Another Homemade Boom Arm

[Doug S]

Seems to be a few boom arms on show lately, here's mine I made about 2 years ago (if the photos show, never tried posting them before).

It's very basic, just 12mm birch ply with some 2x1 between, like a torsion box really. Dead easy to make and works perfectly.

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[ChuckM]

Another interesting approach. What's the size of the hinges and where did you get them? Does the arm stay put enough when you use the tool connected to the hose?

 

[martin felder]

Great job!  Since it was 2 years ago that you made it indicates it is holding up well!  That is certainly an easier way to do it than what I posted earlier.  When I previously was looking for examples of DIY boom arms, I could find examples of boom arms that swiveled, but no examples of ones that fully articulate. Nice for people to be aware of inexpensive easy to make and effective DIY options.  Thanks!

 

[Doug S]

Another interesting approach. What's the size of the hinges and where did you get them? Does the arm stay put enough when you use the tool connected to the hose?

Can't remember the size of the hinges but they are just heavy duty gate hinges, what we would call "Tee hinges" attach it to the wall upright and the arm parts are joined with "Strap hinges".

There is about the right amount of friction/resistance in the hinged sections in that it follows you when you move around but doesn't swing too freely, pure luck, I didn't know how it would turn out. The odd time it can end up in the wrong place but a quick tug on the hose is all that is needed to move it.

This is actually version 1.5, when I first made it I didn't put the small section in the middle and found there were areas which it would not comfortably reach. I added the middle section and it made a massive difference to the smoothness of it in use.

The whole plug-it thing works great with a boom arm, so easy to swap between tools. As you can see in the first photo I have converted my Makita sander to take advantage of it.

 

[ChuckM]

Right. Gate hinges. Thanks.

 

[martin felder]

You said you converted your Makita sander to take advantage of the plug-it. Interesting.  When I had my prior boom arm (which was my plan for the articulating upgrade), I had to have 2 cords - 1 plugin for Festool and the other for non-Festool.  I wanted to see if I could cut the cords of the non-Festool and use a Festool connecter, but I was told not available in the USA, but you can get it in England.
https://www.klium.com/festool-ubs-pur-420-plug-it-240-v-conversion-kit-491145-249877

I saw what I thought was the product I needed on the Klium website, and I emailed them, and the response I got was that this product would work for me, but they would not ship to the United States even if I paid very well up front in advance with whatever method they preferred.  I offered to pay an extra shipping-handling fee or insurance.  Whatever they wanted.  Nope. Only Europe.

If you happen to have access to them and would do me a favor, I would be happy to pay you for 10 of them by PayPal along with extra above shipping for your time.  I do not need 10, but I figured a couple of people here may want 1-2 and I could help them out.  If that is an option, please send me a PM.

 

[ChuckM]

Can't remember the size of the hinges but they are just heavy duty gate hinges, what we would call "Tee hinges" attach it to the wall upright and the arm parts are joined with "Strap hinges".

These strap hinges seem to be a bit short:https://www.homedepot.ca/product/everbilt-10-inch-galvanized-heavy-duty-strap-hinge-1pc/1000773463. Will keep looking.

 

[big K]

Can't remember the size of the hinges but they are just heavy duty gate hinges, what we would call "Tee hinges" attach it to the wall upright and the arm parts are joined with "Strap hinges".

These strap hinges seem to be a bit short:https://www.homedepot.ca/product/everbilt-10-inch-galvanized-heavy-duty-strap-hinge-1pc/1000773463. Will keep looking.

I looked on Amazon.com and found some 12" strap hinges that appear quite heavy duty. I read in someone's review that the straps were 5mm thick, which seemed pretty substantial to me. I would use these if I was building that boom arm right now.

My guess from looking at the OP's pictures is that his strap hinges might be 16", maybe? And by the way, to the OP that boom arm looks really impressive. I have thought about one myself, so I might have to copy your idea.

 

[jeffinsgf]

You said you converted your Makita sander to take advantage of the plug-it. Interesting.  When I had my prior boom arm (which was my plan for the articulating upgrade), I had to have 2 cords - 1 plugin for Festool and the other for non-Festool.  I wanted to see if I could cut the cords of the non-Festool and use a Festool connecter, but I was told not available in the USA, but you can get it in England.
https://www.klium.com/festool-ubs-pur-420-plug-it-240-v-conversion-kit-491145-249877

I saw what I thought was the product I needed on the Klium website, and I emailed them, and the response I got was that this product would work for me, but they would not ship to the United States even if I paid very well up front in advance with whatever method they preferred.  I offered to pay an extra shipping-handling fee or insurance.  Whatever they wanted.  Nope. Only Europe.

If you happen to have access to them and would do me a favor, I would be happy to pay you for 10 of them by PayPal along with extra above shipping for your time.  I do not need 10, but I figured a couple of people here may want 1-2 and I could help them out.  If that is an option, please send me a PM.

I'm in for three if one of you kind-hearted Brits is in the mood to do a couple of Yanks a favor.

 

[hdv]

Hi jeffinsgf,

I PM'd Martin on the 26th that if Doug couldn't help him out, I might be able to.

I can get the part from here:
https://www.klium.nl/festool-ubs-pur-420-plug-it-240-v-ombouwset-491145-249877

I wouldn't mind ordering a number of them and sending them to the States for some FOGers. Just let me know.

 

[jeffinsgf]

Really appreciate the offer. It makes more sense to ship to one location here and have someone here distribute amongst the various folks. I would volunteer for the job, if Martin doesn't want to.

 

[hdv]

Indeed, it seems like that would be easier. Let's wait what Martin and Doug say. Or if anyone else wants to join in. Together we'll figure something out to get those things to the other side of the pond.

 

[hdv]

[member=7266]jeffinsgf[/member], Martin has found another means to get the parts. If you still need some help sourcing them, just let me know and I'll arrange something for you.

 

[jeffinsgf]

I think I'm sorted through Martin. Thanks for your help and if this falls through somehow, I'll be in touch.

I've wanted to do this to my AT-65 and OF-1000 for years.

 

[hdv]

Perfect.