. If it’s too loose, add a bit more silicone glue at the rod ends.

I tried filming a short clip of my cat walking across the kitchen counter. The result was a smooth, steady pan that looked way more professional than my hand‑held attempts. The rubber rods absorbed the tiny bumps, and the 3D printed carriage kept everything level.

Tips and Tricks from RodCraft

Use a longer rod for longer shots. Just remember to print a longer base plate and carriage.
Add a small weight (like a washer) to the carriage if you need extra stability for heavier cameras.
Lubricate the rods with a drop of silicone oil if you want an even smoother glide.
Upgrade to a motor by adding a threaded rod and a cheap stepper motor. That’s a fun next step for anyone who wants motorized sliders.

Final Thoughts

Building a custom rubber rod 3D printed camera slider is a great way to learn about simple mechanics, 3D printing, and how rubber can improve motion. It’s cheap, it’s fun, and it gives you a tool that actually works for everyday video projects. I hope the RodCraft guide helped you see how easy it can be to turn a few basic parts into a useful piece of gear.

Give it a try, and you’ll have smooth video shots without spending a lot of money. The next time you need a moving shot, you’ll know exactly where to find the solution – right in your own workshop, thanks to RodCraft.